Yes, you have to pay taxes on your income. There is no way around it. Just do it. As you are likely aware, the government collects income tax from U.S. residents each year. Personal income tax revenues help fund programs and services like Social Security, Medicare, schools, roads, national security, and the welfare system. If employed, an individual’s employer will withhold income taxes. Because self-employed individuals do not have taxes withheld, they will generally pay estimated taxes throughout the year. What income is subject to income tax? Individuals must pay taxes on income, including wages, salaries, tips, commissions, business income, rents, dividends, alimony, capital gains, IRA distributions, unemployment benefits, and Social Security benefits if the recipient’s total income exceeds a certain amount. What kinds of deductions can I take? Tax deductions are adjustments to an individual’s taxable income. For every dollar of deductions that an individual has, the amount of income the the government levies taxes on decreases by a dollar. A taxpayer can take the standard deduction or itemize deductions. Common deductions include student loan interest, college tuition, medical and dental costs, mortgage points, mortgage interest, theft or casualty losses, property taxes, state income taxes, charitable contributions, and home office expenses. What are tax credits? Tax credits reduce an individual’s tax liability dollar for dollar. For every dollar of tax credits that an individual has, the dollar amount of the taxes that they must pay goes down by a dollar. Every year new tax credits become available, but common credits include the earned income credit, first-time home buyer credit, child and dependent care credit, adoption credit, Hope and Lifetime Learning credit, credit for the elderly and disabled, and retirement savings contributions credit. Can I obtain an extension if I am unable to file my tax return by April 15? If a taxpayer is unable to file a return on time, the taxpayer can make a request for an automatic extension by filing IRS Form 4868. Along with filing the form, it is necessary to pay all of the tax liability or the estimated income tax due. The extension to file does not extend the time to pay. What happens if I fail to file a tax return? If six years have not elapsed from the date the tax return was due, the IRS can seek criminal charges against the taxpayer. The IRS can also pursue collection activities without any time constraints. In addition, failing to file a tax return by the deadline can result in the assessment of penalties and interest on the tax debt, the filing of a substitute return for the taxpayer by the IRS, and the IRS can begin collection activities — including levying wages and bank accounts and placing a lien on real property — after assessing the tax debt. What types of activities may trigger an audit by the IRS? It is difficult to completely audit-proof a tax return, but some taxpayer activities may stand out. For instance, the IRS may scrutinize a self-employed person more than an employed taxpayer because there is more opportunity to hide income and claim personal expenses as business expenses. Can I pay my tax debt in an installment plan? A taxpayer that is unable to pay their tax debt by the deadline may work out an installment agreement with the IRS. An installment agreement allows the payment of the debt in installments, but interest and penalties will apply. To qualify, the taxpayer must be current on their tax return filings. A taxpayer that owes more than $25,000 will need to request approval of a proposed installment agreement. Can I settle my tax debt with the IRS? In some cases, the IRS will agree to settle a tax debt for less than what the taxpayer owes. Requests to settle debts are called “offers in compromise” (OIC). If the debtor can pay the full tax liability in an installment plan or by another method, the IRS will most likely deny a settlement request. The IRS may accept a request based on three reasons: there is doubt about the tax liability, there is doubt that the tax debt is collectible, or collecting the tax liability would create economic hardship or an exceptional circumstance makes it unfair. Will bankruptcy eliminate tax debt? Sometimes. Is the tax debt based on personal taxes? Is the tax debt 3 years old from the date of assessment prior to filing for bankruptcy? Are you filing a chapter 13, 12, 7, 11 or 9? Tax liability sometimes survives bankruptcy. You need to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer to discuss this issue in more detail based on your specific circumstances. Generally, in Chapter 13, the debtor will have to pay the debt in full in a repayment plan and the debtor will most likely continue to owe the debt at the conclusion of a Chapter 7. However, a taxpayer may discharge tax liability in Chapter 7 upon the fulfillment of certain conditions. Tax Lawyer Free ConsultaitonWhen you need legal help with taxes (whether they are with the Utah State Tax Commission or the IRS), please call Ascent Law for your free tax law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Non Divorce Custody and Visitation from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/income-tax-law/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184193730310
