Because You Need a Name You Can Trust

When you have a legal concern, whether it's a workers compensation case, a social security case, or a personal injury lawsuit, you need an attorney who will be with you every step of the way. James P. Hoffman is an Iowa attorney who has the experience and expertise that you need in a lawyer. Do not try and go it alone. When you need to navigate the legal system, you need someone who can lead the way. James P. Hoffman is an attorney with a solid reputation.

Experience at Every Level

Regardless of what type of case you have, whether it is at the state level or federal level, you need a lawyer who understands exactly what challenges lie ahead in your case. James P. Hoffman has successfully represented clients throughout the state of Iowa, resulting in promising settlements. He has also dealt with cases in other states and outside of the country. He earned a law degree at the University of Iowa College of Law, has a Juris doctor degree, and is board-certified at the American Institute of Hypnosis. His education and experience with the legal system combine to make him an asset when you need representation.

It is All About Your Best Interests

When you come to James P. Hoffman for a workers compensation case, social security case, or personal injury, you are dealing with financial losses. You may be out of work for some time or have a permanent disability. You need an attorney who can assist you in getting fair compensation for your losses. James P. Hoffman will assess your case and determine your expenses in order to request a settlement that will take care of your needs.

Get Peace of Mind

When you are faced with an injury or you are battling for workers compensation and social security payments, it can be overwhelming. With James P. Hoffman as your attorney you can rest assured that you are in good hands. You need a lawyer who understands your kind of case, what can be expected, and how to work with the legal system. Don't hesitate to set up a consultation in order to discuss your case with James P. Hoffman. Learn about your rights, what you are entitled to in a settlement, and move forward with the help of a legal professional.

The Basics of Social Security Disability Benefits

Social security disability benefits are designed to enable workers who have been injured to receive enough compensation that they can continue to live comfortably. Those who have worked for at least ten years in an approved, non-government position are able to receive these benefits. Social security disability benefits are meant to be extended to those individuals who have worked for the required amount of time but are now no longer able to continue working because of some reason. This reason must be a physical, emotional, or mental injury that prevents them from working. Not only must the injury prevent them from continuing in the job that they hold presently, but it must also prevent them from working in a similar field with similar labor requirements and intensity that matches their current skill level. The injury must also prevent the person from returning to some form of work that they have held previous to the job they currently have. A disability attorney in Wilmington will be able to help a person determine whether or not they qualify for social security disability benefits.

Rationale

These social security disability benefits are meant to be distributed to workers who are not longer able to perform the tasks at their present job, or at any job they might have had prior to their current occupation. Our society has deemed that these benefits should be distributed to disabled workers because they participated in the workforce for a considerable portion of time, returning a portion of their earnings back to the government in the form of taxes. Those earnings are then returned to the individual now that they are no longer able to work. The assumption is that an individual would have continued working if the opportunity had been available to them, but because of their mental, physical, or emotional injury they are unable to participate in the workforce in any way that they are currently trained to do, or have previously been trained to do. A disability attorney in Wilmington will have the skills and experience necessary to determine whether or not an individual will qualify for these benefits.

Three Reasons to Hire a Small Business Attorney at Tax Time

Tax season is a difficult time for all of America, especially in the private sector. Even within the private sector, things are more difficult for some than others. Small businesses are usually in this group.

If you didn’t already know, the IRS has more than 1,700 pages of instructions on how to properly pay and files taxes as a small business. Most of this fine print is difficult legal territory, but as an emerging small business, you can’t afford to make a mistake.

That’s why it’s worthwhile to consider hiring a local small business attorney in St. Cloud at tax time. If you’re not convinced already by that daunting stack of instructions, check out these three reasons to hire a tax attorney.

1. Tax Law Is Tricky
As a small business owner, you probably didn’t spend much time contemplating law school. As a result, the cross-sections between federal, state, and local taxes can be confusing. Even if you are legally minded, researching the fine points of these laws requires time, and time is money.

On the other hand, a small business attorney is well-adept at recognizing which taxes you are responsible for and where to pay them. If you entertain any confusion at all in this matter, a small business attorney can help.

2. The Definition of “Employee” Is Sometimes Unclear
Do you know which of your employees are actually employees and which are independent contractors? If you employ full-time employees, you’re responsible for registering them with the IRS and withholding certain amounts of money from their paycheck each pay period.

If you employ independent contractors, however, you don’t need to worry about their taxes. You do need to supply the IRS with detailed information on their contract status and payment, however.
Because the line between employee and independent contractor is blurry, a small business attorney can help. He or she can also help you decide whether it’s best to classify employees as independent contractors or salaried employees.

3. You’re Entirely Responsible for Your Taxes
The IRS doesn’t believe in sins of omission. If you messed up while filing your taxes, you can’t plead ignorance and get a stay of execution. You’re fully responsible for your tax filings, no matter how complicated or inane certain sections of the tax code are.

Fortunately, small business attorneys are usually well-adept in tax code and can help you file your taxes legally and responsibly. This safeguards you from the inconvenience and disgrace of an audit.

Finding a Small Business Attorney
If you’re now sure a local small business attorney in St. Cloud is right for you and your company, start asking around for recommendations.

If that turns up empty, try contacting your state’s local bar association for local listings. You can even look online.

By putting forth that bit of effort, you’re sure to be well-covered during tax season and during all the rest of the year.