Insights

Practical guidance on the legal and strategic questions facing closely-held and family-owned businesses.

Smart Start: Legal Foundations for Business Success

A series exploring the legal decisions every business owner faces at formation — from choosing the right entity to planning an exit strategy from day one.

Smart Start Series — Part 1

Choosing the Right Entity: How Startups Should Evaluate Their Legal Structure

Starting a business is exciting, but selecting the appropriate legal entity is one of the most critical early decisions. This article breaks down the key considerations — liability, taxation, administration, and more.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025
Smart Start Series — Part 2

Think Exit First: Defining Your Exit Strategy During Startup Formation

Planning an exit strategy might seem premature when just starting out, but defining this path early can steer every major decision with purpose.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025
Smart Start Series — Part 3

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC): Flexibility with Protection

The LLC is one of the most popular business structures for startups — and for good reason. This article covers the key benefits, formation steps, and when an LLC is the right fit.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025
Smart Start Series — Part 4

Forming a Corporation: Structure for Scale and Investment

Corporations provide strong liability protection and are ideal for companies planning to raise capital or go public. A closer look at C-Corps, S-Corps, and the formation process.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025

Understanding Business Income Taxation

A series demystifying how different business structures are taxed — with consistent examples to make comparisons clear and actionable.

Taxation Series — Part 1

Business Taxation Overview: Comparing the Major Tax Structures

When you start a business, how it will be taxed is one of the most important decisions you'll face. This overview compares pass-through and corporate taxation in plain English.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025
Taxation Series — Part 2

C Corporation Taxation: Navigating Double Taxation and Corporate Rates

C Corporations are distinct legal entities with exposure to double taxation. This article walks through the mechanics, current rates, and a side-by-side tax example.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025
Taxation Series — Part 3

S Corporation Taxation: Balancing Pass-Through Benefits and Compliance

S Corporations avoid double taxation while offering liability protection. Learn about eligibility, reasonable compensation rules, and state-specific treatment.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025
Taxation Series — Part 4

Partnership Taxation: Shared Profits, Shared Tax Responsibilities

Partnerships offer flexibility in profit-sharing and management, but partners face unique tax obligations — including the phantom income rule.

Jeffrey W. Keiser  ·  2025

Have a Question About Your Business?

These articles provide general information, but every business is different. Book a consultation to discuss your specific situation.