Washington allows real estate documents to be executed by e-signatures rather than wet-ink signatures. However, many real estate related documents require notarization. The ability of individuals to properly execute deeds, deeds of trust, long-term leases, easements, covenants and other real estate documents requiring notarizing, has become increasingly difficult under the COVID-19 social distancing orders and […]
Helsell
New Protections for High-Risk Employees
Yesterday, Governor Inslee issued his newest COVID-19 related order – Proclamation 20-46: High Risk Employees – Workers’ Rights – protecting high risk employees (defined as older adults and people of any age who have certain chronic underlying health conditions) by requiring the following of all public and private employers in Washington State: Utilize all available […]
EEOC Guidance on the Impact of COVID-19 on EEO Laws
On April 9, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission published a FAQ regarding the impact of COVID-19 on equal employment opportunity laws enforced by the agency, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Below are some highlights: For purposes of protecting the rest of the workforce, what information may employers ask […]
COVID-19: Parenting Plans and Other Family Law Orders
We recognize families may face issues and concerns related to parenting and other family law matters during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Our family law team is here to help navigate these matters and try to alleviate stress. Nothing Governor Inslee has released, thus far, including the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, are intended to prevent […]
IRS Issues Notice 2020-23 Providing More Relief for Taxpayers Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
The Treasury Department has issued Notice 2020-23, an update to Notice 2020-18 (and Notice 2020-20) which provided additional relief for taxpayers affected by the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. The Notice provides an explicit list of Federal tax payment obligations and Federal Tax or other Form filing obligations due dates that will be given automatic extension. Under […]
Update: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Regulations Filed
On April 2, the Secretary of Labor filed temporary regulations for the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Signed into law on March 18, FFCRA creates two new leave opportunities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSL) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act […]
Property Tax Deadline Extended in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties
This week, as a result of the financial hardships caused by COVID-19, King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties have extended the payment deadline for property taxes to June 1, 2020. Real property and personal property tax payments may be made by the extended deadline without interest or penalty. However, the extension only applies to property taxes […]
Governor Inslee Issues New Guidance for Real Estate Brokers
On March 27, 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued a memorandum clarifying the restrictions placed on the real estate and mortgage industries in his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The memorandum sets forth guidance and restrictions by which real estate professionals, sellers, and buyers can continue to operate […]
COVID-19: IRS Issues Notice 2020-20 Postponing Filing and Payments of Federal Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax
Notice 2020-20 (an update to Notice 2020-18) has now extended the due date for additional tax returns. Automatic Postponement of the Due Date for Filing Forms 709 and Making Payments of Federal Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax. The due date for filing Forms 709 (United States Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return) and making payments […]
COVID-19: CARES Act and Retirement Relief
The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides relief to those affected by the pandemic. This blog post will focus on the provisions solely affecting retirement plans. Hardship Distributions: The Act allows individuals affected by the virus to take early withdrawals of up to $100,000 from their retirement plans or IRAs, without incurring […]