Practice Areas

 |  Share

When Florida’s Transfer Tax Applies to Real Estate Deals: Handy Scenarios

June 25, 2024

Buyers and sellers of real property anticipate some tax consequences from a real estate transaction, but typically these concerns are limited to federal income tax implications. The reality is that most states impose various taxes that could affect the cost of the entire transaction, and they are either not considered or understood. One of these…

Read More

Buy, Sell, Pay Taxes: SCOTUS Decision Places Its Own Premium on Buy-Sell Insurance

June 17, 2024

All U.S. closely held businesses just received a warning from the highest court in the land that they should review their succession plans (or else risk a higher tax bill for the estates of their owners). On June 6, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS”) issued its unanimous decision on Connelly v.…

Read More

Decisions, Decisions: Choice of Entity vs. Choice of Tax Classification

June 12, 2024

Before forming any entity, founders need to make two fundamental decisions: which entity type is best for their business operations and which tax classification is best for the owners. Although the entity type and tax classification can be changed after formation, some forethought before forming a business can reduce expenses, taxes, and headaches. Choice of…

Read More

What Florida Sales Tax Cut Means for Florida Commercial Tenants

June 5, 2024

Broadly speaking, according to the Florida Department of Revenue, each Florida sale, amusement park admission, storage unit and rental is taxable (unless it falls under an exemption, such as nonprofits). More specifically, sales tax is imposed on the rental of real property. As stated explicitly in the Florida Statutes, any business or person that rents,…

Read More

Title Insurance or Not, Don’t Dismiss the Value of Title Search

June 3, 2024

For those of you who question whether an owner’s policy of title insurance is a waste of money, please remember that examining title is still an essential component of due diligence investigations. Real estate investments are usually significant transactions, whether for individuals or businesses. If you are focused on protecting your financial interests, a careful…

Read More

Maximizing QSBS Benefits with Estate Planning: The Art of Stacking

May 21, 2024

The number of taxpayers seeking the benefits of Qualified Small Business Stock (“QSBS”) has picked up steam in recent years, particularly since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) lowered the federal corporate tax rates to 21%. The combined effect of lower corporate tax rates together with the benefits of QSBS have made corporations attractive,…

Read More

Adverse Possession in a Closely Held Company? ‘Stash’ This One Away

May 14, 2024

Imagine for a moment that you’re a shareholder in a closely held corporation. In most jurisdictions, that status as a shareholder obligates you to a heightened fiduciary duty to your fellow shareholders. Now imagine that your closely held corporation is in the real estate business, and one of your fellow shareholders sues the corporation for…

Read More

The Heat Is On SEC’s Climate-Related Disclosure Rules

May 7, 2024

On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new final rules requiring issuers to include extensive disclosure in registration statements and periodic reports regarding material climate-related risks and impacts on their business strategy, financial condition and results of operations.[1] The release promulgating the final rule, which is 885 pages long,…

Read More

Short-Term Rental Proposal is Latest Threat to Airbnb/Vrbo Business Model

April 23, 2024

In many states, the tide appears to be turning against short-term rentals. With restrictions on short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, on the rise, businesses operating short-term rental properties are running out of options. Such restrictions are not unheard of in larger vacation hot spots such as Miami or Nashville, seemingly with the goal…

Read More

Cross-Border M&A Opportunities Favor the Prepared

April 18, 2024

Cross-border mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) unlock growth, diversification, and a stronger global stance for businesses. These strategic moves enable firms from different nations to blend resources, making way into new markets, tapping into unique technologies, enhancing products, and realizing economies of scale and scope. Despite uncertainties from economic, regulatory, and geopolitical developments, the outlook for…

Read More