BUSINESS FORMATION – WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER?

Forming a business involves many considerations and consists of multiple applications and legal processes.  This can be stressful for someone who is unfamiliar with this undertaking. That is why prospective business owners choose to hire counsel with experience and knowledge in the area of business formation.
Before you meet with an attorney, ask yourself the following questions:
  • What is my desired business name?
  • Is my chosen business name available? (You may do a “name check” through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Corporate Records.)
  • Who should be appointed as registered agent for the business?
  • What are some likely risks and opportunities related to the business?
  • What is my desired level of formality for the structure of the business?

A discussion with counsel regarding the background and goals with respect to the business helps in determining other issues, such as business structure (e.g., limited liability company, corporation, partnership, etc.) and tax elections to fit your business structure and goals, along with legal documents governing the business.  After your business is formed and other issues arise, counsel can provide ongoing support, including managing risks or liabilities, compliance and tax support.

If you should have questions regarding this topic, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

 

WHAT “NONFINANCIAL” ASSETS SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN?

When preparing your estate plan, you usually think about the financial aspects of your estate (e.g. bank accounts, retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, real estate, tangible personal property). However, there may be nonfinancial assets you could consider when preparing your estate plan.


Digital Assets

So much of our information is stored online. Your digital assets left behind can become a “Digital Legacy” for you upon your passing. A list of items that can contribute to your “Digital Legacy” includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Social Media Accounts (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Websites
  • Dating Profiles (e.g. Tinder, Bumble, etc.)
Consider this: What would you be comfortable with regarding your digital assets after your passing? Would you want your “Digital Legacy” to be shut down or remain activated? In this instance, it might be important to you to have detailed written directions for how you wish to have your digital assets handled after your passing.

Family Traditions

Your family traditions may include a secret family recipe that only you know (e.g., your delicious, mouthwatering turkey dinner) and that you can’t imagine your family going without. You may want to include your secret family recipe in your estate plan in order to pass on your holiday tradition.

Personal Beliefs

A personal legacy statement may include your beliefs, values and morals that you live by. By including a personal legacy statement in your estate plan, your personal beliefs can continue to reach and inspire your family and friends.


If you should have questions regarding this topic, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

Fireside Holiday Chat – Will You Be My Trustee?

Holiday gatherings can be a good time to reflect on many things, although considering the identity of a desired fiduciary for your will or trust-based estate plan may not be on your list of fun holiday activities.

Your fiduciary would have the authority and responsibility to administer your assets and carry out your wishes once you pass away. Your fiduciary is referred to as a “personal representative” under a will instrument and a “trustee” under a trust instrument. Your personal representative or trustee can be anyone you want who is at least eighteen (18) years old. A personal representative or trustee can be your spouse, child, sibling, other family member, close friend or neutral third party.

There are many options you could consider regarding the choice of a personal representative or trustee, so how will you decide who to choose? The decision is ultimately yours, but what follows are a few things to consider before selecting a fiduciary for your estate plan:

  • Is the person someone you trust and/or trustworthy?
  • Is the person ethical?
  • Is the person familiar and comfortable with handling finances?
  • Will the person follow and respect your wishes?
  • Is the person familiar with your family dynamics?
  • Will the person be willing and able to navigate the administration of a trust or estate, including working and dealing with third parties, e.g., financial or legal institutions and entities?

It is prudent to select a fiduciary who is diligent, respectful, ethical, objective and level-headed. Who would you choose as your fiduciary? Holiday season reflection may be as good of an opportunity as any to consider that question.

If you should have questions or concerns regarding these issues, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

When Your Beneficiaries Could Receive An Inheritance – Which Distribution Method Is Best?

The method in which you choose to distribute a beneficiary’s inheritance upon your passing is an important part of the estate planning process. There are a variety of ways to do this, and you should consider the method that best meets your estate planning goals.

Distributed Outright  After all bills and expenses are paid, assets are divided and distributed to your beneficiary(ies) directly. This distribution method is an option for parents who have financially responsible adult children.

