Ascent Wealth Strategies

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For business owners who anticipate significant growth in income or assets, a Hybrid Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT) with a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) provision and non-grantor status can be a transformative tool in wealth management, asset protection, and tax planning.  Here's an in-depth exploration of this structure and why it might be an essential strategy for business owners. https://lnkd.in/gN44GDXF

Business partnerships are akin to marriages; they involve shared dreams, responsibilities, and inevitably, some level of disagreement. Ensuring a seamless transition during times of change or uncertainty is paramount, and that's where buy-sell agreements come into play. A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract between co-owners of a business, detailing how the ownership interest is transferred in case of specific events like death, disability, divorce, quitting, retiring, or addiction. The agreement is essential for controlling who can buy into the business and who can be bought out, preserving the integrity and continuity of the business. Different ownership structures serve unique purposes, fitting different business models. Let's delve into some of the pros and cons of each... https://lnkd.in/gGiyPbp3

Retention Bonuses: A Golden Handcuff Strategy for Short-Term Talent Retention In a competitive business environment, retaining key talent is more critical than ever. Retention bonuses serve as a powerful "golden handcuff" strategy, designed to keep vital team members on board during transitional or challenging times. https://lnkd.in/gWFWh8-E

When contemplating a sale of your business, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is whether to structure the deal as an asset sale or a stock sale. This choice can have profound effects on both the seller and the buyer, especially when considering tax implications. This article will delve into the differences between these two types of sales and explore the benefits and drawbacks for business owners. https://lnkd.in/gvpNmvZE

For business owners, global expansion offers tremendous opportunities for growth, but it also brings a complex web of tax challenges. Understanding these complexities can lead to strategic decisions that maximize tax efficiency. This article sheds light on key considerations, including personal foreign corporations and favorable domiciles. https://lnkd.in/gycfKTPj

An unfunded buy-sell agreement is like a car without fuel; it exists but can't take you where you need to go. Here's a detailed look at potential issues...

Successful business owners with significant wealth understand that estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Among the many tools and strategies at their disposal, discount valuation emerges as a critical element in efficient wealth transfer and tax management. This article dives into what discount valuation is, its logic, and how it can facilitate a holistic approach to estate planning.

Defined benefit plans, promising specific retirement benefits to business owners and employees, require a delicate balance in funding. The penalties for overfunding or underfunding can be substantial, making the management of these investments a critical task. This article discusses why aiming for a 3-4% return balance is essential and the specific penalties associated with straying from this target.