Understanding IRS Notice 2023-30: Safe Harbor Deed Language for Conservation Easements

If you have a conservation easement on your property or are in the process of putting a conservation easement on your property make sure your attorney includes Safe Harbor Language to protect the easement against future changes that could impact your easement. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Notice 2023-30 which outlines the safe harbor deed language for extinguishment and boundary line adjustment clauses. This language is required by Section 605(d)(1) of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and the notice explains how donors can amend an original eligible easement deed to incorporate the safe harbor language. Charitable contributions of qualified...

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Breaking Down the SDNY Ruling in SEC v. Ripple Labs, Inc.

On July 13, 2023, Judge Analisa Torres of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) issued an important ruling in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) v. Ripple Labs, Inc., et al. that may signal a future loss for the SEC in the SEC v. Coinbase, Inc. case also currently pending in SDNY. The reason for this has to do with the court’s analysis of what it calls “programmatic sales” by Ripple Labs and the other Defendants. In order for me to describe this fully, I need to provide you with some background about the case....

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Five Life Questions You Should Ask Your Parents Sooner Rather than Later

One of the undeniable realities of life is that it is fleeting and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. With this realization in mind, ask your parents the following five questions sooner rather than later: [mkd_unordered_list style="circle" animate="yes" font_weight="bold"] Can you write my child's name in your handwriting? Can you write a letter to my child/children discussing what you love most about them and your future hopes for them? Can you share your favorite childhood memory? Can you share your favorite memory from when I was a child? What do you want to leave to your grandchild/grandchildren and why? [/mkd_unordered_list] Five Life Questions Go...

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Estate Plan Lawyer in Ashburn Explains Intrafamily Loans

Intrafamily loans can be an effective strategy for families to transfer wealth to the next generation, but they also have potential pitfalls and risks that must be considered and mitigated. Basically, intrafamily loans can be an incredibly effective tool to help create capital for families and successfully maintain and build wealth for future generations, but they must be completed with rigorous attention to detail. Navigating the IRS Tightrope Between a Loan and a Gift If you are contemplating an intrafamily loan, it is critically important to adhere to the requirements set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Why? Because failing to...

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Estate Tax Savings – Inflation’s Golden Lining?

The inflation rate in the United States hit 8.2 percent year over year in the month of September meaning it is at a multi-decade high, according to NBC News. The spike in inflation has caused pain for many Americans due to the increase in food prices, housing prices, and medical care. However, there may be a golden lining to the ever-increasing inflation rate - reduced estate taxes. Reports indicate inflation could actually help save high-net-worth individuals close to $700,000 by reducing the estate tax bill that’s imposed on their assets when they pass on. How Inflation Impacts Estate Taxes Many people do not...

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Does Virginia Recognize Wills from Another State? Ashburn Estate Planning Lawyer Provides the Answer

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] According to migration data tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 264,000 people relocated to the Commonwealth of Virginia from another state in recent years. This likely means thousands of people who drafted a Will in another state will need to get the answer to an important question: Does Virginia recognize a Will drafted and notarized in a different state? Here is the answer: A Last Will and Testament created and effectuated in a different state will generally be considered valid in Virginia if it meets the legal requirements. Requirements to Create Legally Enforceable Will in Virginia If you do not...

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Battle for Baltimore’s Professional Baseball Future Will Be Determined by Estate Planning

Whether the Orioles professional baseball franchise is going to remain in Baltimore, Maryland is now an open question in the wake of lawsuit filed by Louis “Lou” Angelos (son of beloved team owner Peter Angelos) against his mother and brother. Lou Angelos filed his complaint with a Baltimore County court on June 9, 2022 demanding recent amendments to a family trust be voided. In addition, the complaint demand that his aforementioned brother, John Angelos (current CEO of the Orioles) be held liable for fraud and intentionally interfering with Lou Angelos’ inheritance. Proverbial Dirty Laundry Aired in Public When an estate-related dispute arises and is allowed to...

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