Hudson & Luros, LLP

05/07/2025

Lately, we’ve had an abnormal number of probate cases, so we're posting this as a reminder that you can avoid the exorbitant cost of probate (see image below) if you plan your estate! Recently, we heard about a respected local family whose patriarch died without an estate plan, leaving the family confused and facing several hundred thousand dollars in probate fees.

Now that tax season is over, this might be the right time to consider whether you have an estate plan, and if you do, whether you need to make any changes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who cares about what happens to their assets and family. Take control of your legacy and gain peace of mind.

I’m happy to email you my flat-rate price list and a questionnaire to get started, and initial consultations are always free! Send me a message for more info. --Mary

02/25/2025

The Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting requirement is "back on." If you have an ownership or controlling interest in a legal entity (including an LLC or corporation), and haven't already filed a Beneficial Ownership Information Report, now's the time to do it! Many reporting companies have until March 21st to file, but please check with your legal professional for the deadline that applies to your company.

See: https://fincen.gov/boi for more information.

Disclaimer: This post does not create an attorney-client relationship with the reader. It contains a statement of opinion only, and nothing in the contents of this post or the firm's online content constitutes legal advice.

Beneficial ownership information reporting requirements are now back in effect, with a new deadline of March 21, 2025, for most companies. Prior to March 21, 2025, FinCEN will assess its options for further modifying deadlines. For more information, see our website https://fincen.gov/boi.

12/05/2024

A number of our clients have called and emailed us about the US Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen), the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), and the new requirement to file Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIR) by the end of the year. Most small companies that have been in existence prior to January 1, 2024 have been notified by media outlets, legal advisors, and tax professionals that they may have to file BOIR reports by January 1, 2025. I have opined that I believe the CTA has a high likelihood of being overturned next year with the change of administration, but I also advise our firm's clients to comply with the law until such time as it is amended, rescinded, or ruled unconstitutional.

Just yesterday, Judge Amos Mazzant sitting in the Eastern District of Texas Texas issued a preliminary injunction in the Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al. case enjoining enforcement of the CTA until further notice. The preliminary injunction could be dissolved, updated, or upheld, so please consult with your own legal professional about if and when you and/or your business needs to file a BOIR report.

* DISCLAIMER: This update contains a statement of opinion. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it form an attorney-client relationship between our firm and any reader of the information contained within. *

On December 3, 2024, in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al., the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

08/23/2022

Both landlords and tenants often misunderstand the laws and rules in California concerning source of income discrimination. The fact that an applicant is a Section 8 voucher recipient cannot be used by the landlord to consider the tenant's ability to pay the full rent, nor can landlords create discriminatory application processes for voucher recipients.

Recently, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California secured a six-figure settlement against a property owner and the management company who had required proof that a Section 8 voucher recipient could afford 2.5 times the monthly rent. This is a clear case of source of income-based housing discrimination, and it made sense that the parties settled the case before it went further.

Feel free to reach out to our firm if you have questions about how to comply with California's landlord tenant laws.