In the absence of proper planning, the death of an owner of a closely held business may lead to an estate tax liability that can devastate the business, even with the increased federal estate and gift tax exemption under the 2017 tax legislation.
All the major asset classes have delivered solid returns so far this year, even in the face of intensifying geopolitical tensions and slowing global growth. Looking at the second half of the year, expect the global growth slowdown to persist, with some geographic divergence. A backdrop of lower rates, moderate inflation, and fiscal and monetary policy actions should help extend the long expansion. However, the trade disputes present the biggest risk and could weaken the outlook.
If you are a global family and are considering an investment in the United States, you may have questions about the U.S. tax rules. Through a series of 10 key questions, answers are provided to help the non-U.S. individual investor better understand the U.S. tax system. Other takeaways, including reporting obligations and privacy concerns, may help mitigate the unintended application of U.S. tax.
Your household employees are necessary and helpful, but they present a risk, be it from accidents, reckless behavior, or bad intentions. While there is no way to minimize the concerns entirely, establishing clear communication, crisp policies, and appropriate checks and balances can prevent, or at least decrease most issues. We’ve created a checklist of important steps to head off problems with domestic employees.
After seeing too many festivities ruined by the late arrival of tort lawyers, it’s time to pause the celebration preparation and review how to minimize the risks. Whether the planning is for a wedding, graduation party, fundraiser, or summer soiree, it’s important to prepare for what can (and often does) go wrong at celebrations and know how to mitigate the likelihood of that happening.
With safety at the top of the priority list when flying on an aircraft, there are 10 questions to ask and things to understand to ensure the safest private aviation solution for you and your family. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and enjoy total peace of mind, knowing you and your loved ones are in the safest hands possible while traveling more efficiently and conveniently on private flights.
Families that have accumulated significant assets want to know how to best prepare the rising generation to help them maximize the benefits available to them, while also minimizing the unique challenges that occur when navigating the world of wealth. Younger family members may have different approaches when it comes to wealth. Understanding where these approaches come from is essential when creating an effective family education program. To engage family members of all ages, with disparate beliefs and approaches to money, the best place to start is with what matters most: values.
Talking about wealth is every bit as important as creating a technical wealth plan—if not more so. Preparing a wealth transfer plan without helping your loved ones understand how to manage those assets in their own lives leaves the true process of sharing wealth incomplete and subject to real, but avoidable, risks. In this guide, you’ll find ways to have productive conversations that give your loved ones a clear understanding of what financial assets they will receive and how to manage them well.
Finding professional service providers—including lawyers and certified accountants—can be difficult. Challenges include working with excessive complexity, conflicts of interest, and dramatic changes within the legal and accounting business model. But there are ways to address the challenges and make the most of your professional relationships.
Millions of new jobs have been created since 2010, with unemployment close to its lowest level since the late 60s. Though the U.S. has experienced one of the longest economic expansions ever, wage growth has been modest. Technological innovation and the impact of the Great Recession has altered labor market dynamics.