The IRS has granted various extensions to taxpayers in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Generally, this relief extends the due dates for any business or individual return due on or after August 29, 2005 until January 3, 2006. Continue Reading IRS Grants Tax Relief to Katrina Victims

The Louisiana Department of Revenue released a bulletin today relating to state treatment of Hurricane Katrina related federal tax relief. Continue Reading Louisiana Department of Revenue Information Bulletin No. 05-018 — Louisiana Income Tax Treatment of IRS Relief for Disaster Victims

On September 2, 2005, Louisiana’s Governor, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, issued Executive Order No. KBB 2005-26. The order suspended all state licensure laws, rules and regulations for medical professionals and personnel from other states who offer medical services in Louisiana to those needing medical services as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Continue Reading Louisiana Governor Revises Executive Order Suspending Licensure Requirements for Medical Professionals and Personnel

By the Kean Miller Health Law Team

The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”), published two bulletins on September 2, 2005 and September 9, 2005 to discuss the application of HIPAA in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The bulletins expressed the need for persons displaced by the hurricane to obtain ready access to health care and a means of contacting family and caregivers. Continue Reading HIPAA Privacy and Disclosures in Emergency Situations

By the Kean Miller Construction Law Team

One of the Executive Orders enacted by Governor Kathleen Blanco in response to the disaster arising out of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding caused by the breaches of the levees around New Orleans is Executive Order KBB 2005-27. This Executive Order is captioned “Emergency Procedures for Conducting State Business”. Continue Reading Emergency Procedures for Conducting State Business

Kean Miller Hawthorne D’Armond McCowan & Jarman has established the “Kean Miller Relief Fund” in association with the Capital Area United Way. The partners in Baton Rouge’s largest law firm seeded the fund with an initial donation of $50,000.00. The announcement was made at a September 8 meeting of the Capital Area United Way and following a presentation by the national CEO of United Way. Continue Reading Kean Miller Relief Fund Announced in Association with Capital Area United Way

By the Kean Miller Labor & Employment team Many clients, friends and neighbors are now faced with serious and unanticipated storm-related decisions regarding the interruption/closure of businesses and issues related to their employees. Employers will encounter individualized issues, but we provide the following checklist of some general considerations for employers who face business interruptions and closures. Continue Reading Checklist of Employment Considerations in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

Another press release from the Louisiana Department of Revenue website:

Date: September 6, 2005

BATON ROUGE- The Department of Revenue is granting tax relief to those taxpayers who are unable to file tax returns or make tax payments because of the effects of Hurricane Katrina, announced Revenue Secretary Cynthia Bridges.

Under the authority of Louisiana Revised Statute 47:1514, the state is granting:

* a 30-day extension of time to file or make payments for sales tax returns due September 20, 2005, and
* a 60-day extension of time to file or make payments for other taxes, except income, that would otherwise be due August 30th through September 30th. Continue Reading Louisiana Department of Revenue to Grant Tax Relief to Hurricane Victims

From the Louisiana Department of Revenue website:

Date: September 6, 2005

BATON ROUGE- At the request of the Louisiana Policy Jury Association, the Louisiana Department of Revenue has established an address to accept tax returns and payments for four parishes in the Metropolitan New Orleans area that cannot receive mail due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. Businesses in the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines should remit returns and payments to the following address:

P.O. Box 91138, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9138

The Department will assure that the returns are delivered to the correct local tax authorities. Assistance is also being sought from the Louisiana Association of Tax Administrators, an organization that represents the interests of local tax collecting agencies.

Additional information may be obtained by calling any of the following offices of the Department: Alexandria Regional Office, (318) 487-5333; Baton Rouge Headquarters, (225) 219-7318 or (225) 219-0102; Baton Rouge Regional Office, (225) 922-2300; Lafayette Regional Office, (337) 262-5455; Lake Charles Regional Office, (337) 491-2504.