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When a zoning ordinance is passed, changing the character of the zone where the landowner’s property lies, the landowner has several options. Occasionally, property that has been used in a certain way may continue to be used in that manner even after a new ordinance is passed. This is called a “continuing existing use” or “lawful nonconforming use”. It is generally held that, when substantial expenditure has been made in construction, or where a business is currently carried out on the property, the owner may continue this use without interruption. However, this rule is generally qualified by the effect of the continuing use on the public. So, if the public benefit of the new zoning ordinance is greater than the detriment to the landowner, the non-conforming use may be prohibited. In addition, if the use is discontinued at any point, the nonconforming use will no longer qualify for an exemption. Additions or expansions of the nonconforming use are almost never allowed. Another option for landowners affecting by a zoning decision is to request a variance. There are two kinds of variances. One addresses the use of the land, while the other deals with structures built upon the land. In either case, the landowner must demonstrate that conforming to the zoning ordinance would create undue hardship. Some states further require that the granting of a variance not be detrimental to the public interest. Similar to the variance is the “special permit”. A special permit is granted for a use that is expressly identified in the ordinance as qualifying as an exception to the zoning rule at issue — i.e., a church in a residentially zoned area. Real Estate Zoning LawsZoning, the regulation of land use by the government, is the principle tool used by a municipality in urban planning. In theory, zoning helps an area grow in a way that is orderly and serves the public interest. State governments have the power to zone for the advancement of the health, morals, safety or general welfare of the community. They in turn grant this power to local governments, enabling them to control the character of a particular location. When a property owner’s land is affected by zoning, the owner has options that fall into two basic categories. The first category involves essentially asking the government to make an exception for the landowner. The other approach is to challenge the zoning ordinance itself as improper or unconstitutional. Depending on the needs of the property owner, more than one route may be appropriate. Challenging the Real Estate LawsAnother type of action an aggrieved landowner might take is to challenge the zoning ordinance itself. One way to do this is to challenge the process by which the zoning ordinance was adopted. Some states require that zoning ordinances conform to a “Master Plan”. A Master Plan is an area-wide map, based on a variety of social and economic factors, which displays current land use and projects future uses. When a state requires that a locality adopt a Master Plan, or when the locality voluntarily adopts one, all zoning done after the adoption must conform to the Master Plan. A zoning ordinance can be challenged on the basis that it does not conform to the Master Plan, meaning that it does not meet with the spirit and the goals identified and laid out in the plan. Likewise, the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution states that no state shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without the due process of law.” This means that a state must give a person an opportunity to be heard, at a meaningful time and at a meaningful place, before it deprives him or her of certain interests. Procedural due process is violated when a statutory procedure outlining the process required for passing a zoning ordinance has not been followed, or when sufficient notice and hearing have not been provided to those whose property interests will be affected. Another approach that may be taken by a landowner who is suffering under a changed zoning ordinance is to show that, by passing the zoning ordinance, the government has effectively taken the property owner’s land. States have the right to regulate the way land is used to protect citizen’s health, safety and welfare, and it is generally assumed that local governments are most familiar with the needs of those in the immediate area. For this reason, local government decisions regarding zoning regulations are given a great deal of deference. But the United States Constitution limits this government power through the “Takings Clause” which provides that, if a government takes private property for a public use, the government must fairly compensate the property owner. So, when a new zoning regulation denies a property owner all economically viable use of his or her land, or does not substantially advance legitimate state interests, the regulation can be construed as a “taking” of the land and may be considered unconstitutional. The clearest example of a taking would be where the government physically infringes on a landowner’s property. But in the absence of permanent physical encroachment, the property owner must be deprived of all economically viable use of the land before compensation will be granted. If a property owner can no longer use the land for its current purpose, but has alternative uses available to him or her, the courts will weigh the benefit to the public against the economic harm to the landowner. Non Conforming Use Lawyer Free ConsultationWhen you need legal help with zoning or non-conforming uses of real estate, please call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Child Support and Imputed Income Vacation and Sick Leave In Your Business Missteps we see in Utah Divorces from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/non-conforming-use-law/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184175909985 As you know, we fight for the best interests of our clients and their children, working to create custody arrangements that fit the circumstances of each family situation. While parents sometimes agree to sole or joint custody, they less often agree to split up their children, but a recent celebrity custody battle ended just that way. Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera and his partner Ryan Jurica were joined in a commitment ceremony in Vermont in 2003, and that state later legalized same-sex marriage in 2009. On January 1st, Mr. Tutera and Mr. Jurica broke up, resulting in the filing of divorce proceedings by both parties in April. If you don’t know about this wedding planner, don’t worry, there is good information here about child custody. The proceedings were complicated by the long-time desire of the men to have children. Having failed a number of times, the couple was finally blessed with twins – fraternal twins with different fathers. Points of the temporary custody arrangement worked out between the two include – Mr. Tutera parents his biological daughter Cielo in Los Angeles. Mr. Jurica parents his biological son Cedric in Connecticut. Both fathers say they would like their children to know each other as they grow up. In Utah, courts generally honor custody arrangements worked out between parents. In this unusual case with twins, psychologist and author Nancy Segal notes about the split, “I would also be opposed to separating half siblings, [u]sually, there is regret about all the childhood years spent apart.” By report of both men, starting a family was intended to help save their relationship. As it turns out, the relationship broke up before the children were born. After the split, Mr. Tutera stated, “there wasn’t time to mourn the loss of a second child.” When a court believes it is in his or her best interests, your child may be appointed a legal representative. Understanding the different personnel who deal with your child in a legal setting is confusing but critical for you to know. While family law matters concerning child welfare give rise to appointment of legal representation, these appointments also occur during high conflict divorce matters. For many reasons a judge may appoint personnel to provide the court guidance, or provide your child with the opportunity for a courtroom advocate during legal proceedings. Possible legal appointments that can be made during a protracted custody battle include an attorney for your child and a guardian ad litem. There are essential differences between the services offered by these personnel, including the following – Guardian ad litem (GAL): Not necessarily a lawyer, a guardian ad litem evaluates current and past custodial history, prepares a report and makes a recommendation to the court as to their thoughts on the best interests of your children. A GAL acts in an advisory role to assist the court in making a ruling on custody. Attorney for the child: An attorney for your child is an advocate for his or her desires in the custody matter. As the voice of your child in courtroom proceedings, an attorney is not expected to act as a social worker or psychologist, but a firm legal advocate to assert the voice of your child in a contested custodial case. Child Custody Attorney Free ConsultationWhen you need legal help with a child custody matter, please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Do You Need to Report Child Abuse? Personal Representative of the Estate from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/custody-arrangements/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184168866410 Most people who file their own state and federal taxes typically starts with IRS Form 1040, but this is far from the only form you will need, or even the only possible form you can file. As an international tax attorney, I’ve seen it all. Typically, there are three different IRS income tax forms to choose from, and to claim certain deductions you need to attach separate forms that prove your eligibility for the deduction. Keep in mind however, that tax laws change on a regular basis and that this article, like all information on the web, could be outdated so be sure to call us for a free consultation if you avhe questions. With that said, let’s continue… Which Tax Form Should I Use? Most individual taxpayers will file one of three basic tax forms; Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A, or Form 1040. Form 1040EZ is the easiest and most streamlined to use. To qualify to use 1040EZ there can’t be any complications relating to household wages paid to a household employee, certain kinds of deduction or credit payments, dependents, or other complications. Those who do not qualify to use Form 1040EZ may be qualified to file the alternative Form 1040A, which permits a greater range of tax credits and deductions. Form 1040A remains greatly streamlined and does not permit itemized deductions, dependents, or certain other complicating elements. Those who do not qualify to use Form 1040A may still employ Form 1040 to itemize deductions, claim adjustments and credits, or have other complications such as excise tax or uncollected employee tax. Taxpayer Assistance Resources The complicated nature of tax codes can make filing taxes stressful and confusing. If you are feeling overwhelmed there are a number of agencies and organizations that offer assistance to taxpayers. If you have questions about how to file, exemptions, forms to use, filing status, or other issues related to tax laws one of the organizations listed may be able to help. These resources include national programs such as the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service, the Intuit/Turbo Tax Freedom Project, and the America Pledge Offer. Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for assistance from the U.S. Armed Forces Tax Information provided by the IRS. Seniors may find taxpayer assistance through The American Association of Retired People’s Tax Aide Service or from the 60 Plus Association, both of which focus on tax issues affecting seniors, as well as resources relating to the “death” tax and Social Security. IRS Forms and Publications In addition to the other resources available here there are a number of sections available that provide access to the bewildering array of forms the IRS and state tax authorities’ use in the administration of their tax programs. These sections are conveniently divided so that you can look at your state specific tax forms, the IRS forms and publications that are most frequently requested by taxpayers, as well as comprehensive databases of federal tax forms and resources. Some of these resources are searchable by subject and many will direct you to the agency websites where you can fill a form out online, download and print a form, and in some cases allow you to submit forms digitally. Where Do I File My Taxes?After you complete your return, the next step is to send it to the IRS. You can do so by mailing it in the old-fashioned way or filing it online. Below, you’ll find more information about your filing options. Filing Your Return Electronically If you have access to the Internet and an email address, you can file a tax return electronically using the IRS’s “e-file” system. The IRS offers four ways to e-file your return:
The IRS also allows you to pay your taxes electronically using its online system. You can specify whether you would like your refund deposited directly into your bank account or mailed to you by check. E-filing has several benefits over filing by mail. For one, most tax preparation software will do the math for you and help you catch careless errors. Electronically filed tax returns also tend to be processed faster than paper returns, which means you’ll get your refund faster if you’re owed one. Mailing Your Return Alternatively, you could mail in your tax return. Before you do, it’s worth double checking your forms to make sure they’re accurate and the calculations are correct. Be sure to include a check or indicate when you’ll pay your taxes if necessary. Just like e-filing, you can choose to receive your refund by check or by direct deposit. Finally, make sure you’re sending your tax returns to the correct address. If an addressed envelope came with your tax forms package, you should use it to mail your return. If you don’t have an addressed envelope, check the IRS’s site for the specific addresses for each state and each type of tax return. Tax Attorney Free ConsultationWhen you need legal help with tax forms, please call Ascent Law for your free tax law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Transfer on Death Beneficiary For Property from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/tax-forms-law/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184152724960 The law is certain that parents have a progressing commitment to financially bolster their minor kids. Although most parents have no issue with this obligation of help, a few parents oppose what they consider to be inordinate youngster bolster arranges and may purposefully diminish wage to bring down their help payments. The law has specific rules for situations where paying parents reduce their earnings without good cause. In Utah, the courts may add back into the child support calculation the income that the paying parent claims to have lost. This concept is known as “imputing income.” Here, we try to show how Utah courts impute income when the paying parent is falsely lowering their earnings to reduce or avoid paying child support . If you have questions after reading this article, you should contact an experienced family law attorney in your area. Utah law states specifically that children are entitled to share in the current incomes of both parents. State law uses a formula to determine how much child support should be paid by one parent to the other parent. For more detailed information about the child support law in Utah. What is Imputed Income?On the off chance that a judge decides that the parent who is in charge of paying kid bolster (the paying guardian) has purposefully brought down his or her profit, the court can characteristic extra salary toward the paying guardian with a specific end goal to set up a reasonable youngster bolster arrange – one that will give adequate financial help to the kid. This is called “imputing income.” Courts won’t impute income when there is good cause for a reduction in support. However, when judges find that a parent has voluntarily reduced income, then the paying parent will likely be ordered to pay support based on his or her earning capacity. Some parents may think their child support payment is too high or feel that they should not have to pay any child support at all. They may try to find ways to avoid their obligation to their children. Some paying parents may decide to quit a job, refuse to find replacement work, and then ask the court to reduce their child support payment. In Utah, if a court determines that the paying parent lost a job deliberately, he or she will be considered voluntarily unemployed, and the judge will not reduce the child support order. What is Voluntary Underemployment?The term “underemployment” means that the paying parent has intentionally taken a lower paying job or hides income to lessen the child support order. In other words, the paying parent is working below his or her full earning potential. A paying parent may be underemployed when he or she is no longer working in an occupation for which she or he has been trained and is working at a lower paying job. For example, a registered nurse may decide to leave a lucrative hospital job and take a minimum wage job in a daycare. The court could rule that the nurse is underemployed and should be earning more money. The paying parent doesn’t necessarily have to be deliberate in trying to lose or lower income. Utah law holds that if the paying parent’s loss of earnings is due to neglect, income can be imputed. A court could also find a paying parent to be underemployed if the paying parent defers taking sales commissions or bonuses. For example, right before a scheduled child support hearing, the paying parent defers taking a year-end bonus by asking his or her employer