Harassment in the workplace, whether it be sexual or just plain bullying, is all too common in the workplace, at workplace functions, and after hours if co-workers are mixing and mingling after work. Consequently, both employers and employees would be well advised to learn how to handle such situations. Both employees and employers should be aware that the employer can be held liable for harassment that occurs at work functions like Christmas parties, conferences, lunches, and even after hours if your employees go out for drinks. Practical steps employers should take to prevent and [...]

Beginning January 1, 2009, California employers with less than 20 employees may be able to take advantage of a $3000 Jobs Tax Credit for each new full time employee hired if the eligibility requirements discussed below are met. The jobs tax credit can be claimed on a 2009 personal or business tax return, and is $3000 for each additional full-time employee hired. An employer will not qualify for the credit unless there is a [...]

The City of Los Angeles has instituted a tax penalty amnesty program effective May 1. 2009 through July 31, 2009. Under this program, taxpayers can avoid paying accrued penalties which can be as high as 40% for failing to report, or for underreporting, their business taxes. Businesses that have failed to comply will still have to pay the base tax, interest, and applicable fees owed, but will receive an automatic waiver of the usual penalty (which can be as high as 40%).

To qualify for the program, the taxpayer (individual or business entity) must:

1. File the proper [...]

On January 29, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Crawford v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tenn., that §704(a) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (the anti-retaliation provision) not only applies to employees who bring a complaint, but also to employees who disclose information regarding inappropriate behavior or illegal conduct in response to questions posed during an employer’s internal investigation. Facts [...]

With the economy in a spiral, businesses both large and small are faced with the unpleasant task of implementing layoffs. For large businesses, they must comply with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act). Most small businesses, while exempt from the WARN Act, are barely staying afloat in a sea of potentially endless liabilities where the mere threat of a wrongful termination claim inches the company ever closer to having to declare bankruptcy. All business facing the potential of layoffs should familiarize themselves with: (1) [...]