Electronic notary services are the process of notarizing a document or signature electronically rather than in person. This usually involves using technology such as video conferencing or digital signature tools to verify the identity of the signer and to create an electronic record of the notarization. Electronic notary services have become more widely used due to the convenience they offer.

A new law, NY Executive Law § 135-C, authorizes notaries to perform electronic notarial acts by registering with the Department of State and complying with new rules. Notaries wishing to provide electronic notary services will be able to register with the Department of State starting on February 1, 2023.

The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers today that they must again answer a digital asset question and report all digital asset-related income when filing their federal income tax returns for fiscal year 2022, just as they did for fiscal year 2021. The term "digital assets" has replaced the term "virtual currencies," a term used in previous years

Employers in New York who include confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses in any agreement they enter into with an employee, such as offer letters, employment agreements, restrictive covenant/non-compete agreements, severance agreements, or settlement agreements, must ensure that those clauses comply with both the new federal “Speak Out Act” and existing New York State law.

The government can provide a tax deduction or a tax credit to incentivize specific activities. Tax deductions reduce income subject to tax, whereas tax credits reduce the amount of taxes owed. Which is more valuable? As with most answers in taxes, it depends.

1031 Exchange Identification Rules: Although a taxpayer can identify more than one replacement property, they must adhere to one of the three rules of identification .

ESTATE PLANNING UPDATE WINTER 2022/2023 – LEGAL AND TAX ISSUES OF UNMARRIED COHABITING COUPLES:

New York City has proposed legislation to end "at will" employment

Every holiday season brings on an increase in gift card scams. Unfortunately, scammers often use gift cards as a way to steal value from their victims. There are dozens of ways gift cards can be used by scammers to steal money.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed Bill A8092B into law on November 21, 2022, amending Section 215 of the New York Labor Law (NYLL) to prohibit employers from disciplining employees who take legally protected time off from work.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN UNWANTED INTEREST IN A TIMESHARE: Parents bought a timeshare at a vacation resort, and the resort representative advised them to execute a deed transferring ownership to their surviving children. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately, once Mom and Dad passed, the children were shocked to receive demand letters from the resort charging them hefty annual maintenance fees.

ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS – LEARN THE BASICS OF SETTING UP A BUSINESS: Here are a few things new entrepreneurs need to do when starting their business.