Perspectives
Perspectives is a quarterly digital publication that covers an array of topics, including valuation, taxation, litigation, transactions, financing, bankruptcy, and strategic planning. Like its award-winning predecessor, Insights, each edition of Perspectives is authored by Willamette Management Associates analysts, with occasional contributions from prominent attorneys and other professionals. Perspectives offers insights and analyses from our analysts to help readers stay informed on complex issues in the areas of valuation, forensic analysis, and financial advisory services.
Editor for this issue: Ben R. Duffy
Martin v. Commissioner: Dotted t’s and Crossed i’s Insufficient to Support Charitable Deduction
Brent A. McDade, ASA, ABV, CVA, MAFF
The U.S. Tax Court disallowed large deductions for donated property due to apparent shortfalls in documentation rather than a dispute regarding the amount of value transferred, in what appears to be a victory of form over substance.
Connecting Strategy and Structure: The Transfer of Control in the Modern Family Office
Family offices often devote substantial resources to preserving wealth across generations, yet transferring control can be a challenge. Valuation professionals can help family offices align succession, governance, and long-term family objectives.
What Is Old Is New Again: Artificial Intelligence in Valuation Practice
Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is transforming valuation, appraisal, forensic accounting, and financial advisory services. But ongoing education and adherence to professional standards are essential for maintaining credibility in an increasingly AI-driven environment.
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Previous Issues
July 2026 Perspectives
Editor for this issue: Weston C. Kirk
- Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts: Pitfalls for the Unwary Couplen
- Avoiding Double Discounting in Tiered Business Structures
- Measuring Customer Concentration Risk Within the Company-Specific Risk Premium
April 2026 Perspectives
Editors for this issue: Nathan P. Novak and Timothy J. Meinhart
- The Effect of Macroeconomic Uncertainty on Business Valuation
- Vetting Management Projections: Best Practices and Insights
- The Graegin Loan Remains a Viable Option for Certain Illiquid Estates
January 2026 Perspectives
Editors for this issue: Scott R. Miller and Lisa H. Tran
- How Volatile Interest Rates Affect the Cost of Capital and Company Valuations
- Succession Planning in 2026: Employee Stock Ownership Plans and the New Estate Tax Landscape
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Effect on the Value of S Corporations and Pass-Through Entities
July 2025 Perspectives
Editor for the issue: Jackson L. Crispin
- Tax Court Allows Tax-Affecting for the Discounted Cash Flow Method in Pierce v. Commissioner
- Conflict Transactions and the Evolution of the Fairness Opinion Landscape
- The Application of the Relief from Royalty Method for Intellectual Property Valuation
April 2025 Perspectives
Editors for the issue: Timothy J. Meinhart and Nathan P. Novak
- Nuances with Respect to Valuing a Controlling Ownership Interest
- Proposed Regulation Changes to Circular 230
- Estate Planning and Buy-Sell Agreements After the Connelly Decision
January 2025 Perspectives
Editor for this issue: Scott R. Miller
- The Potential Application of Artificial Intelligence in Business Valuation
- Providing support and Rationale for the Estimation of Company-Specific Risk Premium
- Comparison of the Business Valuation Development Standards Among Organizations
October 2024 Perspectives
Editor for this issue: Jesse J. Gillett
- Key Considerations in the Valuation of Carried Interest from a Tax Perspective
- Digging in the Dirt: Performing Forensic Analysis of Financial Records for Valuation Purposes
- Jointly Retained Valuation Engagements: A Road Map for Trust and Cooperation
July 2024 Perspectives
Editor for this issue: Brent A. McDade
- Speculative, Viral, and Volatile: Valuation Considerations for Cryptocurrency Assets
- Company Stock Repurchases at Fair Market Value May Deliver Value Accretion for Remaining Shareholders
- Qualified Appraisals and Charitable Contribution Deductions: The Lessons of Hoensheid
Perspectives Archives
