Minnesota Deed Registry Tax Update

October 4, 2019  |  Tammy J. Schemmel

The Minnesota Department of Revenue recently announced a change to how Deed Taxes are calculated, effective for deeds recorded in Minnesota beginning January 1, 2020. While the minimum deed tax amount remains $1.65 for non-exempt transactions, the threshold or minimum net consideration was increased from $500.00, to $3,000.00. See Minnesota Statute 287.21(b). Connect with a professional Real Estate attorney at Barna, Guzy & Steffen in Coon Rapids, MN for all of your real property legal needs.

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A Practical Look at Arbitration as a Growing Trend

September 27, 2019  |  Joan M. Quade

In the 30-some years that I have been a lawyer, there have been many changes in the way companies do business and in how disputes are resolved. In that same period, however, I have not seen the same depth and breadth of changes in the court system. I have been a litigator representing businesses and individuals in all kinds of cases. I have been an advocate for clients in jury trials both short and long, court trials, mediations and arbitrations. I am also now a mediator and an arbitrator. Companies are now doing business at the speed of email and have global and international goals and inspirations. They have 30, 60 and 90-day business plans. When a company has a dispute, their lawyer must tell them that it will take about a year to get to trial to resolve that dispute, and longer if you are in federal court. It is not surprising that clients find this timetable and its inherit price tag unacceptable. During that year they need representation through a legal process that has been in place in the court system for longer than I have been an attorney. The process involves exchanging discovery documents, responding to Interrogatories, taking and defending depositions, preparing and arguing motions and preparations for trial. It…

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BGS Attorney Named to New Minnesota Trucking Association Foundation Board

September 3, 2019  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Barna Guzy & Steffen is pleased to announce that shareholder Carole Clark Isakson has been invited to join the newly formed board of directors for the Minnesota Trucking Association Foundation (the MTAF). Through the Foundation the MTA will better support and promote its strategic objectives: safety, workforce development, efficiency & innovation and leadership in Minnesota’s trucking industry. With almost three decades of representing trucking companies based in Minnesota, Isakson looks forward to being a contributing member of the MTAF and its operation. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation the MTAF will develop and operate programs that promote safe driving, help meet driver needs, and assist the industry with logistics needs. Did you know that in Minnesota 78{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of total manufactured tonnage is transported by truck? Or that 68{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of Minnesota communities depend exclusively on trucks to move their goods? Truck transportation plays a huge role in Minnesota’s economy, and the MTA’s formation of a charitable foundation will provide yet another vehicle for improving not only the industry, but the lives of those involved as employees and customers alike. Isakson is looking forward to her role with the MTAF, and BGS is proud to continue to support this important industry

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