Legal Update

Should You Form an LLC for Your Arizona Real Estate Investments?

By: Christopher J. Charles, Esq.

Arizona’s limited liability company (LLC) business structure insulates business owners — and real estate investors — from personal risk exposure. This is why forming an LLC for Arizona real estate investments has proven so attractive to investors for years. Liability policies generally have exceptions and limits that do not wholly protect investors from litigation; an LLC’s protection power is typically broader and more beneficial for the following reasons: Pass-through taxation, management, profit distribution, foreign ownership and ownership transfer.

How Does the IRS Define a “Church”?

By: Erik W. Stanley, Esq.

According to the IRS, there are certain characteristics generally attributed to churches that have been developed by the IRS and court decisions. Churches may also receive different treatment under federal and state laws in several areas, including: federal tax-exempt status, annual IRS reporting, unemployment taxes, and religious liberty protections.

What is a "Religious Organization" Under title VII?

By: Erik W. Stanley, Esq.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Title VII also contains a religious “exemption” sometimes called the “religious preference” that allows a religious organization to prefer members of its own religion in making employment decisions (hiring, firing, and other employment decisions). The EEOC states, “religion typically concerns ‘ultimate ideas’ about ‘life, purpose, and death.’ Social, political, or economic philosophies, as well as mere personal preferences, are not ‘religious’ beliefs protected by Title VII.”