THIENEL LAW BLOG
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.
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.
Should I Include an Arbitration Clause in My Business Contracts?
An arbitration clause is an often-used clause that a Maryland business attorney includes in small business contracts to reduce contract disputes. This article explains what arbitration clauses are and how they work.
Maryland Probate and Estate Tax Laws: A Primer
After your close relative dies, you might find yourself overwhelmed with having to handle all the estate administration tasks. It might seem as if there is a never-ending list of things you must do and impossible deadlines by which to do them. The good news is Maryland law does not require you to perform these functions by yourself.
How Do You Revoke a Trust in Maryland?
Trusts can be useful for asset protection and tax planning. They may also be designed to provide resources for special needs individuals. Trusts can also support charitable causes, protect a family business, and provide for the education of children and grandchildren.
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:
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.
Should Your Company Insist on Vaccinations for Your Employees?
Before requiring employees to get vaccinated, learn about the implications. There are several legal issues to consider when making this decision, such as government mandates and individual rights.
2022 Tax Changes: IRS Issues Inflation Adjustments
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced inflation adjustments for over 60 tax provisions, most of which will affect individual income tax filers in 2023. Get up-to-date with the changes that could impact your tax return.
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.
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.
Maryland Business Express - What Every Maryland Business Owner Should Know
If you are already doing business in Maryland or are considering doing so, there are many things you need to know. Whether you are a domestic company or a foreign business operating in our state, there is a great deal of information you need.
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.
What is the Procedure for Making Advance Directives in Maryland?
You will want to get legal advice from a Maryland estate planning lawyer before making an advance directive. If you merely use a printed form, you might not receive all of the options that are available by law. Your lawyer can explain what the procedure is for making advance directives in Maryland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.