Revocable living trusts (RLT) are the bread and butter of most estate planners. If drafted correctly, RLTs can avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process and provide for a client’s spouse without disinheriting children—which can be important for clients who are in second marriages. RLTs can reduce estate taxes and protect inheritances from courts, creditors, spouses, divorce proceedings, and irresponsible spending.
.png)
From the issuance of the Internal Revenue Service’s Priority Guidance Plan to new COVID-19 relief legislation, we have seen some significant developments in estate planning and business law. To ensure that you stay abreast of these legal changes, we have highlighted a few noteworthy developments and analyzed how they may impact your estate planning and business law practice.
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the Act). Included among the Act’s nearly 5,600 pages are provisions related to COVID-19 pandemic relief. Key tax provisions include: (1) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) updates, including the allowance of deductions for qualified expenses paid for with PPP loan proceeds that are subsequently forgiven, the extension of the program, the introduction of “second draw” PPP loans, and the expansion of eligible expenses for which PPP loan proceeds can be spent; (2) the extension of paid sick and family leave and family credits for wages paid through March 31, 2021; and (3) the extension of the employee retention credit under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act through June 30, 2021.