McMillan Metro NewsletterMM Alert
 
Issue 1004  January 2010 
In This Issue
Summary of Senate Bill 909 - - Implications of Wrongfully Distinguishing Employees and Independent Contractors
Limited Maryland Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners
Regulations Adopted for Transition from Developer to Owner-Control of Homeowners' Associations
Summary of House Bill 162 - - Required Notification of Workers' Compensation Premium Increase
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McMillan Metro, P.C.
1901 Research Blvd.
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Rockville, MD  20850
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Dear Clients and Colleagues,
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!  In our continuing effort to share our knowledge, experience and perspective with you on cutting-edge legal developments, we are sending our periodic "Alert".  In this Alert, our focus is on the new Maryland laws and how they impact you.  It is one way for us to give back to you, our clients and friends.  We hope that you find value in this communication.
Implications of Wrongfully Distinguishing Employees and Independent Contractors 
Employers must not classify employees as independent contractors without ensuring that correct classification is made and properly documenting basis for classification. It is a violation of the law and employers are subject to fines and penalties for knowingly classifying improperly an individual as an independent contractor rather than an employee...
read more
 
Limited Maryland Inheritance Tax Exemption Adopted for Domestic Partners 
 
Because domestic partners in Maryland presently have no legally recognized relationship to one another, when one domestic partner dies, the devise of his or her estate to the other is subject to the Maryland inheritance tax at the rate of ten percent (10%). This is one of the greatest costs for which unmarried couples must plan, either by purchasing sufficient insurance or otherwise. The Maryland Legislature has now carved out a limited exemption from this 10% inheritance tax for the devise of an interest in the couple's jointly owned principal residence to the survivor...read more
Regulations Adopted for Transition from Developer to Owner-Control of Homeowners' Associations 
 
The Maryland legislature has adopted a new statute intended to regulate the transition of control from developer to owners in homeowners' associations...read more
Required Notification of Workers' Compensation Premium Increase

Insurance companies are supposed to tell you if they are going to increase your premium for commercial or workers' compensation policies 45 days before the policies expire. There are exceptions to this rule (e.g. a policy issued to a business with annual revenues of at least $10,000,000 AND at least 25 employees). For most companies, however, the notice requirement applies...read more