Most variable annuity and life insurance products sold in the international market now contain imbedded investment elements. Often these products are customized. Non-U.S. residents generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax with respect to returns related to the investment elements of these products. The same variable annuity and life insurance products issued by offshore insurers are not subject to U.S. withholding tax. Consequently, products issued by U.S. insurers are not generally tax efficient for non-resident purchasers.

It seems like almost everyone carries a cell phone these days. Estimates are 23,000,000 or more Americans will have a cell phone, by year end. Industry analysts predict the digital camera feature now an option on millions of cell phones, will soon be a standard item on all cell phones. Do these camera phones present a problem for employers? You bet they do. Protection of competitive and proprietary information as well as confidentiality and privacy are a primary concern to all employers. The risk of lawsuits and unanticipated liability is obvious. Employers need to think this issue through before a major loss occurs.