In Trust, Distributed Outright at a Certain Age, at Certain Ages, or Upon a Life Event  The assets that are held in trust for a beneficiary’s lifetime are distributed by a trustee in accordance with the trust’s provisions. Usually the provisions of a children’s trust or beneficiary’s trust provide that when the beneficiary attains a certain age (common age distribution choices are thirty (30) or thirty-five (35)), the trustee will distribute the assets of the trust outright to the beneficiary at the specified age, thus terminating the trust. Trust assets can also be distributed at multiple distribution ages. For example, the provisions of a trust can provide that the beneficiary shall receive one-third (1/3) of the trust assets at the age of twenty-five (25), one-third (1/3) at the age of thirty (30) and the residue of the trust outright at age thirty-five (35). A less common, but still useful option, would be to distribute the assets of a trust outright upon an event, such as graduating from college.

Asset Protection Trust  Another common distribution structure is an asset protection trust that is held and maintained for the lifetime of a beneficiary with no mandatory distributions of principal and income.  An asset protection trust can provide for the beneficiary to become co-trustee or sole trustee of his or her trust upon attaining a certain age. Upon the death of the beneficiary, unless the beneficiary exercises a valid power of appointment, the assets would continue to be held in trust for the benefit of the beneficiary’s issue by representation.  The benefit of this option is that the beneficiary of the trust, if he or she is also acting as the trustee, has control of the trust assets and can protect the trust assets in the event of creditors’ claims or divorce. The right method depends on your unique circumstances and goals. The best strategy to leave assets to your beneficiaries may change over time. To ensure that your estate plan meets your needs, be sure to review your estate plan on a regular basis.

If you should have questions regarding this topic, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

Taking Care of the Family Cottage

As Wisconsin residents close up their family cottages for the winter, it may be a good time to consider a structure to conveniently allow your family to continue to enjoy the cottage for future generations.

In some cases, it may make sense to set up a limited liability company or trust to facilitate indirect ownership of the cottage and protect it from certain liabilities.  This would allow a current owner to provide a structure for transfer of cottage ownership, use and management of the cottage and payment of expenses.

Both a limited liability company (“LLC”) and trust can provide the owner some liability protection, but there are some differences between the two structures.  If an owner wants to leave some money or investments for future generations to utilize for cottage expenses, such funds could, in most instances, be protected within a trust.  However, structuring cottage ownership in a trust may provide less flexibility for future generations than an LLC would because a trust becomes irrevocable (and thus harder to modify its terms) upon an owner’s passing.  So, in the event of a dispute over, for example, maintenance and expenses, a trust can be more cumbersome than an LLC regarding settling or bypassing such disputes.

On the other hand, an LLC’s advantage is its flexibility.  LLC’s are governed by operating agreements, which can be modified by current members of the LLC.  Because an LLC is a flexible entity, it can be a particularly helpful vehicle when it comes to handling unforeseen circumstances, facilitating ownership transfers, particularly if a family member does not want to be involved with the cottage, and managing usage of the cottage.

Whichever route an owner may choose, there are certain fundamental considerations for inclusion into the operative language for trusts or LLC’s.  Those include provisions regarding maintenance, cost sharing and budgeting, dispute resolution and creditor protection and tax implications with respect to the cottage.

If you should have questions or concerns regarding these issues, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

 

 

Should Your Graduate’s To-do List Include Powers of Attorney?

It’s that time of year when many high school graduates are preparing to leave home, whether it be to attend college or join the workforce.  While families prepare for this change in their child’s lives, many parents forget that they will no longer be able to make health care and financial decisions on behalf of their child once he or she turns 18.  Without the proper advanced planning documents in place, parents would need to obtain a court order to exercise this authority on behalf of their adult child, even if the child becomes incapacitated.  For this reason, we recommend that all parents encourage their children to implement a Durable Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney for Health Care, and HIPAA Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information upon attaining age 18.  In doing so, it may be helpful to more fully understand what these documents do.

