November 2019 - GKG Law

Federal Income Tax Treatment of Personal Use of Aircraft

Posted on November 19, 2019March 6, 2020 by admin

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 1:00 pm ET, GKG Law's Keith Swirsky and Ryan Swirsky led a detailed webinar on the "Federal Income Tax Treatment of Personal Use of Aircraft." This webinar provided an overview of federal tax issues that arise due to personal use of business aircraft including income inclusion rules, excise tax implications of cost reimbursements, effect of personal use on operating expense and depreciation deductions and common strategies to minimize negative tax consequences to an aircraft owner or passenger arising from personal use of a business aircraft.

A full audio recording of the webinar can be accessed here.

Federal Income Tax Treatment of Personal Use of Aircraft (PDF)

GKG Law’s Steve Fellman Leads Association TRENDS Webinar on "Association Structure and Legal Compliance in the World of Facebook, Twitter and #METOO"

Posted on November 13, 2019November 14, 2019 by admin

In the world of Facebook, Twitter and #METOO, inappropriate behavior can instantly land your association in the unforgiving spotlight of social media—and the even harsher legal spotlight.

It’s critical to be proactive. You need strong, specific policies that minimize the likelihood of issues. If situations do arise, you need ready-to-implement procedures that empower your staff to limit potential financial and public relations damage.

Here’s how to change your association’s structure and compliance strategies to put these protections in place.

In this 90-minute webinar hosted by Association TRENDS, association legal expert and GKG Law counsel Steven John Fellman explains how organizations must adapt corporate structure, internal operations and compliance policies to address the new legal challenges sparked by technological innovations, social media and #METOO.

Real-world case studies. Learn how to keep outdated structure and policies from exposing you to employment and harassment issues and the pitfalls of promoting an industry or profession to the public. You’ll also have the chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A portion of the webinar.

Find more information and registration details for "Association Structure and Legal Compliance in the World of Facebook, Twitter and #METOO" here.

GKG Law, on Behalf of the NCBFAA, Files Comments With FMC Regarding Direct Final Rule in Docket No. 19-07

Posted on November 8, 2019March 6, 2020 by admin

Excerpted from comments filed to the Federal Maritime Commission on November 8, 2019.

On behalf of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (“NCBFAA”), we are submitting these comments in response to the direct final rule issued by the Commission in the above-referenced docket. As the trade association for the nation’s ocean freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers (“NVOCCs”), the NCBFAA appreciates having the opportunity to comment in support of the final rule. In addition, at the end of its supporting comments, the NCBFAA respectfully suggests that the Commission consider taking further action with respect to its enforcement program.

At the outset, the Association wants to make it clear that these comments are not intended to criticize the Bureau of Enforcement (“BOE”) or the Commission’s enforcement program. To the contrary, the NCBFAA endorses and supports robust enforcement of the Shipping Act in order to preclude malpractices that are detrimental to commerce or otherwise create conditions that are unfavorable to competition and shipping in the international ocean trades. But there have been significant changes in the regulatory structure affecting ocean trade since the enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 (“OSRA”), which has also resulted in a changing shipping environment. Just as it is appropriate to review how the Commission’s regulations may need to be revised to reflect changes in the shipping industry, it is also appropriate for the Commission to consider and adopt enforcement procedures that are more appropriately tailored to this changed environment and that adopt enforcement processes that other regulatory agencies have considered and found to be appropriate.

Read the entire document here.

NCBFAA Comments to FMC Regarding Docket No. 19-07

Association Executive 411

Posted on November 5, 2019March 4, 2020 by admin

Association executives routinely face a wide range of legal, business and practical issues which require quick action and trustworthy guidance. GKG Law counsels our association client executives about how to best and most cost effectively achieve their objectives. It is vitally important for c-suite leaders to be properly equipped so that they can effectively and efficiently face all incoming challenges.

In this Association Executive 411, GKG Law outlines and analyzes some of the most frequent current legal issues confronting association executives, including guidance on about antitrust compliance, questions to ask when negotiating executive employment contracts, and employee termination tips.

Read this valuable resource here.

Association Executive 411