THIENEL LAW BLOG

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NFTs and Artists: Understanding Intellectual Property Laws in the Metaverse

The metaverse encompasses technologies that once were only possible in science fiction movies. The past two decades have seen an unprecedented increase in e-commerce. The virtual marketplace continues to expand and grow beyond what we thought was imaginable. How we interact with cyberspace has also changed, causing a change in how we protect intellectual property and digital assets.

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Taxation River Taxation River

FAQs about Qualified Domestic Relations Orders

Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) have been around for quite a few years, but few people have a working knowledge of how these documents work. A QDRO might seem of little importance when negotiated, but the long-term implications on an individual’s retirement finances can be significant.

You might want to talk to a Maryland tax attorney about the tax implications of a proposed QDRO when going through a family court matter like a divorce or legal separation that involves the distribution of one or more retirement plans. Here are some FAQs about Qualified Domestic Relations Orders.

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Business River Business River

Top 25 FAQs About Doing Business in Maryland

This collection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be a valuable resource if you need a quick answer to a question about starting or operating a business in Maryland. From general business issues to business taxes, employer withholding, business licenses, required reporting, alcohol, and EFTs, here are the top 25 FAQs about doing business in Maryland:

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Business Tax River Business Tax River

Business Accounting Fundamentals from a Maryland Business Attorney

When they realize how much time and work is involved in handling the accounting processes for their companies, many business owners decide to delegate these tasks to the professionals. This overview of business accounting fundamentals from a Maryland business attorney will provide some of the information that could help you with that decision. A Maryland business attorney could help you with many of these accounting functions.

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Taxation River Taxation River

Here Are Must-Know Changes for the 2021 Tax Season

The 2020 tax season was frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming for many taxpayers. Pandemic relief bills resulted in numerous changes for tax filings. Some changes were limited to the 2020 tax years, while other changes were extended to 2021 and 2022.

If you had trouble keeping up with the changes for tax filings, you were not alone. Many tax preparers and IRS agents had trouble keeping everything straight.

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Business Tax River Business Tax River

Do I Have to Issue a 1099 to Independent Contractors I Paid via Third-Party Vendor Services Like PayPal, Venmo, or Wave?

Tax issues can be confusing. Recent tax laws regarding payments to independent contractors may add to the confusion. Knowing when to issue a 1099 to independent contractors is crucial for every business.

In most cases, businesses must report to the IRS annual payments made to any single vendor totaling $600 or more. Payments include those to individuals, LLCs, or partnerships. Generally, a business owner does not file 1099 forms for payments to S or C-Corporations. Businesses that do not comply with tax laws can face severe penalties, interest, and additional taxes.

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Business River Business River

15 Basic Business Terms Every Maryland Entrepreneur Should Understand

Are you a Maryland entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business? If so, it's important to understand the basics of business terminology. In this blog post, we'll define 15 basic terms every Maryland entrepreneur should know. By understanding these terms, you'll be able to communicate more effectively with your accountant, Maryland business lawyer, and other professionals who can help you grow your business.

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Estate Planning River Estate Planning River

12 Headaches Your Loved Ones May Face with Improper Estate Planning

When people think about what they want to leave behind to their family and friends, they might not know how a well-intentioned gift could cause problems. Just as troublesome to your survivors is a situation in which you die without valid estate planning documents. Let's discuss the 12 headaches your loved ones may face with improper estate planning. A Maryland estate planning attorney could help prepare your documents so you avoid these common estate planning mistakes.

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Estate Planning River Estate Planning River

Disadvantages of a Revocable Living Trust in Maryland

Probate is the legal process of transferring assets to heirs and beneficiaries after a person’s death. Many people view a revocable living trust as a way to avoid probate. However, there are several pros and cons of creating a revocable living trust. Therefore, before deciding to create a revocable living trust, it is wise to discuss your estate planning goals and needs with a Maryland trust attorney.

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Estate Planning River Estate Planning River

12 End-of-Life Documents You Need Now

Thinking about the end of your life is never pleasant. However, estate planning is the best way to take care of the ones you love after you are no longer with them. Our Maryland estate planning attorney helps you develop a plan that protects your assets during your lifetime and ensures your wishes are carried out after your death.

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Should My Aging Parents Add Me to Their Bank Accounts?

There comes a time when elderly parents may need assistance with their finances. They may need assistance paying bills, making financial decisions, and managing assets. Many families assume it is sufficient to add children to their parents' bank accounts. However, there could be other matters to consider. Before transferring assets or creating joint accounts, it is best to talk with a Maryland estate planning attorney.

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Estate Planning River Estate Planning River

Should I Give Gifts During My Life or Leave Them in My Will?

There comes a time when elderly parents may need assistance with their finances. They may need assistance paying bills, making financial decisions, and managing assets. Many families assume it is sufficient to add children to their parents' bank accounts. However, there could be other matters to consider. Before transferring assets or creating joint accounts, it is best to talk with a Maryland estate planning attorney.

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Estate Planning River Estate Planning River

Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples

Most single adults do not think too much about life decisions related to estate planning. They may believe that estate planning is something they will do once they are married. However, estate planning is essential for singles and unmarried partners. Without an estate plan, your partner may be locked out of important decisions about your health care and your estate.

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