How is the Government Shutdown Affecting Brand New Businesses?
Despite the IRS message that certain operations, including the IRS website, would remain available during the government shutdown, we have been unable to obtain Employer Identification Numbers for the last several days, either online or by phone.
Department of State Warns Businesses of “Annual Meeting Disclosure Statement” Scam
By: Theodore F. Claypoole On March 26, 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of State issued the following press release: Department of State: Department of State warns businesses of “Annual Meeting Disclosure Statement” scam. HARRISBURG — Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele today warned Pennsylvania corporations about a bogus mailing some firms …
Commonwealth Pipeline Coming to Chester County, Pennsylvania
By: William J. Burke, III Commonwealth Pipeline is looking to construct an interstate natural gas pipeline from Lycoming County that is planned to pass through several northern Chester County Townships (which may include Upper Uwchlan, East Nantmeal, Warwick, and possibly others). The timing and the route – and perhaps the pipeline itself – are …
West Chester Student Housing Prohibition
By: Donald C. Turner The West Chester Borough Council passed a resolution on February 15, 2012 instructing its solicitor to prepare an amendment to the West Chester Zoning Ordinance that would eliminate student homes as a permitted use in the Town Center zoning district. See: http://westchester.patch.com/articles/borough-recommends-a-stop-to-new-student-housing As a result those town center …
Builder Insurance and Subs
A little reminder that Pennsylvania isn’t as builder friendly as some other states, at least in regards to insurance coverage. In late 2010, the Indiana courts looked at the issue of whether damage to a home caused by a subcontractor was covered under the general contractor’s standard liability insurance policy. Indiana ruled in favor of …
Borrowers With Good Credit Scores May Face Higher Mortgage Fees
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced that they are raising risk fees that they charge to lenders. Lenders in turn typically pass those fees on to borrowers. The first time in 12 years risk fees will jump and the impact will be felt by all, even those with excellent credit. Persons with great credit (typically …
Is the real estate market turning around?
The National Association of Realtors is reporting that December’s existing home sales rose 12.3 percent over November 2010, perhaps signifying a continuing trend toward a recovery of the real estate market. For the northeast specifically, the rise was 13.0 percent.The northeast sale numbers are still 5.4 percent below December 2009 but the median price was …
Recovery Zone Bonds Available in Chester County
By: Theodore F. Claypoole The Chester County Department of Community Development has announced that, effective as of October 7, 2010, areas eligible for Recovery Zone Bond financing have been expanded to include a 1-mile radius surrounding Chester County’s 15 Boroughs and the City of Coatesville. Recovery Zone Bonds can be used for private or …
Small Business Jobs Act Headed to President
By: Theodore F. Claypoole CNN provides a summary of the proposed $42 billion bill aimed at helping small businesses, which has been sent to the President for his signature. For more information contact Theodore F. Claypoole.
What’s in a Name?
Are you thinking about starting a business? Want to buy real estate? If you are moving forward with any business or real estate plans, you might consider starting a limited liability company (LLC). The New York Times posted a quirky story reminding us all not to take business names too seriously. What name will …