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Locations:

64 Holmes Ave. 
Waterbury, CT 06710 
Toll Free: 866-488-8625
Phone: 203-755-0018
Fax: 203-755-0036
 
One Lewis Place
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 866-488-8625

February 2015


We want to thank all of you who take the time to read the news letters we are sending and we hope that you are finding the information beneficial. At Tindall Law Firm, LLC we enjoy sharing valuable tips regarding the law; offering articles on hot issues in the law; commenting on topics of interest; and helping you navigate the tricky world of the law, which is ever changing.  

At any time if you have any questions on any of the materials you find in our newsletter or any other legal issues, please do not hesitate to contact me. If there is any legal issue of interest that you would like to see addressed in our newsletter, please let us know. 

We value your feedback very much. We treasure our clients very much and we aim to treat each of you as a member of our family and with a commitment to excellence, zealous advocacy on your behalf, and quality service. 
 
All the best, 
Attorney Tavis Tindall

Tips from Tindall
3 Common Pitfalls in Estate Planning

Unfortunately, not all estate plans are created equal and often poor planning can prove to be worse than no planning at all.

 

A Tale of Two Godfathers

 

Two examples from the entertainment industry: James Gandolfini and James Brown. Both men died with an estate plan in place, but one person's plan resulted in a significant tax burden (for Gandolfini) while the other person's plan led to a six-year court battle (for Brown). Despite significant resources and access to estate attorneys, these successful entertainers still died with estates that may not have transferred as well as they may have wished.

How can you help avoid a similar fate? The key is to recognize the pitfalls that are most common in estate planning and proactively address them as your plans are built.


Pitfall #1: Planning as a series of one-time events leads to a plan that is additive over time rather than holistic.

Pitfall #2: Estate planning that fails to adapt to present realities, including changes to your family and life circumstance or tax law changes, can hinder your ability to meet your financial goals.

Pitfall #3: Planning that is never implemented or followed is not a plan; a paper-based plan remains on paper.

For Potential Solutions Click Here
 
At Tindall Law Firm we will take the time to consult with you and help you with making the right decision for your business. Call for your appointment today 203-755-0018
Steps to Closing a Business

 

Buying a business

Making Changes in 2015?

 

If you are considering leaving your business below you will find suggested steps to follow in closing your business.  

  1. Decide to close a business

    Sole proprietors can decide by themselves that they should close up shop.  Whereas if your business is a partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation you and your co-owners must make the decision to dissolve the entity according to the guidelines established in your articles of organization. Remember to document the final decision with a written agreement.

  2. Get expert advice

    Closing a business is a delicate multi-step process. It is highly recommended that you enlist professional help. Expert advice may come from lawyers, accountants, business brokers, auctioneers, tax experts, bankers, and the IRS. 

  3. File dissolution documents

    If you fail to legally dissolve your LLC or corporation you will continue to be liable for taxes and filings. If your business is operating as a general partnership or sole proprietorship you may not be required to formally dissolve your business, but it is still a good idea to notify the government and creditors of the change. If you are unsure if you should file dissolution papers, consult a small business attorney.

  4. Cancel registrations, permits, licenses, and business names

    To protect your finances and reputation, ensure that you cancel all licenses and permits that you will no longer need. 

    If you have registered under an assumed, or trade name, other than your own name then you can cancel that business name registration with your local government. 

  5. Comply with employment and labor laws

    Ensure that final paychecks are paid to employees by their last day of work, or soon after, according to your state laws. Your state may also require you to pay employees for their unused leave. 

    The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) protects workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers with 100 or more employees to provide at least 60 calendar days advance written notice of the closing. Depending on location, small businesses may need to comply with worker protection rules as well. Many states have enacted legislation similar to WARN requiring businesses with less than 100 employees to comply. 

  6. Resolve financial obligations

    Taxes
    When you file income tax returns for the year in which your business closes, check the box that indicates the document is a final return. Many state revenue agencies require additional filings for sales tax.

    If you have employees, you must obligate your payroll tax responsibilities or you will risk personal liability. Inform your federal and state tax agencies that your business is closing and that you will cease to file unemployment returns and an employer's quarterly tax form.

    Businesses should close their Employer Identification Number (EIN) account by contacting the IRS. The agency cannot cancel your account, but closing your EIN account notifies the IRS that you are not planning to use the number in the future.

    Business debts

    Notify all lenders and creditors of your plans to dissolve the business and settle remaining debt. If you are unable to pay your debts, you may want to consider filing for bankruptcy.

    Contact the business associates to whom you owe payment, or who owe payment to you. It's a good idea to discuss with your accountant, attorney, and insurers to ensure that you have everything accounted for.

    Close Accounts
    Finally, don't forget to close out your business bank account and cancel your business credit cards.

  7. Maintain records

    You may be legally required to maintain records, particularly tax and employment records, even after your business has closed. A prudent guideline for keeping records ranges anywhere from 3 to 7 years. 

 For more information check out the US Small Business Administration website at https://www.sba.gov

 

At Tindall Law Firm we work hard for clients every day. We all want to see clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. I hope you all have had a great summer and are looking forward to the fall season. 

As a family-based business, our staff is close, and we extend that friendly, caring attitude to our clients. We treat our clients as if they are our own family and truly care about them as more than just a number. It is this quality along with superior service and competent representation that has allowed us to become the "lawyer for life" for all of our clients and their families and friends to whom they refer us. 

 
Sincerely,
 
Tavis Tindall
Tindall Law Firm, LLC