Durable Powers of Attorney: Authorizes the designated attorney-in-fact to act on behalf of the adult child with respect to most financial matters.  This could include managing bank accounts, paying bills, signing tax returns, applying for government benefits, applying for a lease, etc.  Durable Powers of Attorney can be either immediate or “springing”.  To activate a springing Durable Power of Attorney, the adult child must be deemed incapacitated by two different physicians (or pursuant to recent legislation, one physician and one psychologist, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner).

Power of Attorney for Health Care: Authorizes the designated health care agent to make medical decisions on behalf of the adult child if he or she is incapacitated.  Like a springing (as opposed to immediate) Durable Power of Attorney, a Power of Attorney for Health Care must be activated upon the adult child’s incapacitation.

HIPAA Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information: Authorizes an adult child’s health care providers to release information to and discuss the child’s medical care with the designated individuals.  Without this authorization, health care providers are legally prohibited from discussing the adult child’s care with third-parties, even if those third-parties are the child’s parents.  The HIPAA Authorizations is also effective even if the adult child’s Power of Attorney for Health Care has not yet been activated.

Most of the time, a parent will never need to utilize these documents (at least they hope not to) on behalf of their child.  However, it is better to hope for the best and plan for the worst.

If you should have questions regarding these issues, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

U.S. Congressional Bills Introduced Regarding Estate, Gift and Generation-skipping Taxes

A bill was introduced in the Senate to reduce estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption amounts and increase tax rates.  The bill would also eliminate or reduce the tax benefits received from certain estate planning techniques.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced Senate bill 994, also known as the “For the 99.5 Percent Act”, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to increase the rates regarding taxes on the transfer of the taxable estate of decedents who are US citizens or residents.

For estates over the basic exclusion amount, the rate would be 39%.  For estates over the basic exclusion amount and not over $10 million, the rate would be 45%.  For estates over $10 million and not over $50 million, the rate would be 50%.  For estates over $50 million and not over $1 billion, the rate would be 55%; and for estates over $1 billion, the rate would be 65%.

The bill would also reduce the basic exclusion amount, which for 2021 is $10,000,000, adjusted for inflation, to $3,500,000 for estates of decedents dying, and generation-skipping transfers and gifts made, after December 31, 2021.  (The text of the bill does not include an annual inflation adjustment for the basic exclusion amount).

The bill would also eliminate a step-up in basis for certain grantor trusts, the assets of which are not includible in the grantor’s estate.  This foregoing change would make clear that assets in an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT) would not receive a step-up in basis at the death of the grantor unless the assets were includible in the grantor’s estate.

Additionally, the bill would apply an inclusion ratio of one to any generation-skipping transfer trust that is longer than 50 years, and would impose a limit of two donees for annual exclusion gifts.

A bill was also introduced in the U.S. House (H.R. 2576) to amend the Internal Revenue Code “to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes”, although text has not been received for this bill as of this date.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Under the proposed legislation, estate tax exemption levels would fall and rates would rise.  It is important to remember that each bill has only been introduced and may have only a small chance of passage into law.  However, the proposed legislation represents another indicator that revisions to the tax code will likely remain a Congressional priority.

If you should have questions or concerns regarding these issues, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

Biden Administration Likely to Propose Increasing Capital Gains Tax and Other Estate and Income Taxes

President Biden will likely propose almost doubling the capital gains tax rate for wealthy individuals to 39.6% to help with social spending that addresses inequality.

Although the plan is not yet public, people familiar with the proposal have indicated that for those earning $1 million or more, the new top rate, coupled with an existing surtax on investment income, means that federal tax rates for wealthy investors could reach 43.4%.  A new marginal 39.6% rate would be an increase from the current base rate of 20%.  The existing 3.8% tax on investment income that funds Obamacare would be kept in place, pushing the tax rate on returns on financial assets higher than rates on some wage and salary income.

This proposal could reverse a long-standing provision of the tax code that taxes returns on investment lower than on labor.  President Biden campaigned in part on equalizing the capital gains and income tax rates for wealthy individuals, stating that it’s unfair that many of them pay lower rates than middle-class workers.

