Take a look at our December newsletter!
You’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into your family and your business. Now it’s time to protect it.
DECEMBER 2025
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New Home, a Surprise Cat … 2 Days Before Christmas?! Bring It On!
Christmas has a funny way of sneaking up on you. One minute it’s Halloween, and the next you’re standing in a grocery store aisle surrounded by candy canes and Mariah Carey songs, wondering how another year has flown by. The holiday season always seems to invite reflection, and when I think back to where my family and I were last December, I can only shake my head. While most people were winding down, baking cookies, and wrapping gifts, we were knee-deep in chaos and moving into a new house two days before Christmas. Months prior to the move, I would scroll through Zillow before bed, which sometimes almost felt like a waste of time. But one night, a familiar listing popped up. It was the house we’d liked months earlier but written off as too expensive. This time, though, the price had taken a big dip, and suddenly it didn’t seem so out of reach. We decided to take a look, and of course, we fell for it all over again. From that moment, everything became a blur. The mortgage process was stressful, the timing was terrible, and somehow, we pulled it off. Between juggling inspections, contractors, negotiations, and everything
at the office, there was barely time to breathe. It felt like trying to sprint through December while everyone else was relaxing by the fire. By the middle of the month, we had closed on the house. Every day after that was a revolving door of people: flooring crews, cleaners, and inspectors. It was constant motion. Then came moving day, Dec. 23. Who moves two days before Christmas anyway? We were exhausted, running on caffeine, and surrounded by boxes. As if the chaos wasn’t enough, we discovered that the previous owner had left a cat behind. Yes, I’m serious! There was a cat secretly living in the house that my dog discovered. Despite the exhaustion, we managed to make it feel like Christmas. We went out, bought a tree, family came over, and somehow it all came together! There were boxes scattered everywhere, and the first Christmas in the new house was far from perfect, but it was ours. Now, a year later, life feels completely different. Our house actually feels like home. Sure, we’re still learning its quirks and fixing the occasional issue, but
the chaos has settled and the kids are older now. Our oldest, Quentin, really understands the magic of Christmas, and Joaquin is walking and curious about everything. This year, we’re enjoying the calm atmosphere of the season. We’re planning to go to Apple Hill with Lucero’s family to pick out our tree, sip hot cider, and enjoy the traditions we missed last year. For once, the focus isn’t on logistics or deadlines. It’s just about being together. Last year’s craziness was worth it and certainly reminded me of one thing: Sometimes the best gift isn’t something wrapped under a tree. It’s simply having the space and peace to enjoy where you are now, especially after remembering how far you’ve come.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
–Tyler Q. Dahl
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A Section 645 election allows a revocable trust to be treated as part of the estate for federal income tax purposes, simplifying reporting and consolidating filings. This flexibility can help families manage taxes more efficiently, reduce costs, and navigate estate administration with less stress. In a weak economy or declining market, knowing when and how to use a Section 645 election can keep the estate compliant while providing strategic advantages. WHAT IS A SECTION 645 ELECTION? A Section 645 election lets a qualified revocable trust (QRT) be treated as part of the estate. To qualify, the trust must have been fully revocable by the decedent up until death. If it required outside approval to make changes or revoke it, then it does not count as a QRT. Executors and trustees work together to make the election by filing Form 8855, and once it’s made, the choice cannot be undone. THE TAX BENEFITS A Section 645 election offers families and business owners valuable tax flexibility by allowing a trust to be treated as part of the estate. This consolidates income reporting into one return, cutting costs and reducing errors. It also lets the trust use the estate’s fiscal year instead of a fixed calendar year, helping shift income and deductions to the most favorable period. Additional benefits include broader deductions for charitable gifts, a temporary break from estimated tax payments, and waived participation rules for certain income. In short, a Section 645 election simplifies administration, increases flexibility, and can lower overall taxes, an important advantage for families managing assets in uncertain times. WHEN DOES A SECTION 645 ELECTION MAKE SENSE? The decision to make a Section 645 election depends on the details of the estate, the type of assets involved, and the goals of the beneficiaries. Situations where the election often makes sense include: • Multiple trusts tied to the same estate: Combining them under one return reduces complexity. • Ownership of S corporation stock: The election lets the trust remain a qualified shareholder without extra filings. • Significant charitable intent: Deducting amounts set aside for charities can provide meaningful tax advantages. • Desire for fiscal year planning: When income can be shifted across different tax years, beneficiaries may realize considerable savings. A TAILORED APPROACH TO YOUR ESTATE AND YOUR TAX STRATEGY Section 645 elections can save costs but aren’t right for every estate. Dahl Law Group helps families and business owners decide if this strategy fits their trusts, protecting assets and reducing expenses. Contact us for tailored guidance today. Section 645 Elections Combining Trusts and Estates for Efficiency
Did You Know? Did you know that, according to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend over $900 on Christmas every year, with 71% of their holiday budgets allocated to gift purchases? It’s true! And when it comes to Christmas trees, roughly 25–30 million real trees are sold in the U.S. alone, and over 350 million Christmas cards are sent each holiday season.
