New Jersey has long been considered a difficult state when a contractor is grappling with regulatory and enforcement issues. However, the state has long upheld the use of §3508. Clients may recall that §3508 of the Internal Revenue Code, followed in varying degrees by 30-35 states, allows a contractor to pay a sales representative without […]

In drafting 1099-based independent contractor protocols and agreements for clients in New York, Berenson LLP’s attorneys continue to find a concerning misunderstanding in the industry as to how the New York State Construction Industry Fair Play Act (the “Act”) applies to contractors. Hopefully, many home improvement contractors now know that the Act creates an assumption […]

In June, the EEOC filed suit against both BWM and Dollar General Corp, alleging both companies used criminal background screens in a manner that discriminated against black applicants. The litigation increases the government’s push to regulate private employers’ use of background checks. The EEOC guidelines released last year “urge” employers to consider the crime, the […]

Edward Sumpolec, who conducted business under three separate names, was recently fined $350,000 by the Federal Trade Commission for allegedly making deceptive and unsubstantiated claims with regard to the insulation capabilities of the liquid coating and foil radiant barrier products that he sold. According to the FTC, Sumpolec had promised to reduce roof temperatures by […]

A number of states owe the federal government for loans from the federal jobless fund. Those loans become due in mid-November, and many states appear likely to default. If a state does not pay the loans back, the state’s credit against the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (“FUTA”) will be reduced. In plain English, this means […]

Oklahoma has become the latest of 13 states that have been authorized to administer their own lead paint laws in lieu of the federal EPA program. Fortunately, Oklahoma has incorporated all lead-safe work practices from the EPA program, so no serious concerns for contractors are on the horizon. Oklahoma contractors will no longer be subject […]

Faced with growing criticism and concerns from business owners, the Obama Administration has delayed until January 1, 2015, the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as ObamaCare. If not for the delay, the employer mandate would have taken effect on January 1, 2014. The employer mandate includes a […]

California: A new law is now in full effect requiring a one percent (1%) assessment on purchases of lumber products and engineered wood products for use in California, based on the selling price of the products. However, the tax does not apply to wood products that have been manufactured, assembled, processed, or produced from primary […]