On December 3, 2024, the Eastern District of Texas Federal Court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop v. Garland et al. This decision effectively suspends the enforcement of the CTA, which had mandated companies to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. Judge Mazzant delivered a scathing critique of the CTA, asserting that it likely exceeds Congressional authority and infringes upon state jurisdiction over corporate regulation. The court highlighted the substantial financial burden on businesses, with compliance costs estimated to surpass $22 billion in the initial year alone…. read more »
Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements Deadline Approaching
This is an update to our January 16, 2024 article titled “The Corporate Transparency Act and Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting”. At the beginning of this year, the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) became effective. The CTA is intended to aid law enforcement in combating illicit activity, such as money laundering and terrorist financing, conducted through anonymous shell companies. It does so by mandating certain entities, primarily small or medium size businesses, to report “beneficial owner” information to the Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). The CTA authorizes FinCEN, a Bureau of the US Treasurer Department, to collect, protect and disclose this information… read more »
Important Changes to Pennsylvania Corporate Law: Annual Reporting Obligations
Business owners in Pennsylvania should take note of a significant new change to corporate law that will be effective starting in 2024. Act 122 has replaced Pennsylvania’s traditional decennial corporate filing requirements with new annual reporting obligations. Failing to comply with the new regulations may result in administrative repercussions for entities. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate these changes: Pennsylvania’s Act 122 requires annual reports from all organizations including but not limited to: Corporations Limited liability Companies (LLC) Most Partnerships Non-profit corporations Registered foreign entities (out of state companies registered to do business in Pennsylvania). Starting… read more »
Business & Corporate Law Guidance: Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)
“Caveat emptor” was frequently applied to commercial transactions in the past. Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware”. It was a warning to those buying, primarily goods, that they should do their own research and ask pointed questions of a seller before making a purchase. Modern laws concerning the purchase and sale of goods often provide protection in that regard. However, investigating and asking questions remains valuable, even when obtaining services. These days, many legal services are available online. But they are not as helpful or inexpensive as they might seem. For example, you… read more »
Attorney Frank Henisse Countess Named to The Power 30
The Central Penn Business Journal’s Power 30 for Law & Lobbyists [is] compiled by the editorial staff and management, [and] honors those who shape our communities and influence our quality of life through the legal and political foundations our society depends on. Ernest Long, Managing Editor for the Central Penn Business Journal Read more on Frank’s contributions to our communities on the CPBJ’s Power 30 List profile on Frank HERE. Shareholder | AttorneyFrank Henisse Countess is a Shareholder with CGA Law Firm. He concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, business law, commercial transactions, and estate planning and… read more »
CGA Law Firm Elects Evan M. Gabel, Esq. to Shareholder
CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the election of Evan M. Gabel, Esq. to shareholder. Evan provides legal services in the areas of municipal law, business and corporate law, real estate law, and estate planning and administration. “He is a hard-working and affable attorney.” CGA Law Firm Executive Committee member, Craig Sharnetzka, stated. “Evan has substantial knowledge in his specific areas of law and keeps the legal team apprised of trends and changes in legislation.” Evan assists clients in residential and commercial real estate matters, and with their estate planning and administration needs. He also has considerable experience representing… read more »
Amazon’s Building Black Businesses
by Attorney Jasmine Butler Are you, or someone that you know, a Black owner of a product-based business or interested in becoming one? If so, would you like to have sales generated by the second largest online retailer? For those who answered “yes,” Amazon has launched the Black Business Accelerator (BBA) program. This initiative formed out of a collaboration with Amazon’s Black Employee Network. Alongside the Network, the Minority Business Development Agency and U.S. Black Chambers Inc. are the strategic partners who will provide training, resources, and advice. Though millions of sellers on Amazon list their products for purchase, this… read more »
Essential Reminder for Business Entities: 2021 Decennial Filing Deadline and Annual Record Keeping
Every ten years, all business entities registered to do business in Pennsylvania are legally required to make a decennial filing with the Pennsylvania Department of State. A decennial filing confirms the continued existence of a business to maintain exclusive use of its registered name. Businesses required to make a decennial filing report for 2021 must complete and file the necessary documentation with a filing fee no later than December 31, 2021. A decennial filing report is required unless a business meets one of the enumerated exceptions. One exception is if the business made a filing, such as a change of… read more »
UPDATE: COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Policy Changes
Small Business Owners and COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every one of us—but perhaps none more so than small businesses owners. A May 2020 study, conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, reported that 42% of small business owners had to close their business as a result of the pandemic and that 62% of small businesses experienced a decrease in revenue. In November 2020, Vice President Harris acknowledged these bleak circumstances by confirming that one in four small businesses in the US have closed due to COVID-19. Over the last year and a half, the federal government has… read more »
“Latinos Unidos Envisions a More Empowered York” with Attorney Liliana G. Fisher
The 30th Edition of YRK Magazine, which features two articles sponsored by CGA, spotlights Attorney Liliana Fisher and her work with Latinos Unidos. Latinos Unidos fosters community resources for the growing Latino population in York. Attorney Fisher is a Latinos Unidos Board Member. Read the article on Latinos Unidos’ community fostering with Attorney Liliana G. Fisher here. Latinos Unidos website.