Insights

Donors Take Care: How to Avoid Charitable Giving Scams

The Federal Trade Commission and the attorneys general of 10 states filed a lawsuit in federal court against Cancer Recovery Foundation International (aka Women’s Cancer Fund or the “Fund”), and its president, Gregory Anderson, alleging that they raised $18 million over a five-year period from donors who wanted to help cancer patients, but that only 1% of the money went to help the patients.

Massachusetts Tax Relief Bill Signed Into Law

On October 4, 2023, Governor Maura Healey signed into law “An Act to improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equity.”  The Act makes key tax changes to the Massachusetts estate tax and short-term capital gains, and closes the "millionaires tax" loophole for married couples, in addition to other provisions.

Investment Implications of the Current Debt Ceiling Negotiations

In this episode of the Family Office Services podcast, Tamer Alamuddin and Christine Wright of Choate Investment Advisors discuss the current U.S. debt ceiling, related political gridlock and fears about financial instability.

Safe Assets During 2023 Bank Turmoil

In this episode of the Family Office Podcast Series, Managing Director, Tamer Alamuddin, and Senior Portfolio Manager, Henry Dormitzer, of Choate Investment Advisors discuss safe assets in light of the recent volatility in the banking sector.

Understanding the New Massachusetts Millionaires Tax

The new “Massachusetts Millionaires Tax” goes into effect on January 1, 2023 and will impose a 4% surtax, in addition to the 5% flat income tax, on those who domicile or reside in Massachusetts and earn over $1 million annually.

Search Funds Beware: Strategies for Avoiding PFIC Adverse Tax Consequences

Because Search Funds seek to invest in active businesses, searchers and their US investors are often surprised to learn that they may be subject to the Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”) rules for US federal income tax purposes.

Economic Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Choate Investment Advisors’ managing director, Tamer Alamuddin, and senior investment analyst, Harrison Odaniell, discuss the global economic consequences that are unfolding as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Choate Hosts "Fall Update: Pending Tax Changes and Timely Market Perspectives"

Choate recently hosted a discussion about the federal tax proposals currently under consideration, providing background and context on the infrastructure bills and the recently proposed framework for legislation, as well as the possible implications of these changes on individual taxes and the taxation of trusts.

Investing in Bitcoin: Opportunities & Risks

Tamer Alamuddin and Erin Kerr of ChoateIA explore the broader landscape of blockchain and the basics of Bitcoin, including key advantages and risks for investors.