TX-LW Firm Blogs

Given our diverse firms, we are constantly exploring new ideas and staying up to date on the latest trends and developments in our industries.

On this page, you’ll find a selection of blog posts written by our experts across a range of disciplines, including tax, probate, business, and other services. These posts cover a wide range of topics, from industry-specific news and analysis to advice on how to navigate complex challenges.

Probate
tax
Business

  • Limited Partners May be Subject to Self-Employment Tax

    When we think of taxes, we often think of income taxes. But for business owners, they also have to contend with payroll and/or self-employment taxes. These other taxes can be substantial for businesses and their owners. This is why Congres and taxpayers have devised several ways to avoid these taxes. The rules are nuanced enough…… Continue reading Limited Partners May be Subject to Self-Employment Tax

  • The Limited Augusta Rule for Self-Rentals

    While many taxpayers want to pay less in tax and there are legitimate ways to do so, some of the tax planning concepts that are frequently discussed miss the mark. The so-called Augusta rule is often one of them. Tax planners often cite this rule and provide tax savings estimates based on unreasonable assumptions. This…… Continue reading The Limited Augusta Rule for Self-Rentals

  • When are Sanctions Levied Towards Attorneys Applicable During Court?

    Courts possess significant powers to impose sanctions on attorneys who improperly abuse legal processes. Various procedural rules and statutes grant courts discretion to levy monetary sanctions when attorneys engage in frivolous litigation tactics or misconduct. As the Brenners v. Green, No. 06-20-00044-CV (Tex. App. – Texarkana [6th Dist.] 2020) case exemplifies, determining appropriate sanctions requires… Continue reading When are Sanctions Levied Towards Attorneys Applicable During Court?

  • Examining the Finality of Probate Court Orders in Texas

    Probate proceedings in Texas often feature multiple complex stages and interim rulings before finality is reached. This multi-phase process aims to fully and fairly administer estates, but it also creates potential complications when it comes to appealing orders issued along the way. Since appellate courts want to discourage piecemeal appeals before probate completion, only certain… Continue reading Examining the Finality of Probate Court Orders in Texas

  • Examining Executor Authority in Texas Will Contests

    When a will is contested in Texas, the scope of the executor’s authority is often disputed. Texas executors derive their authority solely from the will itself. However, competing heirs disagree on what powers the will actually grants. Critical issues like an executor’s ability to dispose of estate assets through sale or gift may hinge on… Continue reading Examining Executor Authority in Texas Will Contests

  • What is a Partnership: State Law vs. Federal Tax Law

    One of the nuances that come up in tax planning involves the interplay of state law and federal tax law. This brings in all of the nuances and challenges under state law to federal tax law. For example, one common nuance in business transactions arises when the parties to a business arrangement do not document…… Continue reading What is a Partnership: State Law vs. Federal Tax Law

  • Taxation of Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts

    Do you own a company and want to sell to de-risk your holdings but don’t want to pay tax now? And when you do sell, do you still want lower capital gains rates? That’s the most common goal for those considering tax planning. Capital gains rates are lower than ordinary income rates. Tax planning focuses…… Continue reading Taxation of Variable Prepaid Forward Contracts

  • Navigating the Complexities of Co-Guardianship Arrangements

    Co-guardianships are complex arrangements that require careful management, especially when parents share responsibility for an incapacitated ward. Such arrangements involve a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities. However, disputes can arise, leading one parent to seek clarification and enforcement of the co-guardianship order, while the other parent proposes specific possession schedules. The In re Guardianship… Continue reading Navigating the Complexities of Co-Guardianship Arrangements

  • Limiting IRS Access to Your CPA & Tax Attorney Records

    A core principle of U.S. law and a foundation of our legal system is the presumption of innocence. The burden of proof lies with the accuser, not the accused. This underpins the right against self-incrimination and the right to legal counsel to mount a vigorous defense. However, this framework unravels if the accuser can access…… Continue reading Limiting IRS Access to Your CPA & Tax Attorney Records