Not having an estate plan can place small business owners and entrepreneurs in jeopardy because they may face difficulties in keeping the company running, if they have to withdraw from the business at any point in time.
Legal Reader’s recent article entitled “What Small Business Owners Should Know about Doing Estate Planning” explains that estate planning is necessary to ensure continuity. Think about who can take control when you’re no longer around to have the business continue according to your wishes contained in your estate plan. An experienced estate planning attorney can help entrepreneurs create a comprehensive estate plan, so things do not become chaotic for their family in the event of premature death or any permanent disability. Consider these steps when it comes to good estate planning for business owners.
Create an estate plan if you haven’t got one. A will is designed to detail your wishes about how you want your company to run and the manner of sharing your property at your death. A power of attorney allows an entrusted individual to undertake your business transactions and manage your finances, if you are incapacitated by injury or illness. A healthcare directive permits a trusted agent to make medical decisions on your behalf when you can’t do so yourself.
Plan for taxes. Tax planning is a major component of estate planning. Our tax laws keep changing frequently, so you have to stay in constant touch with your attorney to develop strategies for decreasing your tax liability, as well as creating a strategy for minimizing inheritance/estate taxes.
Buy life and disability insurance. Consider purchasing life insurance, so your families can have a source of income after their death.
Create a succession plan. In addition to estate planning, a business owner should have a succession plan that specifies exactly how your company, and your family will prepare for a transition of ownership. The purpose of a well thought out succession plan is to keep the company operating or to take steps to sell it. This plan also includes the organizational structure in case of maintaining continuity.
Finally, you should keep everyone impacted by your decisions apprised of your estate plan and your business succession plan. Be sure to work with financial and legal professionals experienced working with small business owners and entrepreneurs. Book a call with us today to ensure your business has a solid succession plan.
Reference: Legal Reader (Aug. 26, 2021) “What Small Business Owners Should Know about Doing Estate Planning”
Photo by Álvaro Serrano on Unsplash
