Feature Post and Events
Features and Events
Virginia Proposed Income Tax Changes for 2027
Potential Combined Impact - If both HB 979 and HB 378 are enacted, Virginia’s maximum marginal income tax rate could rise to 13.8% in 2027, which would represent the highest state-level income tax rate in the United States.
May 6-9th 2026
Dive into the heart of planning for the unexpected with Wayne Zell's interactive workshop for business exit planners, inspired by his award-winning publication, "Your Multimillion-Dollar Exit – An Entrepreneur’s Business Success(ion) Planner." This immersive experience is not just a workshop; it's a journey through the real-life stories of entrepreneurs who have faced and solved the complexities of succession planning amidst unforeseen circumstances.
Continuity in Crisis: Preparing Your Business for the Unexpected
Dive into the heart of planning for the unexpected with Wayne Zell's interactive workshop for business exit planners, inspired by his award-winning publication, "Your Multimillion-Dollar Exit – An Entrepreneur’s Business Success(ion) Planner." This immersive experience is not just a workshop; it's a journey through the real-life stories of entrepreneurs who have faced and solved the complexities of succession planning amidst unforeseen circumstances.
Discover the power of Self-Cancelling Installment Notes (SCINs) for family business transfers and estate planning. Learn how SCINs work, their tax benefits, and when to use them. Explore the advantages of SCINs in minimizing gift and estate taxes while transferring property between family members. Optimize your wealth transfer strategy with expert insights on Self-Cancelling Installment Notes.
Blogs
A Minor’s Trust is one solution! This trust allows you to gift assets for the benefit of a minor child while ensuring that a designated trustee correctly handles the trust until the child is 21.
Passing on your business to the next generation by creating management (how your business will be managed if you are gone) and business succession plans (how your business will be owned) will help you get the most value for your business and hopefully, avoid hurting family and business partners.
One advantage of selling to a non-grantor trust is that it allows you to lock in the capital gains at a fixed value while deferring the recognition of the gain until payments are made under the promissory note. This strategy can effectively transfer the appreciation in value to the trust beneficiaries.
LOI (Letters of Intent) generally include non-binding provisions for the proposed structure of the purchase or sale, the due diligence that will be conducted, the representations and warranties (reps & warranties). It also includes binding provisions such as Confidentiality and Non Solicitation agreements as well as an Exclusivity Period.
Learning Videos
Curious about Letters of Intent (LOIs) and what makes up their essential components?
Think of the LOI as the engagement phase of a business sale — serious intent, but not yet a binding marriage.
Are you preparing to sell your business or exploring an acquisition? Understanding the Letter of Intent (LOI) is one of the most important early steps in any business transaction.
In this video, we explain what a Letter of Intent is, how it works in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and what business owners need to watch for before signing. You’ll learn the difference between binding and non-binding provisions, how purchase price and payment terms are structured, and why exclusivity, confidentiality, and non-solicitation clauses matter.
We also break down:
• Asset purchase vs. stock purchase structure
• Due diligence following the LOI
• Exclusivity periods (and why buyers insist on them)
• What happens if the deal does not close
• How the LOI leads to the definitive purchase agreement
Think of the LOI as the engagement phase of a business sale — serious intent, but not yet a binding marriage.
If you're serious about maximizing value when you exit your company, understanding the LOI is critical.
Ever wondered what would happen to your business if you faced an unexpected crisis?
Maybe it's a health issue,
sudden market changes,
or even a partner’s departure.
Without an exit plan, these events can create chaos, risking everything you've worked for.
Discover why every entrepreneur needs an exit plan—now. Learn how unexpected crises like health issues, market shifts, or a partner’s departure can impact your business, and why making an exit strategy is more than just retirement planning. Get essential steps and documents to protect your vision, empower your team, reassure investors, and secure your legacy. Start early and ensure your business is prepared for any surprise.
Family holding companies can be powerful tools for business owners — but they are often misunderstood. In this episode of Blueprint for Wealth, Wayne Zell explains how family holding companies are commonly used in family businesses, where entrepreneurs run into trouble, and why early structure decisions tend to shape tax efficiency, governance, and long-term flexibility.
Family holding companies can be powerful tools for business owners — but they are often misunderstood. In this episode of Blueprint for Wealth, Wayne Zell explains how family holding companies are commonly used in family businesses, where entrepreneurs run into trouble, and why early structure decisions tend to shape tax efficiency, governance, and long-term flexibility.
Retention bonuses are often used to motivate and retain key employees — especially during periods of growth or transition. In this video, Wayne Zell explains how retention bonuses work, when business owners consider them, and how incentive decisions can quietly affect taxes, culture, and long-term planning outcomes. This content is educational and intended to help entrepreneurs think strategically about compensation decisions before they create unintended consequences.
Retention bonuses are often used to motivate and retain key employees — especially during periods of growth or transition. In this video, Wayne Zell explains how retention bonuses work, when business owners consider them, and how incentive decisions can quietly affect taxes, culture, and long-term planning outcomes. This content is educational and intended to help entrepreneurs think strategically about compensation decisions before they create unintended consequences.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals before implementing employee incentive programs.