IRS provides gift tax reporting relief for Sec. 530A account contributions
Section 530A accounts, also known as “Trump accounts,” are available for contributions as of July 4, 2026. Created by last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, they’re custodial, tax-advantaged accounts opened by a parent or guardian for an eligible child under age 18. In late June, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2026-25, which, among other things, […]
Selecting a tax accounting method for your small business
Small business owners must answer an important question: Should we use the cash or accrual accounting method for federal income tax purposes? Larger entities are required to use the accrual method. But certain small businesses can elect to use the cash method. You may want to consider this option if it will help lower your […]
Is a joint trust better than separate trusts? Not necessarily
A single joint living trust with your spouse can simplify the management of shared assets, but separate trusts may offer enhanced asset protection and tax planning opportunities. Which option is right for your estate plan depends on a variety of factors, including your and your spouse’s combined assets, financial goals, family circumstances and applicable state […]
The Heirs’ Property Tax Relief Act, passed this spring and is expected to help families avoid unexpected tax spikes
A recent law, the Heirs’ Property Tax Relief Act, passed last May may help provide relief to families in South Carolina addressing transfer of heirs’ property issues – which is land passed down through generations without a clear will or updated title, leaving families vulnerable during crisis. According to Aaron Dixon, a writer for WTOC, […]
12 Merline & Meacham Attorneys Named 2026 Legal Elite of South Carolina
We are proud to share that 12 Merline & Meacham attorneys have been named 2026 Legal Elite of South Carolina! As the only regional awards program open to all active attorneys in the state, this honor is determined exclusively by peer voting. We are especially grateful to our peers for naming us the Top Vote […]
Merline & Meacham, P.A. is Nominated for Greenville Business Magazine’s 2026 Best in Business
We are honored to announce that Merline & Meacham, P.A. has been nominated for Greenville Business Magazine’s 2026 Best in Business awards. We are up for recognition in three categories under Professional Services: Best Corporate Law Firm, Best Law Firm, and Best Tax Law Firm. Our team is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve […]
Merline & Meacham, P.A Receives Prestigious Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law
Merline & Meacham, P.A. is pleased to announce that our firm is Top Ranked in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law. Established in 1970, we are a premier boutique law firm that focuses on providing sophisticated trust & estate, merger & acquisition, business, succession, tax, and wealth-transfer […]
Robert E. August earns a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law
Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Robert E. August has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law. Bob is widely recognized for his profound mastery of complex mergers and acquisitions, intricate estate planning and administration, and specialized taxation matters […]
Douglas O’Neal earns a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law
Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Douglas O’Neal has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law. Doug is renowned for guiding individuals and businesses through complex estate planning and sophisticated business entity matters. With a unique blend of creative […]
Keith G. Meacham earns a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law
Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Keith G. Meacham has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law. As a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law and Estate Planning and Probate Law, Keith provides customized estate planning, probate law, complex estate […]