What’s the right entity type for your new business?
Start-ups must choose a legal entity for their business activities. The type of entity you select affects how the business is taxed and who may be held personally liable for its debts and obligations, among other things. Two popular options — assuming you’re going into business with one or more other people — are S […]
Proper planning can ease the pain of the probate process
When a loved one passes away, settling his or her financial affairs can be an emotional and complex task. One legal process that often comes into play is probate. Understanding how probate works — and implementing strategies to minimize or avoid it — can help you protect your assets and simplify matters for your family […]
Don’t let the IRS treat your sideline as a hobby
Do you operate a side gig in addition to your regular day job? Whether you’ve turned a love for crafting into an online store or you play the guitar at a local venue, you’ll need to report the income from your sideline activity on your tax return. But can you deduct the related expenses? The […]
Qualified disclaimers help your estate plan change with the times
Estate planning is intended to help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. But circumstances can change in ways that are difficult to predict. A qualified disclaimer allows disclaimed assets to pass from a primary beneficiary to a contingent beneficiary without negative tax consequences. This flexibility can be beneficial in a variety […]
Demystifying like-kind exchanges
If you’re a real estate developer or a small business owner who owns commercial real estate, you might be thinking about selling a property. If it has appreciated significantly, a Section 1031 like-kind exchange may allow you to defer tax on some or all of the gain. With this transaction, you exchange one property for […]
A trust protector can help ensure that your trust will fulfill your goals
Your estate plan should be flexible enough to adapt to changing laws, family circumstances and financial situations. If it includes an irrevocable trust, there’s a risk that the trustee will be unwilling (or unable) to make appropriate moves in response to changes. A trust protector can provide the needed flexibility and mitigate other risks that […]
Self-employed? Don’t overlook valuable tax deductions
If you’re self-employed, you probably have questions about deducting business expenses on your federal income tax return. Here’s a quick overview of the filing requirements for sole proprietors and independent contractors, and five examples of expense deductions that are commonly overlooked or misunderstood. Filing basics Sole proprietors and independent contractors must report their business activity […]