Recent changes in the tax law have modified the tax benefits of selling a personal residence. For several years, taxpayers have been able to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly) of capital gains from income taxation. However, provisions in the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 have changed the rules. In ... more

Under New Hampshire and Massachusetts law, employment non-compete agreements are narrowly construed to protect only the legitimate business interests of the employer. If an employee who has signed a non-compete agreement leaves his job and goes to work for a competitor, the former employer may choose to sue. The employer can seek either strictly damages ... more

Divorcing couples are often faced with the issue of having a large portion of their respective net worths in 401(k) Retirement Plans. These assets consist of tax-deferred investments which are taxable upon withdrawal and which often carry a 10% Tax Penalty if withdrawn prior to age 59 ½. With proper planning, exceptions in the Tax ... more

I have received several calls over the years by employees with the misapprehension that if they quit their job because they were not being paid they will not be able to collect unemployment compensation. This is incorrect. If you have been an employee of a company and quit because the employer states they can no ... more

As reported here in an earlier article, there is a bill pending before Congress which will keep permanent the current Estate Tax exclusion of $3,500,000. In recent days two more bills have been proposed, one by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) and the other by Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS). Rep. Jim McDermott, a senior Member of ... more