News & Insights from Lasher

The world is transforming in the post-covid era and business needs are evolving as consumer habits change.  These changes can directly impact the space where you conduct business and have you contemplating what to do about one of your business’ largest expenses.  Whether your company is growing and in need of a new space to […]

On July 8, 2022, the IRS issued Rev. Proc. 2022-32 that simplified the method for obtaining late relief for failure to timely make an estate tax portability election and extending the time for filing portability returns from two years after the death of the first-to-die spouse to five years.  A portability election allows the surviving […]

What is the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal? A service animal is a dog which has been trained to perform a specific task or to do work directly related to a person’s disability. Service animals perform a wide variety of vital services such as allergen alerts, seizure response, and hearing […]

When you’re in the throes of a separation or divorce, it is easy to forget the importance of updating your will and your estate plan.  With so much happening in the here and now, things like beneficiary designations and estate planning can feel very much like an “I’ll get to it someday” problem.  However, as […]

The Revitalizing Downtowns Act was introduced in Congress this summer with the goal of converting unused or outdated office buildings into residential or mixed-use spaces. The goal of this legislation is to amend the tax code to create an incentive for developers and building owners in city centers to transition outdated buildings from empty office […]

UPDATE: On January 27, Governor Jay Inslee signed two bills passed by the Legislature making key changes to WA Cares Fund. These reforms address coverage gaps and delay program implementation by 18 months. Significant changes include: Employees near retirement (born before 1968) will now be able to qualify for partial benefits on a pro-rated basis. […]

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”  ~Winston Churchill It’s easy to instinctively shy away from conflict and with good reason – given the choice, most people would rather resolve disputes in a healthy, productive way.  The question is when you […]

If you have children, your relationship with your ex isn’t over once the divorce is final; you will need to have a solid co-parenting relationship.  Some people fall into this easily, but for others it’s a struggle, especially if the divorce was contentious. The truth is that your ex might never be your favorite person […]

Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard.  Marriage with a high needs kid is harder.  Divorce with a high needs kid is harder—and most of all for the high needs kid. My husband and I are blessed with two children.  My oldest has been diagnosed with what used to be deemed Asperger’s but is now simply […]

In November, 2020, we published the original post “‘Tis the Season: A Gifting Opportunity.” This is an update. If you are in the holiday spirit this season, you may wish to make gifts using the 2021 annual federal gift tax exclusion amount.  To qualify for this exclusion for the year 2021, the gifts must be […]

(This blog is the third installment in a multi-part series regarding privacy in the workplace.) Employee dress codes and policies can be an important way to ensure that employees properly represent the company’s image and do not offend customers or the general public. Dress codes may also promote safety in the workplace (for example, no […]

It’s been a long, hard year, but things are now starting to open up again, which has many people thinking about that first post-vaccine vacation.  However, there are a few things to consider in planning a safe vacation.  Even if everyone in your family has been vaccinated, make sure to discuss your travel plans with […]