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Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea of NOT having a Will

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A last will and testament certainly sounds like a complex document. But, when boiled down, your will answers just three simple, yet important questions. Who do you want to inherit your assets? A will provides for the orderly distribution…
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Smart Estate Planning: Special Needs Trust

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Estate planning allows people to elect tools and strategies that makes life for their loved ones as uncomplicated as possible following death. Almost everyone I work with wants to ensure their family members are set up for success. One…
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New Nonprofits: Form 990 While Waiting for Tax-Exempt Status

Submitting Form 1023 for "Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code" to the IRS is cause for celebration for any organization seeking that coveted tax-exempt status. While waiting for the determination…
woman in front of painting

Framework for a Legacy: Your Art Collection & Estate Planning

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If you're growing an art collection it brings up an interesting situation: how do you incorporate your prized pieces into your estate plan? Sure, you likely don't have an authentic da Vinci, Renoir, or Klimt just hanging in your living room,…
Dog in dog house

Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day with Estate Planning

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When you own a pet, every day is a celebration of your furry/feathery/fuzzy friend...except maybe when they leave a stain on the new carpet. But, today is National Love Your Pet Day, which means it's a special reason to celebrate! So after you're…
man questioning computer

What to do with Donors While Waiting for Tax-Exempt Status

Applying for tax-exempt status from the IRS is both exciting and an anticipatory waiting game. Even if you answer every question on Form 1023 and pay the correct filing fee it can take about 180 days to get a determination letter—the official…