Are Gifts Earmarked for Specific Individuals Tax-Deductible?
February 17, 2020

Q: A neighbor’s house recently burned to the ground and I started a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help the family cover living expenses and replace some of their belongings destroyed in the fire. Are the contributions tax-deductible charitable…

#RVABizLaw: The Big Three
February 10, 2020

Last Friday’s RMA Friday Forum breakfast at The Westin was as festive and informative as always, featuring Snagajob’s Kristi McKissick and Christy Conner sharing insights from the company’s recent annual survey of hourly workers. The “Big…

A Quick Primer on Phantom Equity for Small Business
February 07, 2020

Incentivizing and retaining key employees should be a priority for small business owners. Many owners are understandably reluctant to give away equity, thereby turning a key employee into a business partner, but there are many attractive alternatives…

Renewing Your Local Business License for 2020
February 05, 2020

Have you renewed your local business license for 2020? Don’t procrastinate and risk missing the renewal deadline (March 1st for Henrico County, Chesterfield County, and City of Richmond). Penalties, interest, and believe it or not, criminal…

Contract Drafting Tip
February 03, 2020

When drafting business contracts, try to avoid using “and/or” at all costs. There are at least six different ways of construing a contract clause featuring “and/or,” so you are not doing yourself (or a judge trying to interpret your…

How Small Business Owners Can Minimize Risk of Litigation When Disciplining Employees
January 31, 2020

Business owners make dozens of business decisions all day, every day. In some cases, these decisions involve how to address an employee's poor performance, misconduct, or a violation of company policy. Disciplining employees is the least enjoyable…

Fun Evening with The Goochland Chamber of Commerce
January 28, 2020

Perkins Law was proud to be a sponsor of the Goochland Chamber’s annual social event  hosted by Drive Shack. Enjoyed a festive evening with nearly 75 other area small business owners and professionals. Thumbs up to the Chamber of Commerce…

A Few Marketing Myths for Small Biz Owners to Understand
January 27, 2020

I had a great time at the most recent Friday Forum organized by the Retail Merchants Association. The featured speaker was Brand Federation’s Kelly O’Keefe and he focused his remarks on common marketing myths and mistakes. While his examples…

So Who is Your Registered Agent?
January 24, 2020

So who is your registered agent? Every business entity formed in Virginia is required to have a registered agent. While the registered agent is really just a ministerial function (i.e., an official point of contact for a Virginia LLC or corporation…

Anti-Harassment Policy a Must for Any Small Business
January 17, 2020

A cultural shift of tectonic proportions seems to be emerging right before our very eyes, and many would agree such an awakening is long overdue. The issue is sexual harassment and, in some egregious circumstances, sexual assault. Every business…