On April 9, the Trump administration announced a 90-day pause on what it had termed “reciprocal tariffs” for nearly 60 countries plus the European Union, while leaving in place a minimum 10% tariff rate that applies to nearly all imported goods. The reaction to that news has not been of relief, but rather uncertainty and…
In late February, the White House issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum outlining its objectives for welcoming international investment in the U.S. and strengthening its private and public capital markets. However, while affirming its commitment to maintaining an open investment environment, the memorandum acknowledges that foreign investment can be accompanied by national security threats. It…
With the uncertainty surrounding the future of the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, which is set to be cut in half if the applicable provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire, many people are exploring their options for reducing the size of their estates to avoid paying federal estate taxes. Rising…
After declines in the number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2022 and 2023, 2024 was expected to mark a year of significant growth. Although the pace of deals did increase last year, the anticipated rebound did not fully come to pass, thanks to a challenging regulatory environment that impeded some of the largest proposed…
Bitcoin, the world’s most well-known cryptocurrency, was invented in 2008 as a form of decentralized digital currency that has soared in value since individuals first started buying and trading it. While its overall volatility tends to limit its use as payment for transactions, many investors have begun incorporating cryptocurrency into their portfolios to take advantage…
In a major update today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a stay of the district court’s preliminary injunction enjoining the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) entered in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland. As a result, FinCEN has posted the following on its website within the last few hours: In…
Key Points: Expanding into the U.S. market presents global companies with a complex tax landscape. Key considerations include: Navigating these tax considerations effectively necessitates comprehensive planning and consultation with tax professionals to ensure compliance and optimize tax positions. Main Article: For international companies, expanding into the US, the world’s largest economy, is a logical target…
For high-net-worth individuals, effectively planning to minimize estate taxation canrequire creative solutions. Gifts to beneficiaries that exceed the annual gift tax or lifetimegift and estate tax exclusions can be subject to potentially steep taxes. In 2024, theannual gift limit is $18,000 per person per year, and the lifetime gift and estate taxexclusion is $13.61 million—but…
What is a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT)? A CRAT is a type of Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), and is specifically designed to provide a steady income to one or more non-charitable beneficiaries (such as the donor or their family) for a specified term or the lifetime of the beneficiaries. At the end of the…
Key Differences among CRTs Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) are powerful tools for charitable giving, philanthropy and financial planning, offering individuals a way to secure income, avoid capital gains taxes, and make impactful charitable contributions. Within the CRT framework, there are three primary types to consider: Standard Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (SCRUTs), Net Income with Makeup Provision…
As 2024 draws to a close, the beneficial ownership information reporting deadline is looming fast for existing reporting companies. This requirement was imposed by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that was passed by Congress as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, an effort to fight money laundering and other illegal activities that have…
Understanding Income Tax Limits on Charitable Deductions Income Tax Limits Table Recipient Organization Type of Gift Deduction Limit Valuation Public Charities, Donor-Advised Funds, Private Operating Foundations (50% Orgs) Cash 60% of AG (scheduled to sunset to 50% beg. 2026) Cash Value Long-Term Cap Gain (e.g., stocks, real estate), Choice of: 30% of AGI Fair…
Private Operating Foundations vs. Non-Operating Foundations: Key Differences for Philanthropic Success In the world of charitable giving strategies, private foundations offer individuals and families a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy while supporting charitable causes they care about. Read here on private foundations, generally. In this article, I discuss the major differences between a…
One of the main distinctions the IRS has established that distinguishes public charities from private foundations, is the broad base of support from the public that is required to establish a public charity. To qualify as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must meet specific requirements regarding the…
When someone has, through hard work and good fortune, built up substantial assets, the threat of losing a substantial chunk of it to creditors or as the result of a lawsuit looms large. While California is often regarded as being unfriendly to those seeking to preserve their wealth due to higher taxes, tough regulations, and…
Diversification of investments is typically thought of as the best strategy to grow wealth and protect an individual’s holdings from the vagaries of the economy. Real estate in particular has become an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals looking for investment options beyond having a stock portfolio. While from an investment standpoint this has significant benefits,…
In an interconnected world where professional and personal opportunities more and more often result in people having family, property, and interests all over the globe, the question of how to protect the assets they’ve built becomes much more complex. Living an international lifestyle means that estate planning may not be governed solely by the laws…
Whether you’re nearing retirement, ready to cash out, or seeking to exit a challenging situation, the process requires meticulous planning and execution. Selling a business is a multifaceted journey involving numerous steps to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible outcome. At Bridge Law LLP, we provide more than legal counsel; we connect you…
We prepared this guide so you can be prepared with the estimated costs to go through California Probate. Please reach out to us if you are facing the following situations: Net Worth Filing Fees Executor Fees Calculation Executor Fees Total Attorney Fees Calculation Attorney Fees Total Total Probate Fees $1 million $435 4% of the…
Estate planning can be an uncomfortable subject for some to contemplate. After all, even if the idea of passing your property and assets on to your loved ones after you’re gone gives you a sense of satisfaction, nobody wants to think too long or hard about their own death. But few people understand the complications…
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