Tough Law Firm Blog

Official data from the Texas Department of State Health services shows the staggering toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lone Star State with more than 700,000 confirmed cases and 15,000 fatalities as of September 24, 2020.

What many Texans might not know, however, is that since March 13, when there were just 30 confirmed cases and no deaths, the state has been under a disaster declaration. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued the March emergency order in response to the coronavirus under the powers granted to him by the Texas Disaster Act. He has renewed the disaster declaration every 30 days since the initial order, with the latest renewal on September 7.

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and the biggest gift-giving days of the year are almost upon us, making this an ideal time to discuss the legalities of gift giving. Most of us know there are some "gifts" you can't legally give. You can't give away your kids, you can't offer a "gift" ( i.e., bribe) to a government official, and while actual monetary limits vary, your work probably won't allow you to accept a large gift either. Even personal gift giving has some legal issues involved -— make sure you are ready to give and receive gifts this holiday season, or any time of year.