Almost universally as a house closing or refinance closing approaches, I am asked why the itemized cost for “title insurance” is so high. Sometimes, clients even tell me that they do not have to pay for “title insurance” because they are putting more than twenty percent down, but have confused…
I own a small business, and am proud of it. In fact, I “know it all,” and, better yet I “can do it all,” because “Paying professionals a waste of money.” So, why should I need a lawyer when I buy, sell or even operate a business. Since the bottom…
The Hudson River villages are full of talented people who are looking to protect the fruit of their creativity. Many times, however, people are confused by the different types of “intellectual property” that exist, which laws apply, and whether they can actually protect their creative ideas, designs, or other work.…
Do you hire a doctor or a lawyer without checking their licenses, their pedigree, and their referrals? So, why is it that when it comes to investing in their greatest asset (the home), so many people become victims of dishonest contractors who demand large advance payments for projects, and then…
The economy is topsy turvy, the job unrewarding, the grass always greener . . . . . so why not start a business. America runs on . . . small business (and the coffee), so let’s consider the basics. While insurance will protect your assets sometimes, starting a separate entity…
What happens at your death is psychologically difficult for many of us to deal with. There are almost always more pressing issues than planning for what will happen when you die. A majority of people die without a will. This means that there is no clear message to the family…
I AM DECIDEDLY NOT A TAX ATTORNEY, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING I CAME ACROSS. YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IT WITH A QUALIFIED TAX PROFESSIONAL. Qualified Small Business Stock Noncorporate taxpayers can exclude 100% of any gain realized on the sale or exchange of “qualified small business stock” (“QSBS”) held for more…
[Dutchess County, New York]. When is a television monitor a “sign,” under Rhinebeck Zoning Enforcement Regulations. That is a battle being waged between our client and the Village of Rhinebeck, New York. Since this is a pending matter, we will permit the Poughkeepsie Journal newspaper account to speak for itself.…
Financial planning is essential when you are buying a house– the bank checks and you want to know what your monthly nut is going to be. But, you are buying an old house which appears to have several exemptions and possibly an absurdly low tax assessment. Will your taxes go…
So, you are an entrepreneur, a small business trying to distinguish yourself from the crowd. You pick a name, say, “The Chocolate Library,” and you think you are good. But, under the New York State Business Corporation Law, such a name may not be available. “Libraries” are generally known as…