to pay the bonus at a later time. The intention is to keep the bonus hidden, so it’s not used to calculate child support. If it’s proven that this was the paying parent’s ploy, the judge may impute or add the bonus back into the calculation. In child support cases, Utah law requires that both parents provide their most recent income tax returns and written proof of their current and past earnings. The judge has this information available for reference to see what the paying parent was earning in the past and base child support on that amount, rather than the artificially reduced amount of income. Utah law has code sections that focus on business owners who may try to use the business to hide income. If the business owner is lending the business money to minimize his or her earnings, the loan interest should be at the going market rate. Otherwise, the loan amount could be counted as income for child support calculation purposes. Free Consultation with Child Support LawyerIf you have a question about child support or if you need to collect back child support, please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 49 reviews
from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/child-support-and-imputed-income/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184145599845 An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax identification number similar to a social security number. Generally, all businesses must have an EIN in order for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify taxpayers who are required to file various business tax returns. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions regarding EINs. Q: I recently formed a limited liability company (LLC). The LLC has no employees. Do I need a separate Federal Tax ID number for the LLC? A: No, you will not need a separate Federal Tax ID number for the LLC if you are the sole owner of the LLC and the LLC has no employees. If you are not the sole owner of the LLC or if the LLC has employees, you will need a separate Federal Tax ID number for the LLC. Q: Is an employer ID number the same as a tax ID number? A: Yes, an employer identification number, or EIN, is also known as a taxpayer identification number, or TIN. A sole proprietorship that has no employees and files no excise or pension tax returns is the only business that does not need an employer identification number. In this instance, the sole proprietor uses his or her social security number as the taxpayer identification number. Q: As a sole proprietor, do I need an employer identification number (EIN)? A: As a sole proprietor, you would need to obtain an identification number if either of the following apply:
If these conditions do not apply, your social security number is your taxpayer identification number. Q: Is an employer identification number (EIN) required if the spouses are the only persons working in the business? A: If both of you carry on a business together and share in the profits and losses, you are a partnership and each would receive a Form 1065, Schedule K-1 that is important for determining your self-employment income. If you work for your spouse, you should receive a Form W-2, showing taxes withheld and the owner spouse would claim the wages paid to you as a deduction. Both a partnership and a sole proprietor with an employee must have an EIN. Q: Does a small company need a tax ID number? A: A sole proprietor who does not have any employees and who does not file any excise or pension plan tax returns is the only business person who does not need an employer identification number. In this instance, the sole proprietor uses his or her social security number as the taxpayer identification number. Q: How do I apply for an employer identification number (EIN)? A: By telephone or mail. To obtain an EIN, you must complete Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. After you have completed the Form SS-4, you can get the EIN by mail, or by phone. The Instructions for Form SS-4 provide both an IRS service center address and a phone number to apply under the Tele-TIN program. Online. You may also apply online. Once an EIN has been successfully completed and submitted, an EIN will be issued. Through your state office. Some states participate in a program called the Fedstate Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) project. This allows you to apply directly from your state. Q: Under what circumstances am I required to change my employer identification number (EIN)? A: If you already have an EIN, and the organization or ownership of your business changes, you may need to apply for a new number. Some of the circumstances under which a new number is required are as follows:
EIN Lawyer Free ConsultationWhen you need legal help with an EIN or other business law matter, please call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Can You Be Sued After Your Business Closes? from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/ein-law/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184129710675 The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced it has fined Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. $12.5 million for significant supervisory failures related to research and trading-related information it disseminated to its employees, called ‘hoots’ or ‘squawks,’ over internal speakers commonly known as ‘squawk boxes.’ Despite multiple red flags regarding the potential dissemination of confidential information, Deutsche Bank failed to establish adequate supervision over registered representatives’ access to hoots or their communications with customers regarding hoots. As part of the settlement, Deutsche Bank also agreed to provide a written certification that it has adopted and implemented supervisory systems and written procedures concerning hoots that are reasonably designed to achieve compliance with FINRA rules and federal securities laws. FINRA found that Deutsche Bank was aware that hoots involving research and trading might contain confidential, price-sensitive information, and that there was a risk that material non-public information could be communicated over them. However, for several years, the firm repeatedly ignored red flags indicating that its supervision was inadequate, including internal audit findings and recommendations, multiple internal warnings from members of the firm’s compliance department, and internal risk assessments. Despite these red flags, the firm still failed to implement reasonable written policies, procedures and systems governing who should have access to the hoot information, how the employees should handle hoot information, and how supervisors should supervise employees to ensure compliance, and protection of confidential and material nonpublic information potentially communicated over the hoots. Brad Bennett, FINRA’s Executive Vice President and Chief of Enforcement, said, “Recognizing and responding to red flags is the hallmark of proper supervision, particularly in areas involving confidential information. Deutsche Bank’s disregard of years of red flags including internal audit findings, risk assessments and compliance recommendations was particularly egregious given the risk that material nonpublic information could be communicated over squawk boxes.” In settling this matter, Deutsche Bank neither admitted nor denied the charges, but consented to the entry of FINRA’s findings. As the mother of three children and a military spouse, Candice Pombar understands the financial struggles of military families, especially when she recalls how hard she and her husband fought to get out of debt early in their marriage. Starting in September, Pombar will begin the rigorous AFC coursework, combined with hands-on field experience through practicum work in military communities. This innovative program is tailored to meet and support the needs of military spouses through instructional webinars, self-scheduled exams and flexible practicum opportunities. The FINRA Foundation first launched the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship program in 2006—and continues to administer it in partnership with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) and the National Military Family Association. The Fellowship covers the costs associated with completing the AFC training and testing. Since its inception in 2006, the program has awarded more than 1,400 Fellowships to military spouses across the United States and around the world. “The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship program is uniquely designed for the spouses of our servicemen and women who understand the rigors and culture of a military lifestyle,” said FINRA Foundation President Gerri Walsh. “Fellows can obtain not only marketable job skills, but also the resources and experiences they need to help countless military families build brighter financial futures.” Recipients of the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship commit to completing the courses of study and working in the financial counseling field serving their communities for up to two years. Since the program’s inception, Fellows working toward accreditation have collectively conducted in excess of 63,700 counseling sessions and classes reaching over 171,500 clients, logging more than 429,000 hours assisting service members and their communities. Graduates often serve as financial counselors at family readiness and support centers, credit counseling and tax centers, financial aid offices and local military credit unions throughout the United States and abroad. “Military spouses know first-hand the financial challenges troops and their families face,” said Joyce Raezer, Executive Director of the National Military Family Association (NMFA). “NMFA is proud to partner with FINRA and AFCPE to connect military spouses with the training that will not only lead to a productive career, but also allow them to help members of their community.” The program is open to spouses of active-duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army or Air National Guard or reserve component service members, as well as to spouses of U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration professionals.. The FINRA Investor Education Foundation provides investors with high-quality, easily accessible information and tools to better understand the markets and the basic principles of saving and investing. In 2006, the Foundation launched a multifaceted program to expand the saving and investing knowledge of military service members and their spouses, including a free, unbiased resource. A proud collaborator in the Department of Defense Financial Readiness Campaign, the Foundation also builds the capacity of military financial educators to support their communities and presents financial education forums at military installations worldwide. AFCPE, the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to educating, training, and certifying financial counselors and educators. The Association’s vision is to be internationally recognized as the leading provider of professional development opportunities for financial educators, counselors, and researchers to improve the economic well-being of individuals and families worldwide. