Should you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

LIMITED Liability Company (LLC) is a hybrid that combines the pass-through attributes of a partnership with the limited liability of a corporation. The owners are called “members” who hold “interests” and are governed by an “operating agreement.” An LLC with more than one member is taxed as a partnership. This is a relatively new form…

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Being on the right side of the road:  Tips on how to buy a car

Your vehicle is one of the most important purchases you will do in your life, but it doesn’t have to be daunting.  Here are some tips that not only help make the process quicker and stress-free, but can also save you a few bucks. • Know your vehicle needs.   Not sure what car you want yet? First…

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Basics of IRS appeals process

AFTER an audit of your tax returns by the IRS and you disagree with the determination, you have the option to either accept the assessment and settle the tax you owe by signing the agreement form  or request an appeals conference by writing a protest to Appeals Office. The appeals process is an administrative means…

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What do auto policies cover?

A FRIEND who was recently hit by a car while jogging asked me if her premium would go up if she would claim from her auto policy. Sounded like a simple question to ask. But really a good situation to borrow to explain the different coverages of an auto policy. My friend could have opted…

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Should you sign that severance agreement from your employer?

A SEPARATION package or a severance agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee who is about to leave the employer’s employment.  In a typical severance agreement, the employer agrees to give the employee additional compensation (the severance pay) in exchange for the outgoing employee’s agreement not to sue the employer for any…

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Should you run your business as an S Corporation?

S CORPORATION is a corporation that has elected to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. But why elect S status? Well, this type of entity enjoys both the limited liability of corporations and absence of double taxation of sole proprietorships and partnerships.  The corporation elects to pay zero corporate federal tax!…

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When bankruptcy becomes necessary

IF you’ve accumulated a lot of debt and something has happened in your life that’s made it difficult to pay your bills, you are not alone.  After almost 18 years of practice as a debt relief attorney, I know that bad things can happen to good, honest and decent people. If you are going through…

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What is new for 2016 education tax credits

(Part 2) FORM 1098-T from an eligible educational institution is REQUIRED for 2016 TO CLAIM  the American Opportunity Tax Credit AOTC (previously Hope Scholarship Credit), Lifetime Learning Credit LLC, and Tuition and Fees deduction. Here are some tax tips to benefit from these credits in 2016 • Additional criteria must be satisfied for these refundable…

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Accidental disinheritance

ASK any parent whom they would want to inherit their estate and the overwhelming majority would answer the same thing, “My kids.” Unfortunately, many Filipino parents are unintentionally disinheriting their children that they love and adore. Here is how it usually happens: A man marries, has children, works hard and accumulates an estate, i.e., generally…

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Client files adversary against debtor for $370K

Senior files Chapter 7 to discharge $40K credit cards “ To live for eternity in paradise, we have to believe in Jesus Christ who said that “I am the way, the truth and the light; No one gets to the Father, except through me.” That’s pretty simple and clear, isn’t it?” CLIENT is a foreign company…

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Should you run your business as a sole proprietorship?

SHOULD you operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, or LLP?  Which entity is most beneficial for you? Choosing the wrong form could cause unnecessary taxes, increased liability, and unnecessary exposure to lawsuits. What you should not do is listen to your neighbor or friend because each one has a different set of circumstances…

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What is new for 2016 education tax credits

(Part 2) FORM 1098-T from an eligible educational institution is REQUIRED for 2016 TO CLAIM  the American Opportunity Tax Credit AOTC (previously Hope Scholarship Credit), Lifetime Learning Credit LLC, and Tuition and Fees deduction. Here are some tax tips to benefit from these credits in 2016 • Additional criteria must be satisfied for these refundable…

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How to save on auto insurance

KNOWING how to save on auto insurance is important. Over time, the savings could be a lot of money. Here are some good tips on how to save on auto insurance: #1 Have appropriate coverage Common sense would tell you to minimize coverage to save money. But of course, you should not be overly minimizing…

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The rights of temporary workers

Q: I WORK for a temp agency with headquarters outside California. As a condition of work, I agree to report to a location anywhere in Southern California assigned by the agency and I have to wait to be given work. Often, I report to a location and I am assigned work only after 3 or…

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Should you be organized or messy when you face an IRS auditor?

THERE are two different approaches to prepare for an audit: organized and shoebox. Organized means systematically arranging your records. Shoebox means simply being you—naturally disorganized. Let’s discuss each method so you can determine which one is best for your next audit. Why You Should be Organized: 1. This methodical approach of presenting data in a…

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Face debt problems now to avoid pain later

WHEN people are going through financial difficulty and are unable to pay their bills, their first reaction is often to ignore their debts and avoid contact with creditors. They think that by doing this, somehow the creditors will simply give up and go away.  Bad news: This rarely works. Then one day they get a…

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Make it easy to import the right way

Long Beach, Calif. – As a continuing public service, E.C. Ferrer Custom House Broker, Inc. is sponsoring another half-day seminar for importers, entrepreneurs, distributors, wholesalers and retailers on Oct.  26 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.  at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel on 4700 Airport Plaza Drive. Complimentary breakfast will be available and served upon…

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ) #2: Financial accounts

THE IRS issued new guidance requiring individuals with an interest in a “specified foreign financial asset” to attach a disclosure statement to your income tax return for any year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $50,000. Use new form Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) starting in 2011. Q….

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Education tax credits

THE American Opportunity Tax Credit AOTC and Lifetime Learning Credit can reduce your tax liability if you pay for college in 2016 even if you are studying outside of the U.S. The PATH Act makes permanent the AOTC used to be known as Hope Credit. The AOTC has been increased up to $2,500 and phases…

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