On October 22, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court made Amendments to Administrative Order No. 2020-17. These Amendments are put into effect to comply with the Temporary Halt on Residential Evictions to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 , ordered by the CDC.

-Landlords must now file a verification form indicating if the tenant

has sought eviction assistance, or, if their case may proceed

because it does not fall under the CDC's moratorium.

-If a case is not subject to the moratorium, a case will be processed

as far as entry of judgment, and will give the defendant up until

December 31, 2020 to either pay the judgment amount, or, move

out of the premises. This means Writ of Evictions cannot be filed

until January 1, 2021.

To read more on the order, click the link below to see how these changes can affect you.

https://courts.michigan.gov/.../2020-08_2020-10-22...

NEW IRS FORM-FORM 1099-NEC

Are you someone who owns a business, and usually sends out 1099-MISC forms to independent contractors during tax season? According to the IRS, you will now need to file a new form for independent contractors.

Form 1099-NEC is a new form the IRS is issuing for the 2020 tax year. Previously, non-employee compensation - for example, compensation paid to an independent contractor - was reported in Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC. Starting with the 2020 tax year, employers will need to report non-employee compensation on Form 1099-NEC instead. Form 1099-MISC will still be used to report rental payments, payments to attorneys, and other miscellaneous payments.

Form 1099-NEC for the 2020 tax year must be filed with the IRS and furnished to the payee by February 1, 2021. Penalties may apply for delinquent filings, so be sure to you familiarize yourself with this change ahead of time.

Form more information on this new form, please click the link below.

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-nec

Looking to get outside this fall and support a great cause? Consider participating in the Woldumar Virtual Trail 5k, presented by JCI Lansing. Our very own Legal Assistant, Kristin, will be running the course and she would love it if KLF followers did too! All proceeds from the 5k will be going directly to Woldumar Nature Center, so that they may keep providing outdoor education to the Greater Lansing Community. Like many other small businesses and non-profits, Woldumar felt the hardships of COVID-19, and we at KLF want to show our support. Runners will have two weeks to complete the race from October 26th to November 8th. Woldumar will have a course marked out, but with the beauty of the race being virtual, you can run it in your own community too! So please consider participating for a great cause! Click the link below to sign up. #covidcantstopus #jcilansing

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansing/RUNAMunk

Yesterday was bittersweet for our office. We learned that our paralegal, Megan, has decided to leave KLF so that she can spend some more time with her son and eventually go back to school. While we are greatly saddened that she will be leaving, we also wish her the best in her endeavors.
That being said, our firm is now hiring for a Full-Time Paralegal/Legal Assistant. If you or someone you know might be interested in working in the field of law, is a team player, and has a desire to learn, please click or share the link below. We offer a great benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, company matching 401k, as well as vacation time and sick leave. Should you have any questions, please give our office a call at 517-349-5584.
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?t=paralegallegal+assistant&jk=4deb605665d9b137&fbclid=IwAR3mENAuVVb3jQgb8jxABByc0q39Vfyrbq8GMAJyGa-qeUVv6KotLeVNcxQ

Good Afternoon!!!
We at Klug Law Firm are hoping you are looking forward to the holiday weekend, just as much as we are! Being said, our office will be closed starting Friday, September 4th, 2020 , and will remain closed through Monday, September 7th, 2020 in observance of the Labor Day weekend. We will resume our normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th, 2020. Have a great holiday weekend, and stay safe

On August 27, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-172, which protects employees who choose to stay home due to them or their close contacts having COVID-19, and forbids discipling and push-back from employers. This was signed in lieu of federal funds ending to back unemployment benefits, causing many to feel as though they need to return to work. Under this order, employers are to treat such employees as though the employee is on leave due to medical reasons, and employers are to encourage those who may have symptoms to isolate to slow the spread. Clink on the link below to read Executive Order 2020-172 in its entirety.
Rescission of Executive Order 2020-166

A friendly reminder to those who may have recently received a collection notice from the IRS; there are options in which to settle your taxes. The tax attorneys here at Klug Law Firm have experience in looking over your taxes owed, and consulting with the IRS to come up with solutions for your liabilities. Utilizing the Offer in Compromise program, KLF has successfully written off over $4,000,000.00 in federal liabilities. We also have experience submitting offers at the state level as well. Should you find yourself in need of a tax attorney, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 517-349-5584. We are here to help. #covidcantstopus

