The Family Business: a Never-Ending Saga--Think taxes, economics and human emotions

摘要

Almost all readers of this column who contact me with tax problems are owners of a family business. Each has a unique story, and most would make a fascinating TV drama. Typically, their problems fall into one of three categories: taxes, economics or human emotions. The following case studies illustrate all of the above. Case 1: Joe wants to give his kids, Sam and Sue, who work at Success Co., a stock bonus. Sue is single; Sam is married. Problem: Stock could be marital property. Solution: The stock bonus is okay for Sue, but not for Sam. Here's why: Sam is married and the stock would be marital property, half of which, in case of divorce, would belong to Sam's wife. Ouch! Divorce is the most common "human" problem that plagues family businesses.