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IRS Announces Coronavirus Relief

Client Alert

On March 18, the IRS released Notice 2020-17, Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic which sets forth the scope of the relief being granted taxpayers.

What Has Been Extended

The Notice provides for the extension of payment of up to $1 Million on the balance due on 2019 individual returns (Form 1040) and trust and estate returns (Form 1041) until July 15, 2020. It also provides for the extension of time to make the first federal estimated payment until July 15, 2020. Under both circumstances, there will be no penalty or interest assessed; provided payment is made by the July date. It has been explicitly stated that interest and penalty will begin to be calculated and imposed effective July 16, 2020.

C corporations and consolidated groups whose returns are due on April 15, 2020, have also received an extension to make payments while avoiding the imposition of penalty and interest until July 15, 2020. Each C corporation that is not part of a consolidated group will be able to defer the payment of up to $10 Million on the balance due on 2019 corporate returns. Each consolidated group will be able to defer the payment of tax due up to $10 Million. Submission of any estimated payments due on April 15, 2020, has been extended as well. As with individuals, interest and penalties will begin to be charged effective July 16, 2020.

What Has Not Been Extended

Most importantly, the filing deadline has not been extended. All returns must be filed or extended by April 15, 2020. While there is no form that is required to receive the payment relief set forth above, they have not waived the penalty and interest for failure to timely file your returns.

Additionally, note that this extension applies only to federal INCOME taxes. That means if you owe any other type of tax (most notably, I point out that first quarter payroll taxes are due April 30, 2020), you still must file those returns and pay the taxes on time. Penalty and interest will be assessed from the normal due date.

What We Still Don’t Know

At this point, we still have not received any guidance from the State of Ohio or any city about the filing and payment deadlines for any taxes due.

As always, we will continue to update you with any changes. For more information, please contact BMD Business, Corporate & Tax Member, Priscilla Grant at pagrant@bmdllc.com or 330-253-5934.


Client Alert: AAA Introduces AI-Assisted Arbitrator for Certain Disputes

The American Arbitration Association has introduced an AI-assisted arbitration platform designed to streamline certain document-based disputes. While a human arbitrator still makes the final decision, the technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate case resolution. Companies should weigh these benefits against considerations such as transparency, risk, and contractual requirements before adopting AI-assisted arbitration.

Quiet Hours Texts and TCPA Claims: Consent Remains King as Courts Divide on Text Messages

Businesses face increasing TCPA lawsuits over off-hours marketing texts, but recent court decisions highlight strong defenses. Clear consumer consent and updated terms and conditions can defeat many claims, while a growing number of courts are finding that text messages are not “telephone calls” under the statute. Proactive compliance measures, including clickwrap agreements and forum-selection clauses, are critical to reducing risk.

New Ohio Reporting Requirements for Non-Residential Contractors

Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, effective March 19, 2026, requires all nonresidential construction companies, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use E-Verify to confirm employee work eligibility on projects across the state. The law applies regardless of company size and carries financial penalties and potential restrictions on future state contracts for noncompliance. Some uncertainty remains around requirements for existing employees, making early compliance planning important.

DOT Non-Domiciled CDL Rule

A new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will significantly narrow eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) beginning March 16, 2026. The rule limits eligibility to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visas and eliminates Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as qualifying proof of work authorization. As a result, many lawfully present and work-authorized immigrants, including refugees, asylees, DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status holders, will no longer be able to obtain or renew a non-domiciled CDL. The change is expected to affect roughly 194,000 drivers nationwide and has prompted multiple legal challenges, including a pending emergency stay request before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Now in Effect

FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, effective March 1, 2026, requires certain real estate transfers to be reported to combat financial crimes. Transfers of residential property to entities or trusts without financing may require a Real Estate Report.