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Those with ownership stakes in privately held businesses, partnerships, or family offices need to closely collaborate with and trust others. But when there is a disagreement or dispute, it can create a situation where someone is looking for ways to force out owners of non-controlling shares and seek the advice of the company’s attorney to formulate a plan. For an Illinois LLC and their majority members, there are steps that can protect otherwise privileged communications from disclosure to minority members in advance of and during litigation.

Solving disputes among business partners and owners in a privately held business can quickly become complicated matters that end up calling for access to an LLC or corporation’s privileged communications. Only in rare circumstances can there be access to those privileged communications. Most courts apply a fact-intensive test that is difficult to satisfy. A closer look at the rule explains how it applies to Illinois corporations and business entities organized in other jurisdictions.

For high-net-worth individuals, establishing an incomplete non-grantor (ING) trust is a useful planning tool that provides income tax benefits to grantors residing in states with high state income tax rates or states that do not recognize the federal grantor trust rules. There are several steps to properly structure an ING trust, and it begins with the state selection.

Many companies were caught off-guard in the spring when diagnoses of COVID-19 multiplied rapidly and forced businesses to close or drastically change their policies with little warning. Now companies that have reopened must prepare for the future, as resurgences may occur at any time in different parts of the country. In preparation for future infections, there are proactive steps businesses can take.

The markets moved higher during July and August as cities across the globe continued their re-opening plans after pandemic-induced shutdowns and central banks sustained their support for global markets. However, when September came, the market sentiment turned negative, with most risk assets posting losses. Still, the third quarter was solid overall, with most market segments posting positive results behind key performance drivers.

Aircraft ownership comes with an enormous cost and responsibility that may not support the investment, and more cost-effective alternatives could accomplish the same goals with fewer headaches. Before purchasing or leasing an aircraft, it is best to understand what options are available and how these options can be tailored to fit specific needs.

New tax legislation is most likely to happen if next year the Democratic Party controls the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the White House. Now is the time to develop a contingency plan that can be implemented depending on the outcome of the U.S. election. Planning strategies that can be customized to the needs of each family are available, including taxable gifts, pre-fund life insurance trusts, spousal access trusts, intra-family loan, dynasty trusts, and GRAT planning.

Business closures have been immensely difficult for companies of all sizes during the COVID-19 pandemic. But reopening is proving difficult, too, especially given the ever-changing nature of the pandemic. As cases have surged in new parts of the country, businesses have been forced to reassess their operational plans in both the near- and long-term. Owners and executives are paying close attention both to customer and employee safety. And businesses must be mindful of potential legal ramifications of their decisions.

Domicile determines a taxpayer’s home state for income tax purposes. While proof of residency can be as simple as getting a driver’s license from the new state, proof of domicile can be much more complex. Each state has their own requirements when determining a taxpayer’s domicile. The process can be challenging and tricky, but there are several ways for taxpayers to cut ties with their previous state of domicile.

Despite the popularity of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), there are structural issues that make them less than ideal for many high-net-worth investors. A tax-managed separately managed account (SMA) may deliver the same diversified, index-like exposure while offering increased after-tax returns for these investors. The benefits can be substantial.