The Intersection of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) and Administration of Special Needs Trusts
By Theresa M. Varnet, Esq. New federal regulations known as the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) impact how distributions from special needs trusts (SNTs) affect the beneficiary’s eligibility for low-income housing subsidies. These include Section 8, Project Based, as well as other HUD housing programs. These new regulations highlight the need for trustees of…
The Intersection of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) and Administration of Special Needs Trusts
New federal regulations known as the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) impact how distributions from special needs trusts (SNTs) affect the beneficiary’s eligibility for low-income housing subsidies. These include Section 8, Project Based, as well as other HUD housing programs. These new regulations highlight the need for trustees of special needs trusts to stay…
The ADU Boom in Massachusetts: Opportunities, Challenges & Builder Risks
By Zachary J. Sullivan, attorney, Fletcher Tilton PC Just over a year ago, Massachusetts passed the Affordable Homes Act of 2024 (G.L. c. 40A, § 3), amending the preexisting Zoning Act and expanding housing opportunities across the state with the goal of addressing the affordable housing crisis. A central piece of the new law is…
The ADU Boom in Massachusetts: Opportunities, Challenges & Builder Risks
Just over a year ago, Massachusetts passed the Affordable Homes Act of 2024 (G.L. c. 40A, § 3), amending the preexisting Zoning Act and expanding housing opportunities across the state with the goal of addressing the affordable housing crisis. A central piece of the new law is the statewide legalization of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)….
Fletcher Tilton Successfully Defends Complex Commercial Eviction Matter
(April 7, 2026 – Boston, MA) Fletcher Tilton Attorneys Adam Ponte, Elisabeth Finn and Anthony Moroso successfully defended a complex commercial eviction matter pending before the Boston Municipal Court, Central Division, after concluding a three-day bench trial. The firm’s client, a well-known Boston restauranteur, owns and operates The Pine Bar, which is the only full…
In the News: Fred Misilo Quoted in Kiplinger Retirement Report
We’re proud to see our colleague Fred Misilo quoted in the April 2026 issue of the Kiplinger Retirement Report, in the article titled “How to Make Your Money Last for Decades – Parents of Children with Disabilities Must Plan for Retirement and Years Beyond.” Planning for the long-term financial security of a loved one with…
Avoiding the Estate Tax Surprise: The Role of the ILIT
As is the case with smaller estates, larger estates facing state or federal estate tax burdens may benefit from the strategic use of life insurance. Specifically, combining life insurance with an irrevocable trust is frequently used in conjunction with life insurance coverage that is otherwise intended to provide liquidity and hedge key man risk. Like…
Leaving Massachusetts for Tax Purposes Requires Attention to Detail
Impact of Residency A taxpayer’s legal state of residency retains the power to tax all the taxpayer’s income and property. Conversely, if a taxpayer has income or property in states where they are not a resident, the nonresident state may tax only the activity conducted in — or property located within — the nonresident state’s…
Massachusetts Estate Tax and the Capital Gain Tax: Gift or No Gift?
Both the federal and Massachusetts estate taxes are based on the value of a person’s assets on his or her date of death. Both taxes provide an unlimited marital deduction, which means that all assets passing to a surviving spouse are not subject to the estate tax. Under the federal estate tax, each person also…