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10/29/2026

Taking Back Your Rental to Move In or Remodel: What California Landlords Need to Know by Janvi Ishwar

At some point, many San Diego landlords want a unit back, whether for a family member to live in or to complete a major renovation. California law allows both, but the rules tightened significantly in 2024, and a small mistake can be costly. A defective notice can derail an eviction, and a landlord who does not follow through on the stated reason can owe the tenant substantial damages. Here is what you need to know before you serve “tack-back” notice. Learn more about owner move-in eviction in California.

The basic rule: you need a legal reason

Under California’s Tenant Protection Act, often called AB 1482, a landlord generally cannot end a tenancy without a legally recognized reason, known as “just cause,” once the tenant has lived in the unit for 12 months. Some reasons are based on the tenant’s conduct, such as not paying rent or violating the lease. Others are “no-fault” reasons, where the tenant did nothing wrong, but the owner has a legitimate need for the unit. The two most common no-fault reasons are an owner move-in and/or a substantial remodel.

Not every rental is covered. Certain single-family homes and condominiums owned by individuals are exempt if the lease includes the required notice, and newer buildings may be exempt as well. San Diego also has its own Tenant Protection Ordinance with additional requirements, so the first step is always to confirm which rules apply to your property.

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10/28/2026

You Owe a Lot of Money to the IRS. Now what? Payment plans, Offers in Compromise, and Negotiating or Settling your Tax Debt by Joseph Cole, Esq., LL.M.

It is that time of year again where people are filing their extended tax returns and are finding out they bit off more than they could chew with their taxes. Their tax debt is bigger than expected or their available cash is smaller than expected and they cannot see themselves paying their tax debt right away. What are your options if you owe a lot of money to the IRS? Can you get into a payment plan? Can you get an Offer in Compromise? Can you “negotiate” or “settle” your tax debt with the IRS? This blog discusses your options.

Many people want to get an Offer in Compromise from the IRS. The kernel of truth behind the ads promising to “negotiate” or “settle” a tax debt is the IRS (and some other taxing authorities like the FTB and EDD) have an Offer in Compromise program. Under the Offer in Compromise program, the IRS will settle a tax debt for a fraction of the total amount owed. However, very few taxpayers who owe the IRS will qualify for an Offer in Compromise. (Many state taxing authorities such as the FTB and EDD have even more stringent requirements than the IRS.)

You cannot “wheel and deal” with the IRS as if you were buying a used car. The Offer in Compromise is a long and deliberate process that involves a thorough financial investigation in which a taxpayer needs to convince the IRS it is highly unlikely the IRS can ever expect to collect the Tax owed. Most taxpayers will not get through the process because they have too much equity in their assets, their income is too high, or their allowable expenses (which differ from actual expenses) are not high enough.

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10/22/2026

Four Things Can Happen to You When You Do Not Pay EDD and IRS Payroll Taxes by Joseph Cole, Esq., LL.M.

In today’s difficult times, many business owners are finding themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Business owners must make difficult financial decisions to not only keep their businesses open, but to protect their families and their families’ financial security. One thing business owner’s often do in troubling times is stop paying their IRS or EDD payroll taxes. This blog will outline the four things that can happen to you when you do not pay EDD and IRS Payroll taxes.

Before we move forward, we must stress we are not advising anyone to forgo any tax obligation. We advise everyone to pay all required taxes and file all required returns. Nevertheless, businesses facing difficult financial decisions will wonder what will happen if they forgo paying IRS or EDD payroll taxes in order to pay some other creditor. The intent of this blog is to inform the public of the potential consequences of not paying IRS or EDD mandated payroll taxes.

Nothing (for now). The EDD is more aggressive than the IRS, but the IRS moves at a glacial pace. The IRS will not kick down the business’ door, the second your first payroll tax deposit is late. This does not mean the IRS will do nothing.

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10/21/2026

What Is Asset Protection and Who Needs It?

You have worked hard to build your wealth. Could a lawsuit, business dispute, or unexpected financial liability put everything you have accumulated at risk?

Asset protection planning involves legally structuring your assets to reduce exposure to creditors and lawsuits. It is particularly important for physicians, business owners, real estate investors, contractors, and high-net-worth families.

Why Timing Is Critical

The best time to protect your wealth is before a financial threat arises. California law allows creditors to challenge certain asset transfers, making proactive planning essential.

Five Strategies to Protect Your Assets

A comprehensive asset protection plan may include:

1. LLCs and Corporations: Help separate business liabilities from personal assets and isolate risks associated with investment properties.

2. Irrevocable Trusts: Can help preserve family wealth and protect inheritances for future generations.

3. Wyoming LLCs and Trusts: Offer favorable asset protection laws, although California residents must carefully consider applicable state laws.

4. Offshore Asset Protection Trusts: Trusts established in jurisdictions such as the Cook Islands and Nevis may provide additional safeguards for substantial assets.

5. Insurance and Estate Planning: Can provide additional layers of protection through liability coverage, exempt assets, and coordinated financial planning.

Protect Your Wealth with RJS LAW

Founded by Ronson J. Shamoun, RJS LAW integrates sophisticated asset protection strategies with tax and estate planning.

