Author: Martin Kreshon
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LLC vs. PLLC in Washington: A Guide for Professionals
If you are an architect, doctor, dentist, lawyer, or accountant looking to hang your shingle in Washington, you might hit a roadblock when you go to register your business. You select “Limited Liability Company” (LLC) on the form, only to find out you might actually be required to form a Professional Limited Liability Company, aka…
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Navigating Contractor Liens in Washington
For contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Washington, understanding construction lien laws is crucial for ensuring payment for your hard work and materials. These laws, primarily found in RCW Chapter 60.04, provide a powerful tool to secure your right to payment by placing a claim against the improved property. However, the system comes with strict requirements…
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New Sales Tax Obligations: Key Professions Impacted by Washington SB 5814
Effective October 1, 2025, Washington has implemented a major shift in its tax landscape through Senate Bill 5814. This legislation “modernizes” the tax code by reclassifying several traditionally exempt service sectors as “retail sales.” If you operate in any of the following fields, you are now required to register for a retail tax endorsement, collect…
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ABA Releases 2025 Deal Points Study
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Business Law Section has released its 2025 Private Target Deal Points Study. Studying deals between $25 Million and $900 million, the study analyzes trends in business deals, including: For more information, check out the alert issued by K&L Gates. To learn more about buying or selling a business, go to https://martinkreshon.com…
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Why You Should Transfer Property to a LLC Before Renting
So, you’ve got a fantastic property in the Evergreen State and you’re ready to jump into the rental game. That’s great! But before you hand over the keys and start cashing those rent checks, there’s one critical step you might be skipping: transferring that property into a limited liability company or LLC. While it may…
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Understanding Washington’s Real Estate Excise Tax Exemptions
Buying or selling real estate in Washington typically triggers the obligation to pay Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) on the sale price. This tax is imposed on the seller and can represent a significant cost in any property transfer. However, not every transfer is a taxable “sale.” Washington law, specifically RCW 82.45 and the corresponding…
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Confessions of Judgment
In Washington, a confession of judgment is a legal tool where a debtor admits to a debt and authorizes a creditor to obtain a court judgment against them without a lawsuit. This can happen before or after a lawsuit is filed. It’s essentially a pre-authorized judgment that can be filed with the court if the…
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Baskets & Caps
When businesses change hands, the journey can be full of unknowns. From a buyer’s perspective, what if the financial records aren’t as tidy as they seemed? From a seller’s perspective, how long will they be on the hook for potential problems with the business they just sold? This is where tools like baskets, deductibles, and…
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Lending a Hand or Getting Burned? The Crucial Role of Security in Promissory Notes
Let’s say a friend, family member, or even a business associate needs a loan. Perhaps they pitch it as a business investment. You’re willing to help / invest, and you’re smart enough to know that a simple handshake isn’t going to cut it. You’ve decided to use a promissory note – excellent choice! This legally…
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Washington Tax Law Updates (2025)
Several important tax legislation updates were made in the 2025 legislative session. These changes may impact your business’s operations and financial planning. Key updates include: We strongly encourage you to review the full details of these legislative changes to understand their specific implications for your business and consult with your tax advisor or accountant to…