Here’s a surprising one: The classic Christmas song, “Jingle Bells,” was originally written for Thanksgiving!
And even Santa has numbers: He supposedly delivers gifts to about 2 billion children worldwide … no wonder he needs a whole night (and a lot of cookies!) to get it done.
Do you have a friend who needs our help? When you’re done reading, give them this newsletter and recommend they scan our QR code. We can help them solve their tax, business, or estate planning problems before things get worse.
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Consumer Data Compliance: Avoid Legal Risks in the Digital Age
Today’s businesses must carefully manage private information. California business owners often ask about handling customer data, especially when using tools like Google Ads and tracking software. These tools drive growth but collect personal data subject to strict privacy laws. It’s essential to understand legal boundaries and required opt-out options. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its amendments give people control over how their information is shared, including data from advertising trackers. Under Section 1798.120, consumers can instruct businesses not to sell or share their data. Section 1798.135 requires companies to provide a visible “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link that connects to a process for HOW CALIFORNIA LOOKS AT CONSUMER PRIVACY
opting out. Failing to comply can lead to penalties and legal issues. WHAT FEDERAL DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION LAWS APPLY? U.S. Code § 6802, for example, requires financial institutions to provide customers a way to opt out before their information is shared with unrelated third parties. While it applies to banks and similar institutions, it sets a standard for giving people control over their personal information. Similarly, the CAN-SPAM Act’s Section 7704 (Controlling the Assault of Non- Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act) requires commercial emails to include a clear way for recipients to opt out of future messages. It reinforces the broader principle that consumers should always have an easy way to stop the use of their data for business purposes.
Taken together, these federal laws, alongside California’s strict privacy laws, make it clear that businesses using online tracking or data collection tools must provide a process for consumers to opt out. SOUND BUSINESS INSIGHTS FOR BUSINESSES OPERATING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD Compliance with privacy laws protects your company’s reputation, reduces risk, and builds trust with customers and clients. At Dahl Law Group, we guide California business owners through legal challenges that come with operating in today’s data-driven economy. We help clients develop a legal strategy that protects from a wide array of potential risk angles to ensure the overall legal health of the company. If your business utilizes cookies, advertising tools, or consumer data, please contact our team for solutions tailored to your specific goals.
SUDOKU
Directions 1. With a pestle and mortar, crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together. 2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract. 9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef. Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
Ingredients • 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp mustard powder • 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tsp celery seeds • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef Gravy • 4 tbsp flour • 2 beef stock cubes • 3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney • 2–3 tsp yeast extract
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INSIDE What’s
2. 1. Moving Madness and Christmas Cheer Christmas by the Numbers: Fun Holiday Facts Maximizing Tax Benefits With a Section 645 Election Privacy Compliance Made Simple for
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California Business Owners Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy Quick Workouts for Hectic Lives
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Smart Fitness Tips for Packed Schedules Between back-to-back meetings, overflowing inboxes, and endless to-do lists,
RELY ON BODYWEIGHT BASICS. If you don’t have any equipment, it’s not a problem! Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks deliver serious results using only your body weight. They’re portable, adaptable, and efficient, perfect for hotel rooms, living rooms, or even the office. DON’T SKIP HYDRATION AND SLEEP. Drinking enough water and getting enough rest are two underrated hacks. Hydration keeps your brain sharp and muscles ready to perform, while quality sleep ensures your body can recover and push harder the next day. Sometimes, the healthiest move is choosing sleep over another late-night grind.
short intervals of intense activity paired with light recovery moves. Ten minutes of push-ups, squats, or stair sprints can leave you feeling energized without the guilt of skipping a “real” workout. It’s efficient, effective, and surprisingly doable. TREAT EXERCISE LIKE A MEETING. If you wouldn’t cancel a client call, why cancel on yourself? Block out short fitness breaks in your calendar, whether a 20-minute lunchtime walk or a quick yoga stretch after work. When you schedule it, you’re more likely to follow through.
staying fit can feel like a luxury reserved for people with extra hours in the day. But here’s the secret: You don’t need hours, you just need strategy. With the right hacks, you can incorporate fitness into your routine, no matter how hectic your schedule looks. SNEAK IN MICRO-WORKOUTS. Your calendar may be jam-packed, but fitness doesn’t always mean hitting the gym. Think micro-workouts: pace during phone calls, squats while brushing your teeth, or squeeze in a quick plank before
PREPARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT FOR SUCCESS. Keep a ready-to-go fitness bag with sneakers, a water bottle, and workout gear. Having everything within reach reduces excuses and makes it easier to stick to your plan.
bed. These small bursts add up over time and keep you moving without derailing your schedule. USE INTERVAL TRAINING WISELY. Instead of committing to long, draining sessions, try
CELEBRATE SMALL WINS. Progress isn’t just about six-packs or
running marathons. Did you manage five push-ups between meetings? Celebrate that. Took the stairs instead of the elevator? That counts. Recognizing these victories builds momentum and helps create a lasting habit.
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