With attorneys licensed in California and Wyoming, RJS LAW helps individuals, business owners, and families develop customized strategies designed to preserve wealth while maintaining financial flexibility.

Do not wait until a lawsuit threatens your financial future.

Schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation with RJS LAW today.

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10/15/2026

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney? California Conservatorship Explained

When an adult suddenly loses the ability to manage their own affairs because of an accident, illness, or dementia, the practical needs do not stop. Bills still need to be paid, doctors still need decisions, and property may need to be sold to cover the cost of care. Most people assume a spouse or adult child can step in and sign whatever is needed. In California, that is usually not the case. Unless the right documents were created and signed in advance of the debilitating circumstances, no one has the legal authority to act for the impaired person, and the family may be required to go to court for a ruling. Learn more about what a conservatorship.

What is a Conservatorship?

A conservatorship is a court case in which a judge appoints someone, called a conservator, to make decisions for an adult who can no longer make rational decisions on their own. Depending on the person’s needs, the court may appoint a conservator of the person to oversee health care and living arrangements, a conservator of the estate to manage money and property, or both.

The process starts when a family member files a petition with the probate court. The person who would be placed under conservatorship and their close relatives must be notified. A court investigator meets with that person, and the court may appoint a lawyer to represent them. A judge then holds a hearing to decide whether a conservatorship is necessary and who should serve.

Plan While You Can

These documents must be signed while you are still able to understand and make decisions. Once a crisis happens, it is often too late. RJS LAW helps San Diego individuals and families prepare durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and complete estate plans. For a no-cost consultation, please call RJS LAW at 619-595-1655 or visit us on the web at RJS LAW and learn more about what is a conservatorship is.

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10/14/2026

IRS Updates the Rules for Group Exemptions: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Revenue Procedure 2026-8

The IRS recently issued Revenue Procedure 2026-8, which updates the procedures governing group exemptions for tax-exempt organizations. A group exemption allows a central organization to obtain federal tax-exempt recognition for qualifying subordinate organizations under a single IRS ruling, eliminating the need for each subordinate to submit its own exemption application. Learn more about IRS group exemption rules and what nonprofits need to know about revenue procedure 2026-8.

For nonprofit organizations that operate through affiliated chapters, schools, local branches, or similar entities, a group exemption can provide significant administrative efficiencies. However, the updated guidance also imposes ongoing oversight, reporting, and compliance responsibilities for central organizations.

What Is a Group Exemption?

A group exemption allows a central organization to obtain an IRS ruling recognizing the tax-exempt status of qualifying subordinate organizations. The central organization is responsible for demonstrating its subordinate organizations are properly affiliated and that it exercises sufficient supervision or control over them.

To qualify for a group exemption, a central organization generally must:
- Have at least five subordinate organizations at the time of application;
- Exercise general supervision or control over each subordinate organization;
- Maintain procedures for monitoring subordinate organizations’ activities and compliance; and, maintain only one group exemption covering its subordinate organizations.

Group exemptions are commonly used by membership associations, religious organizations, educational systems, and other nonprofit networks with affiliated local organizations.

Navigating a group exemption, whether applying for the first time or maintaining one under the new rules, involves careful attention to IRS deadlines and documentation.

The nonprofit and tax attorneys at RJS LAW in San Diego advise central organizations and their subordinates on group exemption applications and ongoing compliance. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call RJS LAW today at (619)-295-1655 or visit RJS LAW on the web.

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10/08/2026

Received an EDD Audit Notice - What Should You Do?

Receiving an EDD audit notice can be unsettling for a California business owner. An audit by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) can involve payroll taxes, worker classification, wages, independent contractors, as well as other employment tax issues, and the potential financial consequences can be significant.

If your company has received an EDD audit notice, the most important thing is not to ignore it or respond without first understanding what is being examined.

An EDD audit does not automatically mean your business did something wrong. However, the decisions you make at the beginning of the audit can affect how efficiently the examination proceeds and how potential issues are addressed.

At RJS LAW, our tax attorneys represent California employers in EDD audits, worker classification disputes, employment tax assessments, appeals, and penalty abatements.

Here is what employers should consider doing after receiving an EDD audit notice:

• Read the EDD Audit Notice Carefully
• Contact an EDD Audit Attorney Early
• Preserve and Organize Payroll Records
• Review Independent Contractor Classifications
• Reconcile Payroll Before Giving Records to the EDD
• Be Careful and Accurate When Responding to the Auditor

The experienced tax attorneys at RJS LAW will work with you to help you with your EDD audit. Please call us at 619-595-1655 or visit us on the web at RJS LAW to schedule a no-cost consultation.

10/07/2026

What Triggers an EDD Audit in California? 7 Red Flags for Employers by Joseph Cole, Esq., LL.M.

Receiving notice of an EDD Audit in California can be a serious matter for any business. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) conducts employment tax audits to determine whether employers are properly classifying workers, reporting wages, withholding taxes, and complying with California payroll tax laws. Learn more about what triggers an EDD audit in California.

