
Donald M. Pepe
Partner
732-568-8370 dpepe@sh-law.comClient Alert
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Date: March 27, 2020

Partner
732-568-8370 dpepe@sh-law.comIn the turbulent wake of the COVID-19 disaster, and make no mistake it is a natural disaster as real as hurricane, earthquake or tornado, the federal government, together with state and local governments, has enacted a variety of measures that are available to help small businesses weather the storm. The problem is, the federal legislation alone consists of 880 pages, with references and overlaps with Internal Revenue, Small Business Association and Banking Codes.

The federal package provides a mix of benefits for small to mid-size companies with 500 employees or fewer. Qualifying businesses have access to federally guaranteed loans of up to $1,000,000 that can be used to maintain payroll and ordinary business expenses like rent, utilities, mortgage payments or interest on debts, even if businesses are temporarily closed. When it comes to payroll security, the legislation covers salary, sick leave, severance, health benefits, and state and local payroll-related taxes. These loans are non-recourse, require no collateral and best of all, under specified circumstances, the debt will be forgiven in full. Think about what an additional million dollars can do to help you keep your small business afloat.
Additional industry-specific benefits are also available. For instance, revisions to the IRS Code provide substantial new benefits to real estate businesses. Under the existing tax code, depreciation losses will only shelter the first $500,000 of a married couple’s nonbusiness income, such as capital gains from investments. The result is that people can enjoy big tax breaks stemming from only-on-paper losses, even if they enjoy big cash profits in the real world. The new stimulus bill lifts the $500,000 restriction for three years — this year, and two retroactive years — a boon for couples with more than $500,000 in annual capital gains or income from sources other than their business.
Now is not the time to try and navigate the breakers alone. The attorneys at Scarinci Hollenbeck are thoroughly familiar with every aspect of the new legislation and are ready to stand by your side to make sure your small business achieves the maximum potential benefits available. If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Don Pepe, or a member of Scarinci Hollenbeck’s COVID-19 Crisis Management Group at 201-896-4100.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Congress has taken a significant step toward delaying the sweeping federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp products scheduled to take effect this November. On August 8, 2026, the U.S. Senate approved a short-term federal funding measure that includes a hemp ban delay, postponing the implementation of most new federal hemp restrictions for approximately one month, from […]
Author: Daniel T. McKillop

Disputes surrounding New Jersey data centers are intensifying as the State positions itself as a leader in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced technology infrastructure. Recent proceedings in Vineland and ongoing litigation in Monroe Township illustrate the growing tension among local land-use control, energy concerns, environmental impacts, and statewide economic development objectives. The outcomes of […]
Author: Daniel T. McKillop

On August 5, New Jersey entered the 90 days before the November 3, 2026 general election. For incumbent officials who are on the ballot, that date activated a longstanding ELEC regulation, N.J.A.C. 19:25-10.10, under which NJ election communications rules can treat routine governmental updates as reportable political activity. Our Public Law group first covered this […]
Author: Mark Tabakin

Industry Faces Continued Uncertainty Ahead of the November 2026 Deadline The U.S. Senate has introduced a funding measure that would temporarily delay implementation of sweeping federal hemp restrictions scheduled to take effect on November 12, 2026. While the proposal provides a potential short-term reprieve for hemp-derived cannabinoid manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and investors, it does not […]
Author: Daniel T. McKillop

Update (August 2026): For the latest developments in this matter, including the Vineland Planning Board’s review of a self-powered AI campus and Monroe Township’s motion to dismiss, see our updated client alert. New Jersey municipalities are moving aggressively to keep data centers out, and developers are beginning to push back in court. Within the span […]
Author: Daniel T. McKillop

On June 30, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Assembly Bill 5328 (P.L.2026, c.25), establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework governing data brokers and certain businesses that sell or license personal information. While the New Jersey data broker law has garnered attention for imposing annual registration fees that can reach $1.5 million, its significance extends well beyond […]
Author: George McGowan
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!