Planning emerges as a critical element when considering the sustainability of a business, especially amidst unforeseen circumstances. Companies warrant attention and strategic foresight. Approximately 20% of businesses in the United States experience ownership transitions each year, substantiating the importance of calculated ownership transition strategies. This is particularly relevant for enterprises with numerous Read More

Under The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, which was part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2021, the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) was made into law and requires a certain number of business entities to prepare and file “beneficial ownership” information with the Treasury Department, particularly the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network “(FinCEN”). CTA was designed and passed to promote Read More

For high-net-worth business owners and entrepreneurs, the stakes are high when exiting your business – whether planned or unplanned. Having a succession plan is paramount to ensure your business will transition and be passed on consistent with your wishes. Buy-sell and other similar agreements are critical to ensure your business goes to those you have chosen – in the event of an unexpected death or disability. These Read More

  Choosing the proper jurisdiction for your business is paramount, especially in the ever-evolving global economy. There are countless considerations, from tax implications to regulatory landscapes. However, one critical factor stands out above the rest: asset protection. Titans have often championed the importance of smart financial decisions, and choosing the proper jurisdiction for your business lands nicely Read More

Asset Protection Planning and Insurance Planning work hand-in-hand to protect you, your family and your business: one without the other makes you vulnerable and susceptible to unnecessary risks. Your legal structure should be underpinned by the proper property, casualty, commercial, and life (and health) insurances. The risk of unexpected or untimely death is inherent to every business owner. Not having enough cash Read More

From time to time, clients anticipating the sale of their business or other large liquidity events will ask me about the Puerto Rican tax regime and the potential tax benefits of moving there. For those willing to actually move there and for those who can develop or transfer their income to Puerto Rican-sourced income, the tax savings can be incredible. Here is a helpful article in Forbes found here that discusses Read More

SLATs are a fairly new estate planning tool – used to transfer assets out of an individual’s taxable estate to take advantage of the current lifetime exemption amount. There has been much written about them, including the following articles in or by: Fidelity; Northwestern Mutual; Forbes; and Wells Fargo. SLATs are irrevocable trusts and ostensibly cannot be changed (although substituting assets is Read More

In times (or anticipated times) of economic instability and uncertainty, it is important to assess and evaluate your business and your asset holdings – where and how they are held. Litigation risk increases as economic certainty decreases (see 2023 Annual Litigation Trends Survey). We have seen a number of businesses use litigation more as a strategy – than a means of resolving a legitimate dispute. Protecting your Read More

This past January 9-13, I attended the annual Heckerling Institute of Estate Planning. It is the preeminent Estate Planning conference in the country. Attorneys and experts from around the country gather to discuss the most relevant and cutting-edge planning topics and techniques, which also include Tax and Charitable Planning. One particular seminar was called “It’s a Nice Place to Visit, but Do you Want to Live Read More

Tax Savings While the winter doldrums persist – there are many things about which to look forward. Today marks the last month in Q1 2023. Unless extended – every pass-through entity you own is required to file its tax return. Certain tax-savings activities had to be completed before for the end of Q4 2022; however, there are still tax-savings strategies available. Many of you already have Defined Contribution Plans Read More