With COVID-19 cases increasing in the state of Michigan, on July 27, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order- 2020-158, which extends remote notary services until August 31, 2020. This means that should you need services rendered regarding the drawing up of Estate Planning Documents, Real Estate Transactions, etc, we are able to continue to provide remote services to make sure you are able to take care of your loved ones and stay safe while doing it. Should you have any questions, or would like to speak to an attorney about these services, please give our office a call at 517-349-5584. We are here to help. #covidcantstopus.

Due to COVID-19, there have been many shifts in how businesses operate and conduct their everyday duties while keeping residents of Michigan safe. This is no exception when it comes to our local and state governments, with court proceedings being strongly affected. Since the start of quarantine in Michigan, remote hearings via zoom have skyrocketed to stay compliant with social distancing requirements. However, court hearings still need to be accessible to the public. To maintain this, the State of Michigan has developed the Virtual Courtroom Directory. Once on the website, you can select either the county the hearing is taking place in, or the judge who is proceeding over it. From there you will be directed to the Judge's Youtube Channel, where you can then watch the live proceeding.
If you or someone you know is interested in attending a hearing virtually, click the link below to get started.
https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/virtualcourtroomdirectory/

Don't let COVID-19 stop you from planning for what's to come! Klug Law Firm has you covered when it comes to Estate Planning. With over 40 years of experience, our attorneys will be sure that you get exactly what you want when having documents such as wills, trusts, or power of attorneys drawn up.
And, as a friendly reminder, under Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-131, our firm is able to conduct notarization services remotely until July 31, 2020! The safety of our clients is always a top priority, so if you do not feel comfortable coming into the office once your Estate Planning documents are ready to be executed, we offer the option of completing the process from the comfort of your own home. Call us at 517-349-5584 to set up an appointment with one of our attorneys. We are here to help. #covidcantstopus
https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-532893--,00.html

To stay in compliance with Executive Order 2020-147 and ensure the safety of our clients, our attorneys and staff will be enforcing the mask requirement. If you do not have a mask, we offer soft- cloth masks for your convenience. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, you can call our front desk and we will be happy to assist. We wish everyone a happy and safe weekend!

In observance of the 4th of July holiday, Klug Law Firm will be closed Friday, July 3rd, 2020. We will resume our normal business hours Monday, July 6th, 2020.
Please call us at 517-349-5584 with any questions.

We are back!
That's right! The attorneys at Klug Law Firm are back in the office! However, we are still taking all the necessary precautions to make sure that staff and clients are kept safe.
Klug Law Firm will now be adhering to the following protocols:
- Social Distancing markers are placed on our floor, with a
distance of at least six feet between one another.
- Hand Sanitizer is available for use at the front desk. We ask
clients use it before and after meeting with an attorney.
- A barrier is set up at our front desk, separating our secretary
from clients.
- We ask that all clients who meet with an attorney wear a face
covering. If you do not have one, we offer
complimentary soft cloth masks in the front of the office.
Our office hours have also changed. Monday through Thursday, we will be operating at our normal 8:30am to 5pm business hours. On Fridays, our lobby will open at 11AM and close at 3pm.
Should you need to speak with an attorney, we still highly encourage doing so via teleconference, but are willing to accept in person appointments as long as they can be done safely.
We thank you for your patience, and looking forward to assisting our clients.

