Tag: Shoreline lawyer
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Washington Expands Background Check Protections for Workers with Criminal Records
Washington’s Fair Chance Act has limited when employers can ask about criminal history (i.e., conduct background checks) since 2018. But 2025 amendments to the law go further. Enacted as EHB 1747, the changes do not replace the original law so much as expand it: the earlier statute focused mainly on when employers could seek criminal-record…
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Regulatory Shift: DOL Proposes New Standards for Independent Contractor Classification
On February 26, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) introduced a Proposed Rule aimed at redefining the boundaries between employees and independent contractors. This update marks a pivot away from current standards, moving toward a framework that mirrors the 2021 “employer-friendly” guidelines. Notably, the DOL intends to apply this classification logic not just to the…
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Ninth Circuit Upholds Religious Hiring Preferences
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently bolstered the legal standing of religious employers in Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Brown. Interpreting the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), the court upheld a preliminary injunction that prevents the state from penalizing the Mission for its faith-based hiring preferences. This decision continues a broader judicial trend…
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Understanding Washington’s Tax Penalties and How the Voluntary Disclosure Program Can Help
Operating a business in Washington comes with many responsibilities, and staying on top of state tax obligations is one of the most critical. However, many business owners—especially those operating from out of state or just starting out—may unknowingly overlook certain tax requirements. Ignoring these obligations can lead to significant financial penalties. The good news? The…
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New reporting classifications for Service and Other Activities B&O
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the following Service and Other Activities B&O tax classifications have been renamed as follows: Please note: If you previously reported under the combined Service & Other Activities and/or Gambling Contests of Chance (less than $50,000 a year) B&O tax classification and you have gross income from gambling activities less than $50,000 per year, you must begin…
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LLC vs. PLLC in Washington: A Guide for Professionals
If you are an architect, doctor, dentist, lawyer, or accountant looking to hang your shingle in Washington, you might hit a roadblock when you go to register your business. You select “Limited Liability Company” (LLC) on the form, only to find out you might actually be required to form a Professional Limited Liability Company, aka…
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New Sales Tax Obligations: Key Professions Impacted by Washington SB 5814
Effective October 1, 2025, Washington has implemented a major shift in its tax landscape through Senate Bill 5814. This legislation “modernizes” the tax code by reclassifying several traditionally exempt service sectors as “retail sales.” If you operate in any of the following fields, you are now required to register for a retail tax endorsement, collect…
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ABA Releases 2025 Deal Points Study
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Business Law Section has released its 2025 Private Target Deal Points Study. Studying deals between $25 Million and $900 million, the study analyzes trends in business deals, including: For more information, check out the alert issued by K&L Gates. To learn more about buying or selling a business, go to https://martinkreshon.com…