Yearly Archives: 2006
Tax Advantaged Savings for College
Congress enacted Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to provide individuals with a tax-favored vehicle to save for college expenses. Section 529 plans are sponsored by states and allow an individual to contribute regardless of their income level. The earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals… Continue reading
An Overview of Corporations
A corporation is created by statute and possesses all of the privileges, responsibilities, and rights of a natural person, including the right to due process, equal protection, and attorney-client privilege. A corporation is a legal entity separate from its officers, directors, and shareholders. It has… Continue reading
The Shadow of 9/11 Grows Ever Longer
As we approach the anniversary of one of the defining moments in American history, much is unresolved; and the grim reality of it is that there are not necessarily ever going to be clear answers to the many questions that the World Trade Center attack… Continue reading
Planning for Disabled Individuals
According to the Social Security Administration and the Department of Education, 15 to 20% of the population of the United States suffers from some form of disability. Disabilities can range from developmental (cerebral palsy, autism, etc.), acquired (head trauma, etc.), organic (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc) and… Continue reading
Is It Time to Panic?
This article begins with a disclaimer: Nothing you are about to read is intended as investment advice, nor should you take it as such. Over the last 18 months the stock market has declined more than 20% in value, with some sectors declining much more.… Continue reading
Liquor License: Privilege or Right?
In the Philadelphia suburbs people will pay as much as $200,000 for a restaurant liquor license. What has a buyer of a license really bought? Certainly, other than the certificate that is issued by the Liquor Control Board (the LCB), there is nothing very tangible;… Continue reading
Common Law Marriage
How long must parties live together to be married by common law? If you answered “seven,” you join most in a common misperception. The proper answer is, “as long as it takes to exchange vows.” The typical marriage begins with a trip to the court… Continue reading
New Rules for Distribution from Retirement Plans
On April 17th of this year, final regulations were published for required minimum distributions from retirement plans. These regulations apply to all stock bonus plans, pension plans, profit sharing plans, annuity contracts, custodial accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs and certain deferred compensation arrangements, and apply to… Continue reading
The Queen’s English — The Colon: Its Use and Misuse
Most writers do not hesitate to use, and often misuse, the comma; to a lesser degree the semi-colon finds its way into our compositions. But the colon rarely appears. Is it because we fear the uncommon? We do use it routinely to separate volume and… Continue reading
Pennsylvania Limited Liability Companies
A Pennsylvania Limited Liability Company (an “LLC”) is generally considered a hybrid between a corporation and a partnership, and may be thought of as a limited partnership without a general partner. It provides the liability protection of a corporation with the advantage of being treated… Continue reading