Tax Planning for Business Owners & Investors

For new businesses, we design and implement ownership structures - such as Subchapter C and Subchapter S corporations, general and limited partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs) and business trusts - to minimize tax cost, limit the liabilities of business owners and preserve control of business operations. We frequently negotiate and structure buy/sell agreements (insurance-funded and otherwise) and other arrangements among business owners. We help established businesses buy and sell business assets, including the sale of the entire company. In these transactions our lawyers make maximum use of  the rules that permit certain business dispositions to be achieved without current income tax. We also structure and draft employment agreements and other arrangements with key employees. 

We are particularly sensitive to the special issues confronting family businesses and can help reduce or eliminate taxes when a family business is transferred to the next generation. Sullivan is known as a leader in Massachusetts state tax matters and we routinely advise clients on the state and local tax consequences of business transactions and help with structures to minimize state taxes.