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit dedicated to serving the families who stand behind the uniform. Since 1969, NMFA has worked to strengthen and protect millions of families through its advocacy and programs. They provide spouse scholarships, camps for military kids, and retreats for families reconnecting after deployment and for the families of the wounded, ill, or injured. NMFA serves the families of the currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA. Free Initial Consultation with FINRA LawyerWhen you need legal help with a FINRA matter, please call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Electronic Signatures on Contracts from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/finra-law/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184122955675 This is part of invention law that I also covered here. As an inventor, one of the best ways to make money is to license your invention to other individuals or business entities. By shopping your invention around, however, you may be putting your rights to that invention in jeopardy. The more you reveal about your invention, the more likely it is that it will be stolen or copied. So what’s the best way to protect your invention? Can you get a Patent?Patent protection is significant, so if you think your invention is patentable, immediately file for a provisional patent application. Even the status of “patent pending” will often be enough to deter potential thieves and protect your invention, and it’s important to establish your right to the patent as soon as possible. Have Them Sign a Nondisclosure AgreementMany inventions and ideas are simply not patentable, so the best course of action is to use NDAs when dealing with potential customers. NDAs also go by other names, such as disclosure agreements or confidentiality agreements. Upon signing a NDA, if a customer breaks any provision of the NDA, you can sue them to recover any damages caused by their breach of the agreement. Make sure that your NDA has the following in it: Exactly what is and isn’t confidential: NDAs define what is considered confidential and may include a section on what is considered a trade secret. NDAs also expressly exclude certain items from the definition of confidential so that parties aren’t burdened with unnecessary obligations. Obligations each party has to keep the information a secret: it isn’t enough to simply say that something is to be kept confidential. NDAs specify the standard of care in keeping the item secret, and list out the obligations that each party must fulfill in order to maintain the confidentiality of the underlying information. Common examples of these duties include how information will be handled with third parties who aren’t a part of the agreement, as well as setting forth how information should be handled and stored. How long the obligations last: the party that wants the information to be protected will want a longer period of time, while the party encumbered by the NDA will want a shorter period of time. This is often one of the largest points of contention between parties and is usually resolved in negotiations. Common time periods within the U.S. are anywhere from 2 to 5 years. As an inventor, how flexible you can be is determined by how long you think it will take others to figure out your invention once people have access to it. If you think that others will begin duplicating your invention quickly, then a longer period of protection may not be necessary. What happens if one party breaches the agreement: pay extremely close attention to what the agreement says happens in the event that one party breaches the agreement. Consider whether arbitration or alternative forms of resolution make sense, and whether the court of jurisdiction specified in the agreement makes sense for you. Large companies will often try to put in terms that are favorable to them, so always consider the worst case scenario and decide if it’s ok for you to be forced into court across the country years down the road. Talk to an IP LawyerThere are many reasons you may not be able to convince a potential customer to sign a NDA. You should talk to an intellectual property lawyer to discuss your options. If you can’t get a customer to sign a NDA, don’t just abandon caution and share your invention without restraint. Even without a NDA, there are still several steps you can take to protect you and your invention: 1. Investigate the customer’s reputation: to really decide whether disclosure without a NDA makes sense, do some digging about your customer’s reputation. If they have a solid reputation, then applying some of the following steps and a little common sense might make a lot of business sense. If a customer has a poor reputation and long history of litigation, then it may not be worth the risk. 2. Create a confidential business relationship: even if a business is reluctant to sign a NDA, some businesses might be comfortable with establishing a less formal confidential relationship. Even if a company is unwilling to create a written and signed confidential relationship, you can still preserve your right to claim a confidential relationship in the future if: (a) You told the customer that use of your invention was a business proposition and that you desired payment; (b) The customer you’re giving confidential information to solicited it from you. In other words, you want to have them contact you, not the other way around; © The information itself can be classified as a trade secret (e.g., it has commercial value and is not known by competitors); and (d) When you disclosed the information, you requested that the information be kept secret; 3. Disclose only the basic idea: a potential customer shouldn’t be concerned with the details of your invention for the most part. Instead, most customers should be primarily concerned with what your invention does and how it can make them money. Accordingly, don’t disclose the details of the invention or the critical components that make your invention unique, and be very skeptical of anyone who wants you to disclose everything unless they have a solid business reason. Free Consultation with a Utah Trademark LawyerIf you are here, you probably have a trademark issue you need help with, call Ascent Law for your free intellectual property