Monthly Archives: December 2013
Tax Breaks for Your Business
Tax planning is critical for businesses, and business owners should explore the tax incentives that are available with their attorneys before some of them expire. The U.S. Small Business Administration has compiled a list of tax breaks that are set to expire on December 31, 2013 unless Congress extends them: Equipment Purchase Deductions: Instead… Read More »
Reducing Estate Taxes Through Comprehensive Estate Planning
Although state estate taxes vary, estates under $5.25 million are currently exempt from paying federal estate taxes. Reducing the taxable estate to be under this threshold amount is one of the main objectives of estate planning, and there are many strategies an estate lawyer can use to help you achieve this. An important tool… Read More »
Tips for Selling a Small Business
Strategic planning is crucial to selling your business. An important step is drafting an accurate sales agreement that contains all relevant terms. The sales agreement should be developed with an attorney and should specify, among numerous other issues, everything a buyer intends to purchase. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides the following comprehensive and… Read More »
Recent U.S. Supreme Court Arbitration Law Decisions
Two recent Supreme Court decisions, Oxford Health Plans, LLC v. Sutter and American Express Co. v. Italian Colors Restaurant, have clarified issues regarding class arbitration. In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled in Stolt-Nielsen S.A. v. AnimalFeeds International Corp. that the Federal Arbitration Act bars class arbitration unless the parties affirmatively agree to it. This… Read More »
Obtaining a Mechanics’ Lien in Maryland
In most states, a person who has improved real property can obtain a mechanics’ lien from the court on the improved property if he or she is not paid. Courts tend to construe mechanics’ liens broadly to provide subcontractors with a remedy when they have already delivered materials or supplied the labor. In Maryland,… Read More »