Courts across Michigan are reopening, and Governor Whitmer's moratorium on landlord/tenant evictions expires at 11:59 p.m, June 30th. With the influx of landlord/tenant cases expected to be filed in District Courts across the state in the coming weeks, the Michigan Supreme Court has enacted Administrative Order 2020-17, which implements some important changes to the traditional landlord/tenant hearing procedures that landlords may be accustomed to. Some of these changes include:
- Landlord/tenant hearings will take place remotely via Zoom whenever possible;
- With the influx of cases expected within the next few weeks, scheduling priority will first be given to cases where illegal activity or damage to the premises is occurring;
- Scheduling priority will then be given to nonpayment of rent cases where rent is 120 days or more delinquent, followed by 90 days delinquent, then 60 days delinquent, while tenants who are only 30 days delinquent will have the lowest scheduling priority, and the landlord may have to wait longer to get a hearing date;
- If you must appear in court, plan to wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols.
These protocols mean that the eviction process will likely take longer than landlords are accustomed to, but the changes enacted by the Michigan Supreme Court will help ease congestion in District Courts, and minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Contact our office at (517) 349-5584 to speak with one of our landlord/tenant attorneys if you have any questions or need representation in a landlord/tenant matter.

At this time, Klug Law Firm is still closed for in person appointments. KLF is and has been complying with the State of Michigan's Executive Orders signed by Governor Whitmer and all recommended guidelines. We anticipate that we will be opening offices for in person appointments in the near future and we are excited to see you all! The health and safety of our clients and staff is our upmost priority, which is why we will be implementing the following guidelines to aid in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- We ask all who have an appointment to please call when you
arrive and wait in your car until your attorney is ready to see
you.
- We ask all to please wear a face covering. If you do not have
one, we offer complimentary soft cloth masks in the lobby.
- Appointments will be made in compliance with social
distancing requirements and managed as such.
- Should you go to the restroom, we ask that you wash your
hands thoroughly before returning to your appointment.
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call our office at 517-349-5584. Kristin will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the guidelines. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Wednesday, May 13th at noon is the deadline to submit your direct deposit information to the IRS if you have not yet received your coronavirus economic impact payment and you want to receive the payment electronically. The IRS is urging people to use the “Get My Payment” tool on IRS.gov to submit this information or to check on your payment status. Please visit the link below for more information from the IRS:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/act-by-wednesday-for-chance-to-get-quicker-economic-impact-payment-timeline-for-payments-continues-to-accelerate

FB Update
The Paycheck Protection Program has processed over 300,000 loans for small businesses within the Great Lakes Region. A step in the right direction to help comeback the economic hardships small businesses are currently facing. #PaycheckProtectionProgram #smallbusiness #greaterlansing #community
https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sbas-great-lakes-region-has-nearly-308000-loans-totaling-228-billion-approved-paycheck-protection

Business Interruption Insurance is marketed to cover the losses a business might suffer due to a major disruption. However, unless specified, most policies do not cover infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Before purchasing a policy, or to evaluate a potential claim or denied claim under an existing policy, give KLF a call at 517-349-5584 to make sure you are receiving the best coverage for your business. We are here to help.
https://mibiz.com/sections/economic-development/business-interruption-insurance-unlikely-to-cover-most-coronavirus-caused-disruptions

The Stay Home Stay Safe Order has been extended to Friday, May 15, 2020. While some restrictions have been lifted, it is still highly encourage to wear a soft-cloth mask in public spaces. #stayhome #staysafe #COVID-19
https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-526894--,00.html?fbclid=IwAR2xGY97XkF3RPusDtCehVewDMJg46nSNgVeoVe_eaJ9BMMpuN_C_sfwA-A

With the extension of the tax deadline due to COVID-19, now is the perfect time to make sure your taxes are in order before July 15. However, if you feel your personal or business taxes are unjust, we at Klug Law Firm are here to help. KLF has assisted numerous clients regarding their federal tax matters, using the Offer In Compromise program. Collectively, our tax attorneys have been able to successfully write off $4,000,000.00 in federal tax liabilities. Give our firm a call at 517-349-5584 regarding your tax matter today.
https://klugtaxlawfirm.com/tax/

While we hope everyone is staying home, staying healthy and safe, and enjoying the extra time spent with family members during the Stay at Home Order, we understand that the current circumstances can put a great deal of stress on a marriage.
The attorneys at Klug Law Firm are still here to assist you through this difficult time to help prepare for filing divorce, or to address emergency matters involving domestic violence or child custody. Even during the public closure, the court system remains open to hear emergency matters including personal protection orders and urgent custody matters where the well-being of a child is at risk.
Call us at (517) 349-5584 to schedule a confidential telephone or email consultation with one of our attorneys. We are here to help.

