The estate tax is a tax placed on a deceased person’s right to transfer property after their death. The total amount of assets in the person’s estate is known was their gross estate. When determining what the estate tax will be, the fair market value of their assets, not what their value was when they were acquired, is used to determine the deceased’s gross e state. Once the amount in the gross estate is decided, certain deductions are permitted before arriving at the amount known as … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2014
Placing safeguards for underage beneficiaries in Illinois
Having a child can complicate life in many ways, especially when it comes to estate planning. When parents have an underage child they should know that, there are several estate planning methods they can use to protect their child in the event that they should die unexpectedly. Property management In addition to naming a guardian who will take care of their child, parents should appoint someone to manage the property that their child inherits. If a property management representative for … [Read more...]
Illinois legislation seeks to amend property tax code for tool and manufacturing business property
Recently, Chicago Business announced that a manufacturing company has decided to relocate to Illinois from Indiana. The company is the latest business to move to Illinois and revealed that one of the deciding factors was the offer of a tax abatement in Munster. The tax abatement will eliminate property taxes for the manufacturer over the next 10 years, providing the company with a yearly relief of around $200,000. Property tax incentives are commonly used by states to attract more … [Read more...]
Settling a business dispute without litigation
Although companies hope that clearly defined contracts and strong business relationships will prevent disputes, disagreements are bound to happen from time to time. These disagreements can arise over employment contracts, differing views held by company owners, agreements made with suppliers or simple misunderstandings. Costs of litigation When disputes arise, it is usually in everyone’s interest to avoid litigation. This is because lawsuits tend to be long, drawn out and, most … [Read more...]
Tax registration for businesses in Illinois
Anyone who is setting up a business in Illinois must go through the steps required to complete tax registration. Sole proprietors, tax-exempt organizations and government agencies that deal with Illinois residents also need to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue to legally conduct business. Getting started Tax registration for businesses can be completed either electronically or by paper mail. To register electronically, a business owner can create an account with the Illinois … [Read more...]
Establishing a power of attorney in Illinois
Many people in Chicago, Illinois, worry about the possibility of becoming incapacitated and incapable of looking after their own affairs. One action that can bring individuals and their families peace of mind is establishing a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint an agent to make decisions on his or her behalf in the event of incapacitation. … [Read more...]
Which legal structure is right for your business?
Among all of the choices made when a business is formed, legal structure is an important decision many people in Chicago, Illinois, overlook. Legal structure determines how a business is taxed, how much liability the owners take on and even how much paperwork owners must maintain. Choosing the wrong kind of business structure can have lasting consequences, which is why business owners should carefully research their options and consider seeking expert help. Basic structures Four … [Read more...]
About Illinois Business Formation part 3
How Does the Probate Process with a Will Differ from the Intestate Probate Process? If a decedent dies intestate (without a will), the property will be distributed to the beneficiaries according to state law. If there are no relatives, the property will go to the state. If minor children are impacted by the decedent’s death, a guardian ad litem will be appointed to determine guardianship issues. Additionally, intestate probate proceedings are public proceedings, with all information publicly … [Read more...]
Setting up the financial portion of your new business
For virtually every new business owner, managing business finances properly is a top concern. Poor accounting and bookkeeping can lead to problems ranging from financial loss to legal violations. Although professional guidance is essential for important decisions and unexpected snags, the owners of most Illinois small businesses can benefit from understanding the basic guidelines for setting up the financial portion of a business. Starting steps Opening a business bank account is … [Read more...]