RECENT POSTS
2020 Ballot: California’s Propositions 15, 19 Amend Tax on Real Property
Of the twelve statewide ballot propositions certified to appear on the ballot for the upcoming election on November 3, 2020, two seek to amend the taxation of real property in California. Before diving into the
What Documents Can I Destroy While Sheltering at Home?
The following are intended to be helpful tips to assist you in clearing some clutter while we have some time at home. 1. Keep your original estate plan documents in a fire-proof environment, wrapped in
Estate Planning Document Execution During Pandemic
Estate planning is more important than ever as COVID-19 continues its spread. Creating a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care will enable you to set forth your health care desires and enable you to
The CARES Act and Retirement Plan Changes
Congress passed and the President signed on March 27, 2020 the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The Act includes several significant provisions, most notably cash payments to many taxpayers and
The Tax Reform Bills: Home Ownership, Purchases & Sales
California Bar Certified Specialist in Tax Law by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 Congressional efforts to enact tax reform are now in the home stretch. While there is no assurance that any legislation will be enacted, or
Return to Windsor: A Novel Tax Code Correction
California Bar Certified Specialist in Tax Law by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 Here’s the next chapter in the saga known as Edith Schlain Windsor v. The United States of America. (For a quick recap, please read
Game Changer? Succession Planning Targeted by IRS
by Michael Hackman and Kira S. Masteller The Department of the Treasury wants to place limitations on valuation discounts that are currently commonly used to reduce asset values in family-owned and closely-held businesses, in an
Living Like a Prince, but not Dying Like One
Tax Law Certified Specialist by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 The media seems to be concerned with two primary subjects lately, and both topics continue to trounce each other in turn on social networks for attention: 1.
Congress Forges PATH in Tax Laws for Business, Individuals
Tax Law Certified Specialist (State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization) by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 Congress has avoided a government shutdown by agreeing to a new budget in its Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the
Fraudsters Rising: IRS Impersonators Flooding the Phone Lines
California Certified Specialist, Tax Law by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 There seems to be an uptick in phone calls from people claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service, telling potential victims they owe back taxes