In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, many companies are seeking ways to operate not just for profit, but also for a purpose. Arizona has embraced this movement through its recognition of Benefit Corporations, a...more
On March 21, 2025, FinCEN issued an interim final rule declaring that U.S. companies are no longer included in the definition of a “reporting company” under the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). This means that U.S....more
Divorce is an emotional and complex process, but one important aspect that often gets overlooked is your estate plan. If you don’t update it, your estranged spouse could still inherit your assets or make crucial financial and...more
There has been a recent development in the ongoing ride that is the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). A U.S. District Court ruling as of February 18, 2025 put the CTA back into effect with a filing deadline of March 21,...more
2/24/2025
/ Beneficial Owner ,
Business Entities ,
Compliance ,
Corporate Governance ,
Corporate Transparency Act ,
Filing Deadlines ,
FinCEN ,
Regulatory Requirements ,
Reporting Requirements ,
Small Business ,
U.S. Treasury
As we enter 2025, it’s important to stay informed about the current federal estate and gift tax laws, including annual exclusion limits and significant changes anticipated by the end of this year.
Annual Exclusion Amount-...more
1/9/2025
/ Beneficiaries ,
Charitable Donations ,
Estate Planning ,
Estate Tax ,
Exclusions ,
Exemptions ,
Federal Taxes ,
Financial Planning ,
Gift Tax ,
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) ,
Irrevocable Trusts ,
SLAT ,
Tax Liability ,
Tax Planning ,
Trusts
“In light of a recent federal court order, reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN and are not subject to liability if they fail to do so while the order remains in...more
1/7/2025
/ Appeals ,
Beneficial Owner ,
Business Entities ,
Corporate Transparency Act ,
FinCEN ,
Injunctions ,
Preliminary Injunctions ,
Reporting Requirements ,
Stays ,
U.S. Treasury ,
Vacated
The Fifth Circuit has removed the nationwide injunction concerning Corporate Transparency Act reporting. The Fifth Circuit’s decision overrides the earlier nationwide relief granted by the district court. Litigation will...more
Many people create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure smooth estate distribution. However, these benefits only apply if you properly “fund” your trust, meaning you must transfer assets...more
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) plays a vital role in protecting the U.S. and international financial systems, as well as people across the country, from illicit finance threats like terrorist financing, drug...more
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, and requires certain entities – primarily smaller and unregulated companies – to file a report identifying beneficial owners...more
Many people think that estate planning is just about what happens when someone dies. However, an equally-important part of estate planning is ensuring that you are cared for while you are still alive. If you become...more
Whether I’m working on a business transaction or assisting business owners with their estate planning, I always look at how the ownership of the LLC is structured. While many business owners have set up a revocable living...more
When forming your LLC, you may wonder the importance of specifying your company’s “purpose,” and may be tempted to provide a hasty response or use a generic phrase such as “any purpose authorized by law.” The reason defining...more
Adding an adult child as a joint owner of a parent’s bank account seems like a simple and straightforward solution that allows the child to help care for mom or dad without the expense or hassle of preparing powers of...more
One of the best things about working with someone or a couple on their estate plan is that a primary goal is usually to take care of their children, grandchildren, and other loved ones. I enjoy getting to know the families,...more
If you’re like most people, there is a laundry list of things you’d rather do than think about your estate plan. While it can be a challenging area to discuss, your estate plan is essential to ensure you and your family are...more
5/11/2020
/ Advance Health Care Directive ,
Conservators ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Estate Planning ,
Guardians ,
Living Trust ,
Living Will ,
Personal Representatives ,
Power of Attorney ,
Probate ,
Revocable Trusts ,
Settlors ,
Trustees ,
Wills
JW Way Fundamental #5: Listen Fully.
"Listening is more than simply not speaking. Give others your undivided attention. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Listen with focus. Most importantly, listen to...more
Taking the time to complete your health care power of attorney and living will is a great step toward ensuring that your health care wishes will be followed if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. A health care...more
If you’re like many people, you have not put much thought into who will make your health care decisions if you are unable or what kinds of decisions might need to be made. However, during these unprecedented times, you may...more
The New Arizona Limited Liability Company Act (the “New LLC Act”) will impact all Arizona limited liability companies this year. The Arizona Limited Liability Company Act was recently amended. For any Arizona LLC formed on or...more
Selecting a Guardian for Your Children -
You put so much thought into caring for your children - finding the best doctors, the healthiest foods, and the schools that best suit their personalities. But if you are like many...more
When You Hear the Term “Estate Planning”, Do You Think:
“I don’t need an estate plan because I don’t have very much,”
“My wishes are simple, I can just jot down what I need,”
“I know someone who said they used a Will...more
10/17/2019
/ Advance Directives ,
Asset Protection ,
Beneficiary Designations ,
Distribution Rules ,
Estate Planning ,
Estate Tax ,
Guardians ,
Minors ,
Probate ,
Special Needs Children ,
Trustees
As a new parent, you naturally want to ensure your new baby’s future in every way. For many new parents, infancy is a time for celebrating new life, and making a will is the last thing on their minds. For others, the process...more