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Legal Intelligence from The Private Firm.

Don’t Let Taxes on Death Reduce What You Leave Behind
Don’t Let Taxes on Death Reduce What You Leave Behind – The Private Firm Estate Planning · Trust Design · Retirement Asset Protection Don’t Let Taxes on Death Reduce What

Form a C Corporation Now to Position for a Tax‑Advantaged Sale in Three to Five Years
Form a C Corporation Now — Section 1202 | The Private Firm Exit Planning · Entity Structuring · Tax Strategy Form a C Corporation Now to Position for a Tax-Advantaged

Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Business: LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp?
When launching a new business, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right legal structure. Your business structure affects everything—from tax obligations and personal liability to

Trust vs. Will: What’s Right for You in 2025
Confused about whether to set up a will or a trust? In 2025, estate planning strategies continue to evolve, especially for high-net-worth individuals and business owners. Discover the key differences between wills and trusts—and learn which is right for you.

FTC’s Recent Ruling Regarding Non-Compete Agreements: Safeguarding Business Interests and State Rights
Updated October 23, 2026 The Federal Trade Commission announced a nationwide Noncompete Rule in April 2024. That rule is not in effect and is not enforceable. After federal courts blocked

Navigating New FinCEN Reporting Obligations for Beneficial Ownership: Guidance from The Private Firm
Navigating New FinCEN Reporting Obligations for Beneficial Ownership: Guidance from The Private Firm At The Private Firm, we are dedicated to guiding and protecting your business through the complexities of

Understanding the New IRS Ruling on Irrevocable Trusts: Preserve Your Stepped-Up in Basis with Expert Guidance from The Private Firm
Navigating the complexities of estate planning has become even more challenging with a new IRS ruling that affects irrevocable trusts. Published in March, the rule alters how the step-up in

EVERY BUSINESS MUST HAVE A MICHIGAN RESIDENT AGENT AND REGISTERED ADDRESS
Why Foreign Businesses Must Have a Michigan-Based Resident Agent and Registered Address The Private Firm: Your Trusted Partner for Meeting Resident Agent and Registered Address Requirements in Michigan. Foreign businesses

TEN SIMPLE STEPS TO PREPARE FOR A RECESSION – A BUSINESS OWNER’S GUIDE
As the US economy heads for a likely recession in 2023, what should business owners do to prepare? Here are 10 simple steps to consider as we head in

CLASS B SHARES (STOCK OPTIONS) v. WARRANTS (AKA PHANTOM STOCK):
WARRANTS / PHANTOM STOCK:Phantom stock is a contractual agreement between the phantom stock plan participant and theemployer. The agreement gives the participant the right to cash payments at (1) specified

SEVEN KEY REASONS TO DITCH THE SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP AND START AN LLC
Have you ever wondered why you would ever need a Limited Liability Company (LLC)? Here are seven compelling reasons to hire a local attorney to organize a new LLC: REASON

WHAT IS A BUY-SELL AGREEMENT, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Introduction A Buy-Sell Agreement is a legally binding contract between a business and its owners that lays out how significant events—such as death, divorce, disability, or departure of a partner—

The Private Firm Journal
The Briefing Room.
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Timely guidance becomes useful when it connects a legal development to the decision an owner or family must actually make.
Form a C Corporation Now to Position for a Tax-Advantaged Sale in Three to Five Years
A strategic analysis of Internal Revenue Code Section 1202 and the Qualified Small Business Stock exclusion — updated for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act amendments.
Read the analysis →The intelligence desk
Recent briefings.
Do Not Let Taxes on Death Reduce What You Leave Behind
Estate planning, trust design, and retirement asset protection.
→ February 25, 2026Form a C Corporation Now
Section 1202, entity structuring, tax strategy, and future sale planning.
→ July 10, 2025Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Business
How LLC, S Corporation, and C Corporation choices affect tax, liability, and growth.
→ May 27, 2025Trust Versus Will: What Is Right for You
The practical differences for families, owners, and high net worth individuals.
→ April 24, 2024The FTC Ruling on Noncompete Agreements
What employers should understand about federal action and state rights.
→ January 4, 2024New FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Guidance for businesses navigating Corporate Transparency Act obligations.
→ July 24, 2023The IRS Ruling on Irrevocable Trusts
Preserving stepped up basis and understanding the planning consequences.
→ May 9, 2023Michigan Resident Agent and Registered Address Requirements
What foreign businesses must maintain when operating in Michigan.
→From information to action
A briefing can identify the issue. Counsel helps decide what comes next.
If a development affects your business, estate, or transaction, speak with The Private Firm about the practical response.
