Legal Think Pieces

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is facing significant changes following a 2025 announcement by the U.S. Treasury Department to pause enforcement of its beneficial ownership reporting requirements. This decision provides relief for small businesses, as the Treasury plans to limit the CTA’s scope to foreign reporting companies only. Small business owners are encouraged to stay updated as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. Learn about the 4 things this means for Washington Small Business Owners moving forward.

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Learn how to spot and avoid advanced small business scams targeting Washington business owners. Protect your company from fake filings, excessive fees, and scare tactics posing as official requests. Stay informed with tips from the Whipple Law Group to verify legitimacy and report fraud.

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Business estate planning is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship. It ensures the smooth transition of ownership, protects business assets, and secures the long-term legacy of your enterprise. This guide from The Whipple Law Group outlines key strategies for creating a comprehensive estate plan tailored to business owners. Topics include setting clear planning goals, choosing a capable successor, leveraging legal tools like wills, trusts, and buy-sell agreements, and addressing tax implications and asset protection. The article also emphasizes the importance of business valuations, contingency planning with insurance, and designating powers of attorney. Regular reviews and clear communication with stakeholders are essential to keep the plan effective. By proactively planning with qualified legal professionals, business owners can safeguard their operations and family’s financial future.

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The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires most U.S. corporations, LLCs, and similar entities to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to combat financial crimes. This article outlines who must comply, what exemptions apply, and the specific information required for both businesses and their beneficial owners. It details initial and ongoing filing deadlines, explains the consequences of non-compliance—including steep financial penalties and possible imprisonment—and provides a step-by-step compliance guide. Business owners are encouraged to review their structures, gather necessary data, and keep records up to date. The article also highlights the importance of regular reviews, internal policies, and staff training, recommending professional legal support to ensure full compliance. The Whipple Law Group is available to help businesses navigate these new requirements.

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Washington State’s legal system is governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which consists of statutes enacted by the legislature and signed into law, and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), which regulates state agencies. RCWs are categorized by Title, Chapter, and Section, covering areas like estate planning (Title 11) and criminal law (Title 9A), while WACs guide agency decision-making and enforcement. Since laws and regulations evolve, staying informed is essential, but legal matters can be complex. At The Whipple Law Group, we help clients navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence.

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Business succession planning (i.e., an estate plan for your business) is a crucial component of personal estate planning that ensures a smooth transition of ownership and management of a business from one generation to the next. Succession planning involves the development of a comprehensive stra...

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Forming a new business is an exciting venture thousands of Americans take on each year. According to the Small Business Association (SBA), over 627,000 businesses are formed annually. When forming a new company, it is imperative to legitimize your operations by establishing it as a legal entity. ...

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Article By Amy Fischer, Columbian City Government Reporter Stephen Kirby, who owns Tikor Consulting, had sought information from multiple governments about how much they were being charged by outside attorneys for their work, said his attorney, Michael Whipple of the Spokane-based Whipple Law Gro...

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The Union Bulletin article discusses a legal dispute in Starbuck, Washington, where attorney Stephen Kirby claims his public records request was ignored, leading to a lawsuit that could cost the town, with a small annual budget, tens of thousands in penalties. Kirby requested records in October 2...

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