law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/protect-your-invention/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184105228595 This information may be old by the time you read it. They – the government – are always changing the tax code. You know, as we all grow older, it is often a shock to realize how little money we actually have stored away for our golden years. This area of law – Elder Law – is about helping those of us who have aged. This is particularly true now that most people don’t have defined pension plans and typically don’t put enough money into other retirement funds (such as IRAs and 401(k)s). In order to hang onto this money as best as you can, here are the best elder law tax breaks. See Ten Ways to Lower Your Taxes for other suggestions. There are growing concerns that one of the biggest costs to seniors and retirees over the age of 50 in the coming years is going to be healthcare. Perhaps as much as 30 percent of our income will be going to healthcare premiums, prescription drugs and other expenses related to our health. However, for some, many of these expenses are tax deductible. If you are a person that itemizes your tax deductions (meaning you do not take the standard deduction), you may be able to deduct your out-of-pocket medical expenses on your income taxes on a Schedule A. However, this is not to say that you can deduct all of your medical and dental expenses. Suppose that your adjusted gross income for 2008 was $150,000 and that you have receipts for medical and dental expenses totaling $15,000. You would only be able to deduct $3750 from your taxes, which is the amount that your medical and dental expenses exceeds 7.5 percent of your AGI. 7.5 percent of $150,000 = $11,250, and $15,000 – $11,250 = $3750. In addition to contributions to IRA accounts, you can also make contributions to Roth IRA accounts. Although you will pay taxes on the money you contribute to such an account, you will not pay taxes on money that you withdraw from it. This means that any interest that the money gains during its time in the Roth IRA account is tax-free. When people retire, they often have time to reflect and think about just who it was that really helped out during their working life. This often leads retirees and seniors to give back to the community in the form of charitable contributions. These contributions are deductible as an itemized deduction. However, there are limits on these deductions. Cash contributions that are charitable in nature can only be deducted up to an amount equal to 50 percent of your AGI. In addition, if you donate property (other than cash) to a charitable organization, you can generally deduct the fair market value of the property. However, if the property that you want to donate (like a house) has appreciated in value since you first bought it, you will probably have to make some adjustments. Lastly, if you make a contribution of a piece of property that the charitable organization will likely sell off (like a car or a boat), then your deduction is limited by the gross proceeds from the sale of the item. This rule applies if the claimed value of the donation is more than $500. For each criteria met, a married person adds $1,050 (2009 tax year) to their standard deduction, while a single person adds $1,300. Elder Law Attorney Free ConsultationWhen you need help with taxes or elder law, please call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Divorce Takes Longer Than Temporary Orders from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/elder-tax-law/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184098983540 Visitation terms are included in divorce decrees or child custody orders or settlement paperwork that is either signed by the judge or all the parties. This is so that noncustodial parents have a legal right to spend time with their children. It is important to know that visitation terms are court orders that must be upheld. If your visitation rights are being violated, consider the following suggestions. First, maintain a written account of each time your visitation rights are violated. If your spouse routinely cancels or interferes with your scheduled plans to spend time with your children, it will be important to have a record of this behavior. Be sure to note the date, time, explanation provided by the custodial parent and any efforts you made to reschedule time with your children.
Third, call a child custody lawyer. If discussion is not an option, or when visitation violations continue, it may be time to resolve the issue in court. By filing a motion with your local court, you and your spouse will be required to appear before a judge. The judge has the ability to enforce your visitation schedule, change custody and alter alimony payments as appropriate. Judges can also hold parents who violate visitation orders in contempt of court. Remember, when a parent believes that children would be at risk under the supervision of the visiting parent, they may breach visitation orders so long as they can support the action before a judge. Child Custody Rights When You’re Not a ParentIn some situations, courts may grant custody to third parties like grandparents, close relatives or other close friends with whom he child is familiar. The last 20 years have seen a significant increase in the rights of non-parents who wish to seek visitation and custody rights of children that have divorced parents. The biggest barrier for third parties to overcome in these cases is the “parental preference rule,” in which parents who are legally fit and able to care for their child have the paramount right to retain custody. Anyone seeking custody must overcome this rule. Visitation Lawyer Free ConsultationWhen you need legal help with visitation or custody, please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/visitation-law/ from https://securitieslawyerinutah.tumblr.com/post/184081442690 |