Tag: real-estate
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Shield Your Rentals, Streamline Your Future: Why an LLC Makes Sense for Landlords
By JASON GRAY Pinnacle Law PLLC For many small landlords, owning a rental feels personal. The mortgage comes out of your checking account, you patch drywall on weekends, and you know your tenants by name. That hands on approach can work, but it leaves your savings, your home, and your future exposed if something…
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Irrevocable Trusts: The Most Powerful Yet Misunderstood Tool in Estate and Tax Planning
By JASON GRAY Pinnacle Law PLLC When most people hear the word “trust,” they imagine a legal document that distributes wealth after death. But in the world of modern estate planning, irrevocable trusts have emerged as one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — tools for protecting assets, minimizing taxes, and securing…
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Washington’s Estate Tax Hike: Why Now Is the Time to Set Up Your Trust
By Jason Gray PINNACLE LAW PLLC Washington State is dramatically changing the rules around estate taxes. Last week, legislation was signed that raises the top estate tax rate from 20% to 35% for larger estates, effective July 1, 2025. At the same time, the exemption amount—the portion of an estate shielded from taxation—will increase…
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Understanding Capital Gains: The Tax Trap Families Can Avoid with the Right Plan
By JASON GRAY Pinnacle Law PLLC When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, and avoiding probate. But there’s another major issue that often slips under the radar—and it can cost families tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars: capital gains taxes. Understanding how capital gains work, and planning…
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Protect Your Home from Title Theft by Setting Up a Trust
By Jason Gray PINNACLE LAW PLLC In today’s digital age, property owners face a growing threat: title theft. This crime, often called “house stealing,” occurs when criminals fraudulently transfer property ownership, typically using forged documents, to gain control over the title of a home. Once they hold the title, they can take out loans…
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Will Your Kids Pay Taxes on Their Inheritance?
By JASON GRAY Pinnacle Law PLLC When you pass assets down to your children, one of the biggest concerns is how much of that inheritance might be lost to taxes. While inheritance can provide financial security, taxes at both the federal and state levels can reduce the amount your children ultimately receive. Understanding the…
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Upcoming Changes in Federal Estate Tax in 2026: What You Need to Know
By JASON GRAY Pinnacle Law PLLC As the calendar inches closer to 2026, many individuals are facing the potential return of stricter federal estate tax rules. The current federal estate tax exemption, which allows individuals to pass on up to $13.61 million without incurring estate tax, is set to sunset on January 1, 2026.…
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Legacy Planning: Protecting the Family Real Estate
By JASON GRAY Pinnacle Law PLLC Real estate often represents not just significant financial value but deep emotional and historical significance. As part of our series on estate planning and asset protection, this article delves into legacy planning with a specific focus on preserving real estate assets, such as the family home, within the…
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Estate Tax Planning and Capital Gains
By Jason Gray PINNACLE LAW PLLC As the saying goes, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” However, with careful estate planning, residents of Washington and Idaho can navigate these inevitable financial challenges and preserve their hard-earned wealth for future generations. Estate Tax Basics in Washington and Idaho Estate taxes,…
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Timeshares in Wills: Making Sure Your Vacation Home is a Gift, Not a Burden
By Jason Gray PINNACLE LAW PLLC As the world of estate planning evolves, a unique aspect that often goes unnoticed is the inclusion of timeshares. Timeshares, known for their fractional ownership in vacation properties, can be a tricky element in estate planning due to their specific legal and financial implications. This article delves into the…