How would you value a business? The three approaches appraisers use to value a business are essentially a matter of common sense. You start with the balance sheet and adjust the book values of assets and liabilities to their market values. Then you turn to the income statement and evaluate how much cash the business is…

Interest rates have been at historical lows for several years. This situation may have prompted you to loan money to family members and other related parties at favorable rates, without fear of tax repercussions. However, now that rates are on the rise, you may need to reevaluate related-party loans to ensure they won’t trigger any federal…

An inherent problem with wills and other estate planning documents such as trusts is that, when the time comes to put them into action, you won’t be around to explain or interpret them. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use during your lifetime to minimize the risk of a fight over your estate after your death….