At RJS LAW, our tax attorneys represent California businesses facing EDD audits, worker classification disputes, payroll tax assessments, and related employment tax controversies.

Understanding these seven potential red flags can help employers identify problems before an audit becomes a much larger tax issue.

1. Misclassifying Employees as Independent Contractors
2. An Independent Contractor Files for Unemployment Benefits
3. Large Numbers of 1099 Workers
4. Payroll Records Don’t Match EDD Filings
5. Late or Missing Payroll Tax Returns and Deposits
6. Paying Workers Off the Books or in Cash
7. Worker Complaints and Wage Discrepancies

What Should You Do If You Receive an EDD Audit Notice?

Do not ignore it. If your company has received an EDD audit notice or is concerned about its payroll practices, contact RJS LAW to discuss your situation with an experienced California EDD tax attorney. Serving San Diego and Southern California.

10/01/2026

Nonprofit Law - Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement

Should You Consider a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement for Your Charitable Project?

If you are launching a charitable initiative without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or you are in the application process but want to begin work immediately a fiscal sponsorship arrangement might be the solution you need. Many new or grassroots projects face challenges related to administrative burdens, fundraising, and legal compliance. Fiscal sponsorship offers a practical, efficient way to operate under the umbrella of an established nonprofit while focusing on your mission.

What Is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity (the sponsor) agrees to extend its tax-exempt status to a charitable project in need of immediate tax-exempt status. The sponsorship allows the project to receive grants and tax-deductible donations, while benefiting from the sponsor’s infrastructure, financial oversight, and legal compliance.

Importantly, the sponsor maintains legal control and discretion over the use of donated funds, ensuring they are used strictly for charitable purposes. If the sponsored project later obtains its own tax-exempt status, the fiscal sponsorship agreement can include provisions for the smooth transfer of remaining funds and assets to the newly formed nonprofit.

Why Choose Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is particularly valuable for:
- Emerging charitable initiatives
- Grassroots or community-based efforts
- Pilot programs or time-limited campaigns
- Projects seeking immediate tax-exempt funding, without forming a new nonprofit
- This arrangement enables projects to access funding faster, operate with greater flexibility, and focus on impact while relying on the sponsor’s administrative support and regulatory compliance.

The Importance of a Strong Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement

A clear, well-drafted fiscal sponsorship agreement is essential to protect both the sponsor and the project. It defines roles, responsibilities, financial procedures, intellectual property rights, reporting expectations, and the terms for ending the relationship. Without this agreement, misunderstandings or legal complications can undermine the success of the project. Also, many funders would require a fiscal sponsorship agreement between the project and its sponsor before they provide a grant for a project.

The experienced nonprofit attorneys at RJS LAW will work with you to determine the type of fiscal sponsorship agreement that best fits your goals and circumstances and then draft a tailored agreement to meet your specific needs. Please call us at 619-595-1655 or visit us on the web at RJS LAW to schedule a no-cost consultation.

onprofit Law - Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement

Should You Consider a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement for Your Charitable Project?

If you are launching a charitable initiative without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or you are in the application process but want to begin work immediately a fiscal sponsorship arrangement might be the solution you need. Many new or grassroots projects face challenges related to administrative burdens, fundraising, and legal compliance. Fiscal sponsorship offers a practical, efficient way to operate under the umbrella of an established nonprofit while focusing on your mission.

What Is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity (the sponsor) agrees to extend its tax-exempt status to a charitable project in need of immediate tax-exempt status. The sponsorship allows the project to receive grants and tax-deductible donations, while benefiting from the sponsor’s infrastructure, financial oversight, and legal compliance.

Importantly, the sponsor maintains legal control and discretion over the use of donated funds, ensuring they are used strictly for charitable purposes. If the sponsored project later obtains its own tax-exempt status, the fiscal sponsorship agreement can include provisions for the smooth transfer of remaining funds and assets to the newly formed nonprofit.

Why Choose Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is particularly valuable for:
- Emerging charitable initiatives
- Grassroots or community-based efforts
- Pilot programs or time-limited campaigns
- Projects seeking immediate tax-exempt funding, without forming a new nonprofit
- This arrangement enables projects to access funding faster, operate with greater flexibility, and focus on impact while relying on the sponsor’s administrative support and regulatory compliance.

The Importance of a Strong Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement

A clear, well-drafted fiscal sponsorship agreement is essential to protect both the sponsor and the project. It defines roles, responsibilities, financial procedures, intellectual property rights, reporting expectations, and the terms for ending the relationship. Without this agreement, misunderstandings or legal complications can undermine the success of the project. Also, many funders would require a fiscal sponsorship agreement between the project and its sponsor before they provide a grant for a project.

The experienced nonprofit attorneys at RJS LAW will work with you to determine the type of fiscal sponsorship agreement that best fits your goals and circumstances and then draft a tailored agreement to meet your specific needs. Please call us at 619-595-1655 or visit us on the web at RJS LAW to schedule a no-cost consultation.

What Triggers an EDD Audit in California? 7 Red Flags for Employers by Joseph Cole, Esq., LL.M.Receiving notice of an ED...

09/28/2026

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