A Crummey Trust Can Preserve the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion

Traditionally, taxpayers have looked for ways to make the most of the $14,000 annual gift tax exclusion, and using a Crummey trust is one way to do that. But with the federal gift and estate tax exemption currently at an inflation-adjusted $5.49 million and the possibility of an estate tax repeal, it may seem that the […]Continue reading

Critical Connection: How Costs Impact Pricing

As we head toward year end, your company may be reviewing its business strategy for 2017 or devising plans for 2018. As you do so, be sure to give some attention to the prices you’re asking for your existing products and services, as well as those you plan to launch in the near future. The […]Continue reading

Disruptive Innovations in Estate Planning (Electronic Wills)

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATIONS IN ESTATE PLANNING (Electronic Wills) BY THEUS LAW OFFICES A new disruptive innovation is on the horizon in the area of estate planning, namely electronic wills. An electronic will is one that is digitally (not physically) signed and stored electronically. Traditionally, all parties to a will (the testator, two witnesses and a notary) must [...]Continue reading

Tax Law Uncertainty Requires an Estate Plan That Can Roll with the Changes

Events of the last decade have taught us that taxes are anything but certain. Case in point: Congress is mulling abolishing gift and estate taxes as part of tax reform. So how can people who hope to still have long lifespans ahead of them plan their estates when the tax landscape may look dramatically different […]Continue reading

Bridging The Divide With A Mezzanine Loan

In their efforts to grow and succeed, many companies eventually reach the edge of a precipice. Across the divide lies a big step forward — perhaps the acquisition of a competitor or the purchase of a new property — but, financially, there’s no way across. The money is just not there. One way to bridge […]Continue reading

ABCs of HSAs: How an HSA Can Benefit Your Estate Plan

One health care arrangement that has been soaring in popularity in recent years has been the pairing of a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). The good news is that not only does an HSA provide a tax-advantaged way to pay for health care costs, but it also can help you […]Continue reading

THE COST OF A REVOCABLE TRUST IN LOUISIANA (Does It Measure Out?)

THE COST OF A REVOCABLE TRUST IN LOUISIANA (Does It Measure Out?) BY THEUS LAW OFFICES Mrs. Gladys Holsum received an invitation to a free educational seminar about estate planning. At the seminar, after a long parade of horribles, Gladys was told she needed a revocable trust to avoid an impending calamity. She was told that [...]Continue reading

Don’t Let “Founder’s Syndrome” Impede Your Succession Plan

Are you the founder of your company? If so, congratulations — you’ve created something truly amazing! And it’s more than understandable that you’d want to protect your legacy: the company you created. But, as time goes on, it becomes increasingly important that you give serious thought to a succession plan. When this topic comes up, […]Continue reading

Charitable Giving Pièce de Résistance: Artwork Donations

Charitable giving is a key part of estate planning for many people. If you’re among them and own valuable works of art, they may be ideal candidates for charitable donations during your life. Generally, it’s advantageous to donate appreciated property because, in addition to gaining a valuable tax deduction, you can avoid capital gains taxes. […]Continue reading

How Profitable are Your Customers?

“We love our customers!” Every business owner says it. But all customers aren’t created equal, and it’s in your strategic interest to know which customers are really strengthening your bottom line and by how much. Sorting Out the Data If your business systems track individual customer purchases, and your accounting system has good cost accounting […]Continue reading

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