“One Big Beautiful Bill”: What the New Tax Law Means for You
A new tax bill—officially called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA)—was recently signed into law, and we wanted to share a quick overview of what it may mean for…
Washington State Expands Capital Gains and Estate Taxes Under New Law Targeting the Top 1%
In a landmark move to reshape its tax code, Washington State Senate Bill 5813 was signed into law May 20, 2025. The new law introduces a tiered capital gains tax…
Is the juice worth the squeeze? The overlooked downside to trusts
Trusts come in all shapes and sizes and can be effectively used to solve for a variety of planning challenges. You want to ensure a minor child can’t blow his…
When to Consider a Lifetime Trust for Children
Despite some misleading assertions to the contrary, trusts are not the solution for every estate plan. Trusts come with baggage and the person setting up the trust (herein the “parents”)…
Asset Protection Strategy Overview
Managing and preserving hard-earned wealth is a priority for many individuals. However, the specter of potential creditors looms ominously, ready to lay claim to our assets at any moment. Whether…
A Refresher on the Gift Tax
A parent can structure a gift of $1M to a child today such that neither the child nor the parent will pay any tax. A common misconception is that a…
Is an Installment Sale Preferable to All Cash At Closing?
Let’s assume you are ready to sell your business and you are reviewing two competing offers, both compelling in their own way. The first offer is for an all-cash payment…
Use Retirement Accounts to Give to Charity in Your Estate Plan
Whether you know it or not, your “estate” is comprised of different assets with different attributes. Some of your assets will be governed by your will, while others will be…
Your Business Tax Savings Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good
Small business owners sometimes have an enviable opportunity to save on tax. They rightfully look for every loophole to which they are entitled to save money on taxes by deducting…
How Much Estate Tax Will I Owe (Back-of-the-Napkin Calculation)
Washington state has published its estate tax threshold for 2024. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t changed from 2023. When learning about the estate tax, people generally want to understand how to…
