The recent SECURE 2.0 Act enacted by Congress has introduced a series of new strategies to help reduce burdens on taxpayers. CGA Law Firm has previously reviewed the SECURE 2.0 Act in general and highlighted some of its advantages to taxpayers. Today we will highlight a beneficial move that can help you and your college-bound children or grandchildren benefit more from their dollars. Utilizing a 529 Plan – a tax-advantaged college savings plan under IRC Section 529 – has long been a solid strategy for tax avoidance. A donor can set up a plan for college-bound family members, usually depositing… read more »
Five (or Six!) Mistakes to Avoid in Your Estate Planning
Estate planning offers protection and security for you and your family. Having well-crafted documents can help ensure your loved ones will be equipped to handle your estate matters smoothly without any disagreements or uncertainties. Nevertheless, numerous estate plans contain avoidable errors that only serve to complicate matters or even spark conflicts. Here is a list of common mistakes to avoid. 1. Identify your beneficiaries correctly. Too often, problems arise when a bequest to “John Smith” or “my niece Mary” goes astray. Our world is full of John Smiths and Marys, and problems can arise if bequests are identified too vaguely. Problems also arise if… read more »
The Importance of Estate Planning Before Walking Down the Aisle
Your wedding is a time of bliss and endless possibilities for a bright future together. While planning for your perfect day, don’t forget to protect those you love, as you start your new life together. Marriage is the right time to ensure your estate documents are in order. As you prepare for your future, take the time to meet with your estate attorney. Putting into place your vital documents like Wills, powers-of-attorneys, and health care directives will help provide you with the peace of mind that you will need for your perfect day. A Will is an essential document that… read more »
New Numbers for a New Year
Happy New Year! The new year brings to us new numbers to keep in mind for municipal decision-making in 2023: Bid advertising requirements. In 2023, the threshold requiring advertisement of a municipal bid will increase to $22,500, up from $21,900 in 2022. The amount requiring collection of multiple telephone quotes for municipal work will increase to $12,200, up from $11,800 in 2022. Municipal action below the threshold of $12,200 will not require competitive solicitation. While these numbers are up, they have not increased at pace with the 8.2% increase in the consumer price index; Pennsylvania statute prevents the increase of these bidding requirements from exceeding… read more »
Estate Planning – More Important Now Than Ever
In today’s world, protecting your family with solid estate planning is more essential than ever. The recent pandemic reminds us that having good estate documents in place is necessary. A sturdy Will can assure that your assets pass as you desire and your instructions will be observed. A Durable Power of Attorney empowers another to help when someone is injured, incapacitated, or frail. A Health Care Directive assures that medical services will be administered as you desire. Our legal team is current with recent changes in the law and can help you keep your estate plan up to date. Having… read more »
Vote for CGA Law Firm and Attorney Tim Bupp in the York Daily Record’s 2022 “Best of the Best” Community Choice Awards!
CGA Law Firm is in the running for two awards from the York Daily Record’s 2022 “Best of the Best” Community Choice Awards! We are nominated for “Best Law Firm,” and Attorney Tim Bupp is nominated for “Best Attorney”! The deadline to vote is May 31st at midnight! VOTE HERE! Need some voting help? To find the “Law Firm” category: scroll down until you reach the “Services” section and click, then scroll down to the “Law Firm” category and vote for CGA! To find the “Attorney” category: scroll down until you reach the “Services – People” section and click, then… read more »
Farm and Natural Lands Trust Seeks Properties for Preservation
For more than thirty years, the Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County (FNLT) has been working to preserve our County’s finest farm ground, woodland, soils, streams, and wetlands. FNLT is now accepting applications from interested landowners for preservation in its 2022 season. Owners of properties containing farms, open spaces, and other natural resources are welcome to apply. Landowners who preserve their property with FNLT can receive financial payment and tax deductions while assuring that their property will be shielded from unwanted future development. FNLT protects properties with a conservation easement, a flexible tool that provides future protection while… read more »
York County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program is Currently Receiving Applications
York County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program is currently receiving applications for their 2022-2023 preservation program. Applications for farms can be submitted through February 15, 2022, for the ranking process. The highest-scoring farms will be offered for preservation. Qualifying farms should be a minimum of fifty acres in size or adjacent to another preserved property, and must meet program requirements regarding soil quality, production and other criteria. Landowners should submit their completed application (available at yorkcountypa.gov), and can consult with the Program staff office at 2401 Pleasant Valley Road, or at (717)-840-7400 for details and requirements. The York County Agricultural Land… read more »
Why Do You Need an Estate Planning Trust?
For most people, estate planning requires just a few basic documents. View this video by Attorney Tim Bupp to learn more about why you need an Estate Planning Trust. An Estate Planning Trust will help guide loved ones with the management of inherited money and other assets after you are gone. A thoughtfully prepared Estate Plan is not just beneficial to family members, it can provide tremendous peace of mind. You owe it to yourself and those you love to have a plan in place. AttorneyTim chairs the Firm’s Estate Law Section. He provides clients with specialized advice in Estate Planning, Business and tax planning, Real Estate transactions and related… read more »
What is an Estate Planning Trust?
For most people, estate planning requires just a few basic documents. View this video by Attorney Tim Bupp to learn more about why you need an Estate Planning Trust. An Estate Planning Trust will help guide loved ones with the management of inherited money and other assets after you are gone. A thoughtfully prepared Estate Plan is not just beneficial to family members, it can provide tremendous peace of mind. You owe it to yourself and those you love to have a plan in place. AttorneyTim chairs the Firm’s Estate Law Section. He provides clients with specialized advice in Estate Planning, Business and tax planning, Real Estate transactions and related… read more »
