Estate planning is oftentimes more complex than people anticipate. This is especially true for those who have significant assets or own a business. If you’re in the latter group, then now is the time to ensure that you have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that your business is handled appropriately once you’re gone. If you don’t, then your business may end up being sold or closing down.
Considerations for business owners
You may have a lot on your plate as you begin to navigate the estate planning process. However, here are some key considerations that you’ll want to make sure you address as you move forward:
- Tax issues: Depending on the value of your business, you could end up getting hit with significant taxation if you don’t implement the proper estate planning techniques. Therefore, you’ll want to assess whether it’s best for you to divvy the business up into multiple trusts or restructure the business to minimize taxation.
- Confusion over intent: You may have multiple family members vying to take over the business. If you’re not clear in your estate plan as to who will inherit certain assets and take over the business, then you could be leaving your family in a position where in-fighting will destroy relationships.
- Succession planning: This process speaks to how a transition of ownership will occur, which is similar to, but different from, your estate plan. By creating a solid plan, you put to rest any concerns about how your business will be owned and run once the time comes.
Creating the thorough estate plan that you need
Estate planning is a great way to ensure that you’re protecting your interests and your loved ones as much as possible. If you don’t create a holistic plan, though, then unintended outcomes may be realized. That’s why you may want to consider starting the process as early as possible. An attorney who is experienced in this area of the law can help you do just that.
