Simms Showers LLP - DC Metro

07/12/2018

What Is The Virginia Uniform Machine Gun Act? | Leesburg Weapons Charges Defense Attorneys

Have you ever wondered what what legal requirements Virginia has in place for owning and using machine guns? The state specifies the requirement in the Uniform Machine Gun Act, which regulates the possession and use of machine guns within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Read our recent article for more information!

https://www.simmsshowerslaw.com/what-is-the-virginia-uniform-machine-gun-act/

The attorneys at Simms Showers LLP, servicing Leesburg, Winchester, Fairfax, and Manassas, have proven experience in the field of criminal law, including gun crimes.

07/04/2018

The attorneys and staff at Simms Showers LLP wish you a happy Independence Day!

07/02/2018

4 Items That Need to Be On Your Nonprofit or Church's Mid-Year To-Do List

July is here, which means we are half-way through 2018! If you run a church or nonprofit, there are several tasks like budget reviews, annual meetings, and policy audits that you should complete soon to keep your organization running smoothly. Take a look at our mid-year checklist to make sure you have everything covered!

https://www.simmsshowerslaw.com/4-items-that-need-to-be-on-your-nonprofit-or-churchs-mid-year-to-do-list/

By Mike Grubbs, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq....

06/28/2018

NIFLA Decision Webcast

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a huge free speech win for pregnancy resource centers in California in their 5-4 ruling of National Institute of Family & Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra.

The Court held that the State of California violated the First Amendment by requiring licensed Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) to post notices referring women to state-provided services, including abortion clinics. The Court also held that California violated the First Amendment by requiring unlicensed centers to post notices to the effect that they were not medically-licensed.

Read NIFLA's summary of the decision here: http://nifladecision.com/

Read ADF's summary of the decision here: https://www.adflegal.org/detailspages/press-release-details/us-supreme-court-govt-can-t-force-americans-to-express-messages-they-disagree-with

6/28 PRO-LIFE WEBCAST: Join this important online event for the latest breaking news about the victory in the NIFLA v. Becerra U.S. Supreme Court case, and what it means for pregnancy centers and pro-life free speech ...

04/20/2017

The 3 Most Common Legal Mistakes Costing Companies Millions

The 3 Most Common Legal Mistakes Costing Companies Millions http://ow.ly/IR1s30b1mv7 #businesslaw #simmsshowers

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos says there are two types of decisions every entrepreneur and business owner must make:...

12/23/2016

Legal Alert: Small Business Healthcare Relief Act

Legal Alert: Small Business Healthcare Relief Act

Last year, we informed our readers and clients that small employers and churches that engaged in the popular practice of offering reimbursements for healthcare costs would face a steep penalty for doing so.  These are employers that fall below the large employer threshold of 50 employees and therefo...

11/29/2016

Nonprofit and Church Alert: Court Stalls New FLSA Rule

Nonprofit and Church Alert: Court Stalls New FLSA Rule

On November 22, 2016, a federal court enjoined the new FLSA salary rule that was scheduled to take effect December 1, 2016. That start date is postponed indefinitely pending further action of the Courts, Executive branch or Congress or all three...  

05/23/2016

Legal Alert: FLSA Changes Coming Dec. 1, 2016

Legal Alert: FLSA Changes Coming Dec. 1, 2016!

The Department of Labor recently issued significant and sweeping salary threshold changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) through its Final Rule, published on May 18, 2016. The Rule is set to go into effect on December 1, 2016. These changes are the result of a Presidential Memorandum issued…

04/22/2016

Lubasi Muchimba is being jointly sponsored through law school by Simms Showers, LLP and the Christian Legal Society of Northern Virginia, both co-founded by Robert Showers. This year, Simms Showers, LLP is excited to be able to send this talented young man to the one-of-a-kind FLAG 2016 South Africa legal conference!

We're excited for Lubasi Muchimba, our 3rd year Law Student, to attend the FLAG 2016 Law Student Conference in South Africa. Special thanks to Rob Showers! Rob is a long-time ministry supporter, former EOH Board Member, President of the Christian Legal Society and Founder/Principal at Simms Showers, LLP. http://www.simmsshowers.com/people/h-robert-showers-jr/ Rob is sponsoring Lubasi's attendance at the conference. FLAG, Faith and Law Around the Globe is a ministry of CRU. http://www.flagglobal.org/flag-2016-law-student-conference/

04/20/2016

Announcement: Church Seminar April 28

Announcement: Rob Showers presenting at MetLife 2016 Clergy and Church Leader Seminar Series on April 28 in Glenarden, MD.

When? Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 11:30 AMWhere? First Baptist Church of Glenarden Ministry Center 3600 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD 20785 LUNCH WILL BE SERVED. SEATING IS LIMITED.TO HELP US PLAN, PLEASE RSVP IMMEDIATELY, BUT NO LATER THAN APRIL 22  

03/24/2016

Christie Urges Hospital Tax Freeze for nonprofit hospitals - MicroCap Magazine

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie proposed a two-year moratorium Friday to stop local governments from collecting property taxes from nonprofit hospitals.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie proposed a two-year moratorium Friday to stop local governments from collecting property taxes from nonprofit hospitals. Mr. Christie’s proposal comes nearly nine months after a court ruling paved the way for localities to pursue these taxes. The hospitals have maintai…

03/17/2016

Church Law | Simms Showers LLP

The DC-Northern Virginia office of Simms Showers has extensive experience providing counsel to churches and related entities. The firm assists churches located across Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and North Carolina, as well as advises churches across the nation.

The DC-Northern Virginia office of Simms Showers has extensive experience providing counsel to churches and related entities. The firm assists churches located across the east coast, including Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and North Carolina, as well as advises churches across the nation.

03/10/2016

Obamacare leads to 20M insurance boost: Admin

About 20 million adults under the age of 65 have gained health insurance in the past six years, leading to an all-time low rate of Americans without insurance.

More than 6 million young adults became insured under the Affordable Care Act.

02/25/2016

Nonprofits: You Need FCPA Compliance Regulations

Since nonprofits are a global business, there are some Foreign Corrupt Practices Act rules and regulations that apply to these foundations.

This post is part of a series sponsored by Charity First. Since nonprofits are a global business, there are some rules and regulations that apply to thes

02/18/2016

Announcement: Pastor Luncheon on Church Guidance on Same-Sex Issues, Saturday, Feb. 25!

Please join us for a Pastor Luncheon on Saturday, February 25, led by Justin Coleman about practical guidance for churches on same-sex issues in the 21st century.

Please join us on Saturday, February 25, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM for a Pastor's Luncheon for church guidance regarding same-sex concerns led by one of our church law attorneys at Simms Showers, Justin Coleman. The event will take place at Holiday Inn Front Royal at 111 Hospitality Drive Front Royal…

02/16/2016

Reminder: Legal Hotspots Breakfast this Saturday, Feb. 20!

Please join us for a Legal Hotspots Breakfast hosted by Robert Showers this Saturday, Feb. 20, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Richmond!

Please join us on Saturday, February 20, at 9:00 AM for a Legal Hotspots for Churches seminar led by Robert Showers (flyer is included below). The event will take place at Immanuel Baptist Church at 3601 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23230, sponsored by The Family Foundation and Joseph's Way. Breakfast…

02/16/2016

Supreme Court rejects new challenge to health care reform law - Business Insurance

The Supreme Court denied an appeal to the Affordable Care Act that asserted that the law violated the U.S. Constitution's requirement that revenue-raising legislation must originate in the House of Representatives.

(Reuters) — The U.S. Supreme Court, which delivered major rulings in 2012 and 2015 preserving President Barack Obama's signature health care law, on Tuesday declined to take up a new, long-shot challenge to the Affordable Care Act brought by an Iowa artist.The court turned away an appeal by...

02/11/2016

Nonprofits assail IRS rule

Non-profit groups are critical of a proposed law that would require them to to collect the Social Security numbers of their donors.

The IRS is proposing new requirements for nonprofits.

02/04/2016

How Should A Pastor Approach Divorce? | Simms Showers LLP

Firm Associate, William B. Mann discusses how to balance Christian beliefs with the legal reality of divorce.

Unfortunately, experience has taught us that Christians are not immune to sin and that this sin oftentimes leads to broken marriages and divorce. In dealing

01/28/2016

Financial Support for Individual Missionaries From Your Congregation | Simms Showers LLP

"Thousands of missionaries travel abroad each year, sometimes without the institutional support of a mission agency. If your church decides to support one or more of these independent missionaries, it must make sure that it has practices in place to address the unique tax implications that accompany such support."

Thousands of missionaries travel abroad each year, sometimes without the institutional support of a mission agency. If your church decides to support one or

01/21/2016

To Merge or Not to Merge: That is the Question | Simms Showers LLP

Firm Principal, H. Robert Showers gives guidance on mergers and acquisitions for churches and non-profit groups.

Increasingly, churches and nonprofits are thinking about mergers and “acquisitions” due to the challenging financial times, increased tax exempt regulations and

01/14/2016

Charities Laud Permanent Tax Breaks In House Deal

The Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act Of 2015 has gained much praise from charities and non-profits.

The IRA charitable rollover might finally be a sure thing.

01/05/2016

How to prepare for the upcoming tax season

It is important that businesses begin to prepare for tax season now. Here are some ways to start.

While you don’t want to let your taxes dictate business decisions, you also want take advantage of every tax opportunity.

12/31/2015

IRS Provides Tax Information on Gifting to Charity

The IRS has provided guidance on how to make sure your holiday donations are tax deductible.

