A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an easily created corporate structure with many uses. It might be right for an individual looking to pass on a vacation property to their family. When an inherited piece of property is especially desirable, using an LLC to allow...
Trusted Counsel From A Tax Strategist Who Grew Up In Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor Estate Planning And Probate Law Blog
3 ways to reduce or avoid estate taxes
You worked hard to be able to leave a legacy behind for those you hold dear, but, depending on how large your estate is, your loved ones may stand to lose a sizable portion of it to estate taxes. In some cases, you may be able to reduce or even eliminate your estate...
How to handle a boundary dispute with your neighbor
Do you have a conflict with neighbors about exactly where your property begins and theirs ends? Boundaries do not always follow existing fence lines or current usage, which can lead to misunderstandings and cause problems between homeowners. Take these steps if a...
3 questions to ask when choosing a special needs trustee
Having a friend or relative with a disability may complicate your estate planning process. After all, if you give cash or other assets to your loved one, you may inadvertently make him or her ineligible for Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid and other means-tested...
Should you sell your business to an employee?
If you own a business and want to plan for your retirement, you can think about liquidating your company or selling it. If you have hard-working, loyal employees, you may want to give one of them the right of first refusal. But is this the best business decision for...
How may tax issues affect selling my business?
Business owners considering the sale of their enterprise in Washington State generally need to resolve any outstanding tax issues. For example, if your business has past-due tax liabilities, a potential buyer may not want to take on those debts. The Internal Revenue...
Is a special needs trust right for your disabled child?
If you have a child with special needs, you may worry about his or her care after your death. While you may use your estate plan to leave assets to your son or daughter, doing so may render him or her ineligible for vital needs-based government benefits. To ensure...
Pass on property, bypass probate with a transfer-on-death deed
When you own a property in Washington and want to leave it to a loved one after your death, one way to do so involves something called a transfer-on-death deed. A way to leave your home behind to someone without listing it in a will, the transfer-on-death deed offers...
Estate planning challenges for blended families
While estate planning is important for everyone, it is of particular concern if you are part of a blended family. You or your spouse may have children from a previous relationship as well as with each other. If you do not have an estate plan or it is insufficiently...
Avoid these 5 common mistakes during a tax audit
While a tax audit can seem daunting, cooperating with the IRS can help the process go as smoothly as possible. You should closely follow the instructions you receive on all official communications about your audit. These five errors can prolong the process of your...