With stimulus checks starting to hit bank accounts, those who do not have their direct deposit set up with the IRS, may be waiting a while for a paper check.
The IRS has since developed a website that will allow you to enter in your direct deposit information so that you can receive your check faster.
To submit your direct deposit information, you will need to have your 2018 or 2019 (if filed) Adjusted Gross Income, and the refund or balance due amount that appears on the tax return. Follow the link below and select “Get My Payment” to begin. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

Lansing residents, stimulus checks are on their way! If you filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019, you are eligible for an economic impact payment due to COVID-19. No additional action is needed by taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019. The IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. If you did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return or you need to update your direct deposit or check payment information, please visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments for instructions on how to update your payment information to receive your economic impact payment.
For more information pertaining to the economic impact payments, please visit the following link below:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center

The COVID-19 pandemic should serve as a wakeup call that EVERY adult should have some form of estate plan in place that includes medical and financial powers of attorney, and a will or trust. Although the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order has been extended through April 30, 2020, you do not need to wait to consult with one of our attorneys to draft and execute your estate plan.

Klug Law Firm would like to send a very warm congratulations to
Strange Matter Coffee Co.
as being one of the awardees of the LEAP Small Business Relief Program Grant!
We understand this is a very difficult time for a lot of businesses in the Greater Lansing area and it is important to continue to support your local businesses during this time. For small business owners, there are still numerous relief options available one being the Paycheck Protection Program.
If you or someone you know owns a business, and have questions regarding relief resources, please give our office a call at 517-349-5584. We are here to help.
LEAP Announces Michigan Small Business Relief Program Grant Awardees

Effective April 1, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave due to COVID-19. This temporary order will remain in effect until December 31, 2020.
Paid sick leave and expanded family/medical leave applies to certain public employers. Private employers with under 500 employees also qualify.
Small businesses with less than 50 employees may be exempt to provide leave due to school closings or childcare unavailability and are potentially exempt from the childcare leaves provided by emergency paid sick leave and emergency medical leave.
If you are a business owner and have questions regarding any of these regulations, please give our office a call at 517-349-5584 to speak with one of our attorneys, or visit the link below for some basic Q & A provided by the Department of Labor.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

With the execution of the Stay Home Stay Safe Order executed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, our office building is closed to the public and will not be scheduling in person meetings until Tuesday, April 13, 2020. We will still be operating our normal 8:30am to 5:00pm business hours and accepting new clients, however, all correspondence will done via phone or email. If you need to speak to one of our attorneys, please call 517-349-5584, and one of our legal assistants will be happy to schedule a teleconference for you.

We appreciate your understanding during this time and hope that everyone stays safe and healthy.

Worried how COVID-19 will impact your taxes?
The Federal and State 2019 income tax filing and payment deadline has been extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. The Cities of Lansing and East Lansing have also extended their 2019 income tax filing deadline from April 30, 2020 to July 31, 2020. Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms to qualify for this tax filing extension.
If you or someone you know have questions regarding the Federal, State, and City tax filing due date extensions, need relief from tax collections, or have other tax questions, contact our firm at (517) 349-5584 to speak with one of our attorneys. The tax attorneys at Klug Law Firm provide sound legal advice and effective representation in federal, state and local tax matters in Lansing and throughout central Michigan.
For more information regarding the filing deadline extensions for Federal, State, and City taxes, please visit the links below:
https://www.irs.gov/…/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-…
https://www.michigan.gov/…/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-523380-…
https://www.lansingmi.gov/…/View/9529/PR-Income-Tax-Deadline
https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/1812/Income-Tax

Under the newly implemented Families First Coronavirus Response Act, certain employers are required to pay sick leave if an employee or immediate family cannot work due to COVID-19 effective April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The qualifications to receive these benefits can be found on the official FFCRA Employee Rights poster. Click the link to see how you can qualify.
https://tinyurl.com/vx2n2hj

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is accepting applications for grant funds through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Small Business Relief Fund. LEAP has allocated $600,000 in emergency small business relief grant funds from the MEDC to distribute $10,000 grants to 60 Lansing region small businesses. The application will be open through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The application can be found by clicking here.