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded individuals and businesses making year-end gifts to charity that several important tax law provisions have

12/21/2015

Happy Holidays from Simms Showers LLP

All of the attorneys and staff at Simms Showers, LLP would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

12/17/2015

IRS Provides Tax Information on Gifting to Charity

The IRS has provided guidance on how to make sure your holiday donations are tax deductible.

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded individuals and businesses making year-end gifts to charity that several important tax law provisions have

12/10/2015

Texas threatens nonprofit group over Syrian refugees

Texas has threatened to take legal action against a nonprofit group that is still accepting Syrian refugees.

The International Rescue Committee has plans to defy Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who is threatening to sue the group, despite White House warnings

12/03/2015

Nonprofit Hospitals Must Watch Out for Tax Liability

In the wake of a recent settlement, nonprofit hospitals may soon be liable for state and local property taxes.

Nonprofit hospitals that generally aren’t subject to taxation under state or federal law might get stuck paying millions of dollars in state and local real property taxes, following events that unfolded in New Jersey over the past few months.

12/02/2015

Legal Alert: Radical FSLA Changes Coming

Legal Alert: Radical FLSA Changes Coming

By July 2016, the Department of Labor is slated to release new regulations that will raise the minimum salary requirement for exempt employees.

11/26/2015

The attorneys and staff at Simms Showers would like to wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

11/25/2015

What Are Chances a U.S Business Will Face an Employee Lawsuit?

A new study has revealed that United States businesses have a 12% chance of facing employment lawsuits due to changing employee charge trends.

U.S.-based small and medium sized businesses face an almost 12 percent chance that they it will be hit with an employment claim, with their chances much hi

11/19/2015

Nonprofit Hospital Reaches Settlement On Taxes

A non-profit hospital has reached a settlement in a tax dispute that could have far reaching implications on non-profit hospital tax exemptions.

In a tax settlement that could have implications for nonprofit hospitals in New Jersey and beyond, Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center agreed to pay the Town of Morristown, N.J, more than $15 million over the next decade, including deferred interest. The settlement was approved by the…

11/12/2015

Redskins: Trademark cancellations violate the First Amendment

The Washington Redskins legal team is arguing that the cancellation of it's trademarks is unconstitutional.

The team has fired its opening shot in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

11/05/2015

APNewsBreak: Veterans group hosting Republican candidate Donald Trump lost nonprofit status

The IRS revoked the non-profit status of a veterans organization, after hosting a speech by Republican Candidate Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the Internal Revenue Service has revoked the nonprofit status of the veterans organization that hosted Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's foreign policy speech on a retired battleship.

10/29/2015

How Does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affect Your Tax-Exempt...

Associate Elyse Smith addresses how the Affordable Care Act can affect your tax-exempt organization:

Elyse M. Smith Esq. explains how the Affordable Care Act may affect tax-exempt organizations such as non-profits.

10/22/2015

Responsibilities of Non-Profit Board Members | Simms Showers LLP

Associate Daniel J. Hebda addresses the risks to board members, if duties are not performed properly.

In one of our recent articles we highlighted some legal potholes that could harm your non-profit organization. Daniel Hebda turns the lens inward and addresses

10/13/2015

October 1st Fraud Liability | Simms Showers LLP

If your church, nonprofit or business accepts in-person credit card payments on a traditional “swipe-and-sign” terminal, you need to be aware of the recent changes to fraud liability guidelines.

Simms Showers Office Manager, Jonathan Horton, explains new credit card technology and it's potential to protect churches and non-profits from credit card fraud

10/08/2015

House committee moves to repeal several health care law provisions | Business Insurance

A House committee has moved to repeal employer and individual mandates of the health care reform law, among other provisions:

BENEFITS MANAGEMENT 9/29/2015 3:15 pm House committee moves to repeal several health care law provisions Comments Email Print Reprints By Jerry Geisel SHARE × Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ Comments Benefits Legislation & Regulation Benefits Management Health Care Benefits Health Care Reform Bene…

10/01/2015

Contraception opt-out violates religious freedom -U.S. appeals court

A court of appeals has ruled that President Obama's healthcare law violates religious rights of employers who, under the law, are required to help provide contraceptive coverage.

A U.S. appeals court has ruled thatPresident Barack Obama's healthcare law violates the rights ofreligiously affiliated employers by forcing them to help providecontraceptive coverage even though they do not have to pay forit.

09/24/2015

Executive Orders: The Employment Transformers for Federal Contractors

President Obama has signed an executive order mandating that federal contractors provide paid sick leave to their employees

As we have detailed on several occasions over the past year, President Obama has used executive orders to implement sweeping new workplace policies for federal contractors and their employees. For exa

09/17/2015

The Pains And Salvation Of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Although bankruptcy often carries the connotation of failure, it can also mean opportunities for a new start

To business owners the word bankruptcy can mean failure. We visit a retailer in Charlotte, N.C., which tried to avoid the big failure. But bankruptcy might be the secret weapon of the U.S. economy.