The Biden administration has also recently indicated its desire to enhance the estate tax for the wealthy.  The current estate tax exemption of $11.7 million per individual (and $23.4 million per couple) could be reduced by approximately 50%.  The step-up in basis at death, which increases the tax basis for inherited assets to their full fair market value upon death, could also be repealed.

These proposals are likely to be released soon in the administration’s forthcoming “American Families Plan”, which is expected to include a new wave of spending on children and education, including a temporary extension of the expanded child tax credit.

According to an estimate from the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center based on Biden’s campaign platform, the capital gains increase would raise $370 billion over a decade.

OTHER POSSIBLE PLAN DETAILS

  • The top individual federal income tax rate could rise from 37% to 39.6%.
  • The corporate tax rate could increase from 21% to 28%, and a 15% alternative minimum tax could apply to corporate book income of $100 million and higher.
  • Individuals earning $400,000 or more could pay additional payroll taxes.
  • The maximum Child and Dependent Tax Credit could rise from $3,000 to $8,000 ($16,000 for more than one dependent).
  • Tax relief could be offered for student debt forgiveness and the first-time homebuyers tax credit could be restored.
  • The social security tax could be extended to higher income levels.

The outline of the previously-referenced “American Families Plan” is expected to include measures aimed at helping Americans gain skills and have more flexibility in the work force.  The details of the plan remain a work in progress and could also change before the announcement.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Under the expected plan, federal taxes imposed on corporations and wealthy and higher income taxpayers would increase.  Lower-income individuals’ rates generally would not change and families would be entitled to expanded credits and deductions.

If you should have questions or concerns regarding these issues, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.

Elder Law & Special Needs Journal publishes article by Lin Law

The following article by Lin Law was published in the October 2020 issue of the Elder Law & Special Needs Journal of Wisconsin.

 

In re the Estate of David F. Oaks: ‘Gifts Causa Mortis’ Explained

 

This recent court of appeals case concerns the doctrine of “gift causa mortis,” a gift made in contemplation of the donor’s imminent death. Gift casua mortis, BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY (11th ed. 2019). This doctrine operates as an exception to the general rule that testamentary dispositions must comply with the statutory requirements for a valid will. In re the Estate of David F. Oaks, ¶ 13 (citing Meegan v. Netzer, 2012 WI App. 20, 339 Wis. 2d 460, 810 N.W.2d 358). A gift causa mortis becomes effective upon the donor’s death if the following elements are satisfied:

  1.  the donor had an intention to make [the] gift effective at death;
  2.  the donor made the gift with a view to the donor’s death from present illness or from an external and apprehended peril;
  3.  the donor died of that ailment or peril; and
  4.  there was a delivery of the gifted property.

Id. (citation and internal quotation omitted).

Shortly prior to his death by suicide, the decedent, David Oaks, wrote a note bequeathing all of his “worldly belongings” to his significant other, Lynne Stouff, with whom he had lived for the last 10 years. The note read as follows: “Lynne Stouff has been my companion and my crutch for a long while. As I leave this existence I want all worldly belongings to be assigned to Lynne.” Oaks died intestate, with one estranged child from a prior relationship. His daughter, Cheri Wardell, filed a petition for formal administration of the estate, and was named personal representative. Stouff filed a claim against the Estate, contending she was entitled to the entirety of Oaks’s assets under the doctrine of gift causa mortis. The Estate denied Stouff’s claim on the basis that a gift causa mortis cannot occur when the donor commits suicide, and that Oaks had failed to deliver the gifted property to Stouff. The circuit court, however, rejected the Estate’s arguments and granted Stouff’s motion for summary judgment. On appeal, the court of appeals affirmed the circuit court.

