Paying too much in taxes?
Brian A. Ripley • March 18, 2025
Learn how we can lower your tax burden through the correct entity formation.
The way you structure your business can have a significant impact on the tax consequences you'll face. Whether you're considering doing business as a sole proprietor, a partnership, an LLC or a corporation, it's important that you first seek (and follow) the advice of a competent tax professional before finalizing the specific structure you choose.
Tax Planning Strategies
•Capital gains vs. ordinary income treatment
•Installment sales
•Asset vs. stock sale structure
•Charitable remainder trusts
•Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exemption
•Section 1202 benefits
•State tax implications
For nine consecutive years, Oakland has honored Brian A. Ripley as Best of Oakland. Help him reach a historic tenth year — vote before the June 15, 2026 deadline.
Oakland business attorney Brian A. Ripley joins the Love Thy Lawyer podcast to discuss his legal career, advice for entrepreneurs, and serving small businesses in Alameda County.
Understand the hidden risks of online entity formation services and why consulting with a qualified attorney is essential for proper business formation, compliance, and asset protection. Learn how professional legal guidance saves money and protects your interests.
Business entity creation is often the first phase in a long-term legal support relationship between the business owner and a business attorney.
As a business lawyer with a broad variety of business owners and real estate investors, the core question I’m frequently asked is, “How can I protect my business and personal assets from potential legal liability arising from my business?” While there may be common elements applicable to virtually all business owners and real estate investors, creating an effective risk management strategy is a complicated process best facilitated by an experienced attorney.
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
We provide risk management planning and tools to prevent financial loss. The way you structure and manage your business can have a significant impact on the risks you'll face. In particular, ensuring that your personal assets are not compromised by problems arising from business activities requires risk management strategies specifically designed to address the actual risks associated with your particular business or industry.
Been in business with a partner and now looking to exit? We help you implement a plan to control what happens with your business. Having a detailed plan in place that provides clear steps to take when a crisis occurs can ensure your business survives. We help evaluate the risks specific to your business, and draft a plan that fits your needs "no matter what."