Studies have shown that the number of family businesses owned by second generations and third generations dramatically decline for a number of reasons. One large reason is the lack of business succession planning for the family business.
Planning is one of the most important aspects of managing any business. This is especially true for farms and agribusinesses, due to their complexity and the inherent uncertainties associated with agriculture.
Estate planning can help you pass on assets to your heirs, while potentially minimizing taxes. When gifting assets, it’s important to consider when and how the generation-skipping tax transfer (GSTT) may apply.
We currently have the highest estate tax exemption and the lowest intra-family interest rates in history. That combination alone is significant, but when mixed with the potential for lower estate and gift tax exemptions and depressed business valuations, you have a potent catalyst for transitioning ownership.
If you have not already been inundated with invitations to webinars, articles and newsletters regarding estate planning, you should consider doing so before the end of the year, since you undoubtedly will receive these over the next few months.
During estate planning, one of the situations that you must plan for is the possible sale of real estate, artwork, and especially operating family businesses. What is sometimes overlooked in planning is what happens after there has been such a sale.
Somewhere between a corporation and a partnership lies the limited liability company (LLC). This hybrid legal entity is beneficial not just for small-business owners but is also a powerful tool for estate planning.
External events that cause reflection are good reminders to update estate planning documents.
Coupled with the upcoming presidential election, small to mid-sized business owners are faced with a slew of financial decisions that could impact the wealth of their business and the legacy they leave to their successors.
A more present sense of one’s own mortality may drive those who have not made plans before to begin the process of creating an estate plan. For those who have existing plans, are they up to date? How does the changing economic environment affect prior decisions?
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