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Important IRS Update: Significant Interest Penalty Increase for Tax Underpayments

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently announced a critical change that could significantly impact taxpayers who underpay their taxes. This update is particularly relevant as we approach the next tax filing season. Previously, the IRS charged a 3% interest penalty on estimated tax underpayments. However, this rate has now been increased to a substantial

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Will Inflation Hurt Stock Returns? Not Necessarily

Investors may wonder whether stock returns will suffer if inflation keeps rising. Here’s some good news: Inflation isn’t necessarily bad news for stocks. A look at equity performance in the past three decades does not show any reliable connection between periods of high (or low) inflation and US stock returns. Since 1993, one-year returns on

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Maximize Your Charitable Impact with These Four Strategies

As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect opportunity to rethink how you give to charity. This is important for managing how much tax you pay and how much help reaches those in need. Here are four effective strategies: Need Guidance? Reach Out to Us! These strategies are just a starting point. There

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Put It In Inc.: Using Corporate Formation to Shield Assets

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Category: Asset Protection Business Law Business Planning

Without the proper protection, a single claim against a person’s business can cause financial ruin for the owner. Importantly, a person’s business extends to more activities than you may think. If you have a partnership, small business, or even a hobby that earns you money, consider following the asset protection strategies offered in this recent article.

First, if you have a partnership, consider incorporating it. As the article explains, “business partnerships are ticking time bombs.” This is because a partnership is akin to a joint account, in that actions taken independently by your partner may affect you as well.

If your partner faces a personal liability lawsuit, the plaintiff could seek to collect against all of your assets as well. Conversely, the owners and managers of other business forms such as LLCs and corporations do not face personal liability for claims against the entity or each other.

Similarly, if you have a small business, hobby, or part time job for which you are self-employed, consider incorporating that as well. Again, the incorporation will shield the business assets from claims against you personally. It will also shield you personally from claims made against your business.

Circle of Life: Live Events That Affect Your Asset Protection

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Category: Asset Protection Business Law Business Planning Incapacity Planning

Asset protection planning does not happen all at once. Rather, an individual’s or family’s asset protection strategies should grow and evolve with them. A recent article discusses several life events that should prompt an individual or family to revisit their asset protection strategies.

  1. A Run-In With The Law: As wealth advisory manager Heather J. Swob explains, “If you’re in a potential liability situation, the advisor should be kept aware. While there are look-back provisions that might keep you from moving assets, the advisor can still provide some valuable advice.”  In addition to advice, it may not be too late to plan.
  2. Engaging in a Business Transaction:  Business owners and investors get sued.  Whether it’s a Partnership dispute, a lender’s claim, an employee lawsuit or some other claim, it’s wise to protect your assets before the onset of such a liability.
  3. A Struggle With Addiction: Although it may be embarrassing or difficult to discuss that you or a family member is struggling with addiction, it is important for your advisor to know what to look out for. According to Swob, “estate documents should be reviewed to keep assets out of the [addicted family member’s] control in the event of a sudden death.”
  4. You Are Experiencing Dementia or Other Deterioration of Mental Condition: If you are experiencing the early stages of dementia or other mental illness, time is of the essence. Once your mental capacity is affected, you may no longer be able to sign off on important documents that you have been putting off, such as a financial power of attorney.