Report from Counsel When you write a will and living trust, you have control over how your assets will be distributed after your death. However, if someone in your family disputes plan, a probate court judge could end up with the final say over who gets your property. Emotions run high when someone dies. If family members aren’t … Read more
All businesses with 100 or more employees and federal contractors with 50 or more employees must submit their 2018 pay data to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by Sept. 30, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., has decided. The information, which must include how much each employer paid workers of various sexes, races … Read more
A land trust is a private legal agreement that transfers a property title from the owner to a trustee. The trustee agrees to hold that title for the benefit of another party. The creator of the trust, known as the trustor, is typically the primary beneficiary for their lifetime. This party retains complete use of … Read more
Generally speaking, estate planning laws were designed for the traditional nuclear family, a married couple with kids. But according to the 2010 U.S. Census, such families are less than 50 percent of the total. Non-traditional families, including single parents, blended families and unwed partners, need to pay particular attention to their estate plans to avoid … Read more
Vacation rentals, whether near the ski slopes or on the beach, can be a great way to create memories with family and friends. It’s never been easier to find the perfect place at an affordable price thanks to websites like Airbnb and VRBO. As with everything else, though, there are potential legal issues you want … Read more
Annual or semi-annual employee reviews can be helpful in documenting worker issues to justify actions you might take, and in protecting yourself against potential lawsuits by disgruntled workers. They also can help your workforce identify ways to improve its productivity and professionalism. But if you go about the review process the wrong way, you may … Read more
You have the next big idea and need some cash to make it happen. Crowdfunding campaigns, such as Kickstarter and IndieGogGo, can be effective ways to get a boost, offering contributors a reward in exchange for a financial contribution to the future of your business. Before you jump in, it’s important to be aware that … Read more
For a limited time, investors can help reinvigorate distressed communities while deferring capital gains on profits earned elsewhere. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created the Qualified Opportunity Zone program in order to offer tax incentives for investment in economically blighted communities. When you invest in an Opportunity Zone, you can defer and possibly … Read more
In light of the increased basic standard deduction for income tax returns, many people whose annual charitable giving and other itemized standard deductions do not reach the itemization threshold are considering ways to continue to financially support their church or organization. One idea is for individuals to make a large gift of appreciated stock “in-kind” … Read more
If you are age 72 (or turn age 72 this year), you are required to take minimum distributions (“RMDs”) each year from your regular IRA and you have to pay income tax on those distributions. However, individuals who choose to make qualified charitable distributions (“QCDs”) which reduce the amount they are required to withdraw by … Read more