The court of appeals held that a gift causa mortis made in contemplation of the donor’s suicide is not per se invalid. Id. ¶17. Rather, the beneficiary may show that the donor made the gift in anticipation of his or her death from a “present mental illness.” Id. This issue being a question of first impression, the court of appeals cited case law from other jurisdictions finding that an effective gift causa mortis may occur in the context of suicide as the result of the donor’s present mental illness. Id. ¶¶ 23 – 25 (citing In re Van Warner’s Estate, 238 N.W. 210 (Mich. 1931); Scherer v. Hyland, 380 A.2d 698 (N.J. 1977)). In this case, the decedent had a well-documented history of depression, which was found to have resulted in his death by suicide. Id. ¶ 28. In ruling in Stouff’s favor, the court of appeals noted that proof of a donor’s death by suicide would not be sufficient to satisfy the second and third elements of a gift causa mortis in all cases, and that the issue of whether the donor’s death was caused by his or her present mental illness would generally be a question of fact. Id. ¶ 30.

Second, the court of appeals held that Oaks completed delivery of his possessions to Stouff prior to his death because she was the legal owner of the home that she and Oaks shared, which held all of Oaks’ tangible personal property, and Stouff had access to “indicia of ownership” for the remainder of Oaks’ possessions, including keys to his vehicles, checkbooks, and bank account information. Id. ¶ 38. Although physical delivery may be necessary in some circumstances, Wisconsin case law provides that the required form of delivery will vary depending upon the nature of gifted assets and the situation of the involved parties. Id. ¶ 32 (quoting Sorenson v. Friedmann, 34 Wis. 2d 46, 55, 148 N.W.2d 745 (1967)). Where the parties are members of the same household, as in this case, the donor’s declaration of his or her donative intent, followed by the donor treating the gifted asset as the donee’s property, will generally be sufficient to effectuate delivery. Id. ¶ 37 (citing Potts v. Garionis, 127 Wis. 2d 47, 377 N.W.2d 204 (Ct. App. 1985); Horn v. Horn, 152 Wis. 482, 140 N.W. 58 (1913)). Based on these holdings, the court of appeals affirmed the circuit court’s grant of summary judgment in Stouff’s favor.

One question that Oaks left unanswered is whether a valid gift causa mortis is capable of overriding a preexisting testamentary disposition. With regard to a decedent who has an existing will, the answer is most likely “no,” unless the gift causa mortis involves a writing sufficient to supplement or revoke the decedent’s existing will. See Wis. Stat. § 853.11. The question remains, however, for intestate decedents who have utilized alternative methods of testamentary disposition.

In this case, the doctrine of gift causa mortis resulted in the decedent’s intended beneficiary receiving the entirety of his estate, despite Oaks’ failure to execute a will. The doctrine should not, of course, be seen as a method of bypassing the usual testamentary formalities, particularly in light of its narrow application. It is, however, an issue for practitioners to remain aware of when representing interested parties in an estate administration.

What is an estate plan, and why do I need one?

At its most basic, an estate plan dictates how your assets will be managed and distributed upon your death. An estate plan can, and should, however, encompass more than just the disposition of your assets. It can include planning for future incapacity, estate tax mitigation, and burial and funeral arrangements, among other things.

The following are some of the fundamental benefits of implementing an estate plan:

  • You decide who inherits your assets upon your death. Without an estate plan, state law determines who inherits your assets.
  • You decide how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance (e.g., outright vs. in trust, distributions immediately or over time). Without an estate plan, the terms and timing of distributions are set by law, which can result in your beneficiaries receiving a sizable inheritance outright, with no restrictions.
  • You choose who will manage your assets upon your death. Without an estate plan, a court will appoint individuals to fulfill these duties.
  • You designate a guardian for your minor children. Without an estate plan, a court will appoint their guardian, and may not choose the person you would have picked.
  • You can minimize or avoid the probate process, if desired. Without an estate plan, some or all of your assets will likely be subject to probate.
  • You can minimize taxes payable by your estate and your beneficiaries upon your death. Without an estate plan, Uncle Sam may be the ultimate beneficiary.
  • You decide who will make financial and health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Without an estate plan, a court will appoint a guardian to make financial and health care decisions for you.

In other words, estate planning gives you control over the management and distribution of your assets and your health care decision-making, both during your lifetime and upon your death. Without one, you may be leaving certain important details to chance.

If you have questions on this topic, please contact Lin Law LLC at (920) 393-1190.