Guest Contributor Articles
This is the first year that taxpayers are required to carry health insurance. Administration of the various health care payments, penalties and credits flows through the individual tax return. Health Care Reform Tax Penalty For 2014, if a taxpayer does not have qualifying coverage for himself/herself and any dependents, and does not qualify for an […]
For 2014 and subsequent years, the individual income tax rate schedules reflect a continuation of the rates in place for 2013. The 2014 individual tax rates are as follows: Tax Rate Income (Single Taxpayer) Income (Married Taxpayers) 10% Up to $9,075 Up to $18,150 15% $9,076 – $36,900 $11,151 – $73,800 25% $36, 901 – […]
This is the first in a series of posts over the next two weeks to assist Epilawg readers with year-end tax planning. The opportunity to take advantage of income timing exists particularly for taxpayers who are: In a different tax bracket in 2014 than in 2015; Subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) in one year […]
Part 1 of Anne’s post focused on the 5 strategies of an effective healthcare directive. This week’s post shares insights regarding the selection of healthcare agent(s). Well-written healthcare directives require more than checking boxes on a perfunctory form. Clear treatment guidelines can provide meaningful support to decision-makers, reduce the risk of family conflict, and ease […]
As trusted advisors, attorneys and financial advisors, you are uniquely poised to coach individuals and families on the merits of preparing thoughtfully for end-of-life decisions. Most likely, posing questions regarding a client’s financial assets and estate intentions is part of your everyday practice. But ask yourself: Are you comfortable engaging clients in deep, probing conversation […]
Effective January 1, 2015, the expungement law is changing dramatically in Minnesota to the benefit of those that continue to be hamstrung by their criminal past. The end result is that more Minnesotans will finally get a meaningful remedy when they successfully petition for an expungement. Expungement Basics An expungement is a court-ordered sealing of […]
Brittany Maynard, an Oregon resident, selected the date November 1, 2014 as the day she will end her life. Brittany is 29 years old, and was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She is plagued with seizures and increasing pain and her most recent diagnosis gave her only six more months to live. Instead of […]
When drafting real estate deeds (even though the Minnesota Uniform Conveyancing Blanks forms look relatively simple) there are several statutory-specific rules that inevitably lead to the return of your deed with a “rejection letter” from the county recorder. Here are some of the common mistakes made when drafting real estate deeds: Marital Status Omitted You […]
Many Minnesota entrepreneurs are well aware that they need to take steps to limit their potential for liability but are unclear about which type of entity is right for them. This post will outline some of the advantages and disadvantages of entity types and some initial first steps in setting one up. This is intended […]
As the worldwide economy has collapsed in the past few years, the political environment has deteriorated and the violence has substantially increased in some countries around the world, many wealthy people are trying to find countries that offer a safer environment for them and their families as well as a safer investing territory for their […]
While there are plenty of other myths I could include in this post, one overarching theme seems to be prevalent throughout: uniqueness. While it may seem like a given estate planning situation is vanilla, working to achieve your specific goals and planning for the various anomalies present in your life is the only way to […]