In this week’s small business focus, we’re talking to someone who was perfectly positioned to help small businesses when the shutdown happened. Regina Unegovsky is the founding attorney of Regal Tax & Law. They’re tax controversy specialists that help businesses out with issues like wage garnishments, bank levies, income tax penalties, and bankruptcy. Basically, if owning someone money is stressing out a client, Regina helps slay those dragons.
Regina closely followed what was happening with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in Washington, DC. The minute it was approved, she acted. Regina recognized that the provisions within the CARES Act would have a profound impact on her clients. She started reviewing older returns and getting client refunds right away. It helped get cash into the hands of her clients long before government relief loan funds had gone out.
As the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) portions of the CARES Act started to take effect, Regina was ready to help clients maintain their payroll and take on that cheaper debt.
Now, she’s working with clients to figure out what’s next. Funds are running out for many small businesses. She’s helping them navigate the difficult decisions like bankruptcy or litigation against non-paying vendors. Regina is also finding them relief from tax debt and helping them renegotiate settlement programs.
Advice for Business Owners
Her best advice for business owners is that this may not be it. There could be a second wave of financial pressure and business owners need to think ahead. The deal to avoid rent now will eventually be due.
Regina thinks many people may consider bankruptcy and if they do, she says get a lot of opinions and get them now.
“Most professionals will give you half an hour or something to get their view. Use this. People are mostly happy to share a little bit of knowledge. Do this ahead of any problem so you have the resources,” said Regina. “You go to the dentist when you notice something wrong, you don’t wait for the root canal. Procrastination is not a strategy.”
As for Regal Tax and Law, Regina is looking towards the future. As a smaller firm, she is already operating lean and mean. She recognizes bigger firms may be laying off quality talent and she’s ready to expand if the right person comes along.
Regal Tax & Law is just one of the many small businesses in the Towne Advisory circle that quickly pivoted and prepared to help clients in the midst of a crisis. For more small business success stories, check out how SchillerLearning began offering options for parents forced into home school. Or how the Wine & Liquor Mart evolved their business to deal with COVID-19. There’s also Security & Cabling Solutions, which is offering safety options for businesses moving forward.