Increasingly clients are looking for the most effective way to pass their investments on to younger family members. This updated edition provides a timely framework for selecting the most appropriate family members means of transferring wealth through the establishment of a business entity, including S corporations, C corporations, partnerships and LLCs.

Author Louis A. Mezzullo explains complex information in a clear and logical manner. Updated to reflect recent legal developments, this book provides lawyers and financial planners the necessary background to accurately advise clients on their choice of entity options. The book discusses the different techniques available for most effectively planning the transfer of a client's wealth, including trusts, S corporations, C corporations, partnerships and LLCs. To guide the selection of the most appropriate entity to meet a client’s objectives, the book offers a thorough comparison of the advantages, disadvantages and restrictions of each type of entity.

Beginning with a concise explanation of the objectives and techniques of estate planning for owners of closely held businesses, the book also provides a practical guide to the variety of forms of legal business entities available to help clients minimize estate and gift taxes while also realizing a number of non-tax benefits.

Topics include:

• Entity classification for tax purposes
• Transfer tax issues
• Partnership taxation
• Limited partnerships and LLCs
• Special valuation rules under Chapter 14
• Sample forms
• Examples of tax savings