Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) offers business owners significant federal tax benefits of exclusion of up to $10 million or ten times the stock’s basis in capital gains, whichever is greater. The stock must be held for...more
The recent death of legendary actor, Gene Hackman, age 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, age 65, has brought attention to the complexities surrounding their estate and illustrates the need for proper estate planning. At his...more
It may take just 3 Republicans in the U.S. House to defeat a new Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) extension and exactly 3 of the 12 Republicans, who voted against the TCJA in 2017, have been reelected to the U.S. House....more
Gallup reports that 7.6% of U.S. adults currently identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual orientation other than heterosexual. While this figure represents a growing trend, individuals...more
Estate planning is a lot like putting together a puzzle. The client provides you with their box lid showing what they want the ultimate result of their plan to look like. Then, estate planners are tasked to identify and...more
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) was originally signed into law on December 20, 2019. The Act simplifies the process for businesses to establish “safe harbor” retirement plans, making...more
The Murdoch heirs are battling over control of their multi-billion-dollar media empire. Adding to the complexity, the fight involves an irrevocable trust which Rupert Murdoch created in 1999. He executed the trust after...more
Understanding the nuances of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.) is crucial for effective estate planning and tax strategy. For example, estate planners must be familiar with the tax basis adjustment provisions in 26 U.S.C. §...more
Many wealthy families in the US and worldwide utilize family offices to manage their assets and various other needs. In March 2024, CNBC reported that the number of family offices topped 4,500 last year, managing over $6...more
Hard-working Americans spend a lifetime trying to obtain financial stability and to then provide a financial legacy for their families. Often, the strategy to achieve such goals involves the funding of individual retirement...more
As AI increasingly becomes part of our everyday lives, individuals and families are exploring the use of AI programs to prepare estate plans. The answer to whether AI can be used for this purpose is, of course, yes. AI...more
In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Connelly v. United States will require closely-held business owners to reconsider their current buy-sell arrangement in order to avoid additional federal estate...more
6/14/2024
/ Buy-Sell Agreements ,
Closely Held Businesses ,
Connelly v United States ,
Contract Terms ,
Estate Planning ,
Estate Tax ,
Fair Market Value ,
IRS ,
Life Insurance ,
Redemption Agreement ,
SCOTUS ,
Small Business
As Trump era estate tax cuts are likely coming to an end in 2025, wealthy business owners are increasingly utilizing Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) to significantly save the family taxes when they are gone....more
As of April 1, 2024, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has implemented significant changes to its insurance coverage limits, particularly affecting trust accounts. These adjustments aim to simplify coverage...more
In December 2023, the Supreme Court considered the fundamental question: “How is income defined?” Moore v. United States centered on the question of taxation of unrealized income. Unrealized income is defined as a gain that...more
In addition to employer-sponsored retirement accounts such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans, many people choose to save additional retirement assets in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Regardless of your stage in life, it is...more
During a two-day trial last summer, a Michigan jury concluded that a handwritten note penned by Aretha Franklin in 2014, found in a drawing book beneath sofa cushions in her home, holds legal validity as a will. The jury...more
Wealthy American families are rushing to relinquish wealth before the end of 2025 when Trump’s 2017 estate tax cuts are set to expire. Families with a net worth of approximately $10 million or higher are working with their...more
The Secure 2.0 Act (Secure 2.0), a sweeping retirement bill included in Division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, was a major bipartisan accomplishment of the 117th Congress. The bill included 82 provisions...more
9/25/2023
/ 401k ,
403(b) Plans ,
457(b) Plans ,
Compliance ,
Congressional Budget Office ,
Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) ,
Employee Contributions ,
Employer Contributions ,
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) ,
IRS ,
Retirement Plan ,
Roth IRA ,
SECURE Act ,
U.S. Treasury
The Corporate Transparency Act of 2020 (CTA) passed through Congress on Jan. 2, 2021. The CTA was enacted to prevent companies from being able to conceal ownership of businesses where concealment could facilitate illicit...more
For more than 130 years, Ohio has strictly prohibited postnuptial agreements and spouses were not able to enter into agreements with each other that altered their spousal rights. Additionally, Ohio has restricted amendments...more
Federal regulators took over Silicon Valley Bank after shutting it down on Friday – two days after SVB’s announcement that it had lost almost $2 billion in Treasury bonds. The bank, which caters to many of the world’s most...more
QUALITY MATTERS -
The other day, my hot water tank broke. At first, I just thought the pilot light went out. I was easily able to follow the directions to get the pilot light back on, but the water didn’t heat up. So, I went...more
If probate is needed, the process usually begins soon after a loved one passes away. The probate process can be long, stressful, and expensive. Some family members are able to manage it on their own without an attorney, but...more
At the very end of 2022, President Biden signed the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package which includes the SECURE 2.0 Act. SECURE 2.0 builds on The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019...more