Applications for Open-Space Agricultural Use Appraisal—What You Need to Know to Protect Your Ag Use Valuation
If you own land and have claimed an agricultural exemption, you may be familiar with the Texas Comptroller’s Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal. Certain landowners have recently received notices—surprisingly, in some cases—from their appraisal districts requesting that they file a new application, despite having previously received the appraisal. The precise reasons for reapplication […]
As Employers, Ranch Owners Should Consider Workers Compensation Coverage
In Texas, it is common for large landowners to engage in ranching as a business. The reasons may vary from providing the sole or major source of income for the owners to retaining certain tax exemptions for the property. Regardless of the reason for engaging in ranching operations, there are certain risks and liabilities to […]
Best Lawyers in America® 2019 Recognizes 13 BRANSCOMB LAW Attorneys
BRANSCOMB LAW congratulates its lawyers included on the list: Austin Jeff Dickerson (2010) Corporate Law Jim Robichaux (2007) Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants Craig Williams (2008) Real Estate Law Corpus Christi Jim Clancy (2012) Commercial Litigation Omar Leal (2013) Trusts and Estates Scott Sherman (2008) Trusts and Estates, Litigation – Trusts and Estates Mike Stukenberg (1997) Trusts […]
Texas Bar Journal Recognizes BRANSCOMB LAW Partner’s Passion for Yoga
Traditionally, exercise has been valued primarily for its physical benefits, such as heart health, lower blood pressure, and an overall healthier physique. However, in the past decade, social scientists have compiled evidence suggesting additional benefits of regular exercise: cognitive improvements such as increased mental stamina, improved concentration, sharper memory, and reduced stress. The July 2018 […]
Not Responding to Unemployment Claims– A Missed Opportunity
All businesses deal with the unemployment compensation system at some level. Employers subject to the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act (“TUCA”) are required to pay unemployment insurance taxes to the Texas Workforce Commission (“TWC”). When employees cease employment, they may file a claim with the TWC to receive unemployment benefits. However, the unemployment process—particularly representations made […]
Need Training …. #MeToo
The “#MeToo” movement has created a heightened awareness of sexual harassment issues. However, the reports concerning allegations of “inappropriate conduct” have tended to blur the distinction between conduct that constitutes actionable sexual harassment and discrimination in employment and conduct that does not. Also, missing from the discussion is practical information on what employers should and […]
Three Tax Planning Actions to Consider Before the End of 2017
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) that was recently passed by Congress and signed into law by the President calls for significant changes to the U.S. tax code. These changes will have a big impact on both individuals and businesses, with most provisions taking effect beginning January 1, 2018. Branscomb Law will provide […]
Warning regarding sales of fractional oil and gas interests through phone banks and other re-sellers
From time to time, a client who has generated an oil and gas prospect will mention to us that it intends to sell—or has already sold–a fractional interest in that prospect to a “phone bank,” or to another type of re-seller. In this scenario, the client knows that the re-seller intends to re-sell the interest […]
Creating an Emergency PTO-Sharing Plan in the Wake of Hurricane Harvey
The devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey will continue to be felt by many Texans for the coming weeks and months. During that time, employers may wish to provide paid time off (“PTO”) benefits to employees affected by the storm who have already exhausted all available PTO, or who are otherwise ineligible for such benefits. Internal […]
A Storm Just Damaged My Home–Now What?
In 2012, two hailstorms in Hidalgo County, Texas, spawned thousands of lawsuits involving alleged underpayment of property insurance claims. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the number of windstorm and hail claims that led to policyholders suing their insurance carriers increased after 2011 by an average of 1,400% for the years 2012-2014. As a […]
