Choosing the right Agent under a Power of Attorney is one of the most important choices. This article discusses the qualities of an ideal Agent and qualities to avoid in selecting an Agent. Read on to learn more. Selecting an Agent … [Read more...]
Nongrantor Trusts Can Be Very Useful in Certain Situations
A trust may be taxed as either a grantor trust or a nongrantor trust. Each type of trust has advantages and disadvantages. This article examines a nongrantor trust and situations in which it might be useful. Nongrantor Trusts Can Be Very Useful in Certain Situations … [Read more...]
How Are Trusts Taxed?
Trusts are useful vehicles both during life and after death. This article examines how trusts are income taxed. Grantor trusts are taxed to the grantor, regardless of whether the income is distributed to them. Nongrantor trusts are separate taxpaying entities but get a deduction for distributions to beneficiaries. Read the article to learn more. How Are Trusts Taxed? … [Read more...]
Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease
A trust may be taxed as either a grantor trust or a nongrantor trust. Each type of trust has advantages and disadvantages. This article examines a grantor trust and situations in which it might be useful. Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease … [Read more...]
Turning the Page on 2018 and Looking Forward to 2019
As we turn the page and bid farewell to 2018, we look forward to 2019. This article summarizes the major changes for 2019, both in the tax area and in other areas. Read on to learn more. Turning the Page on 2018 and Looking Forward to 2019 … [Read more...]
Giving Back
Giving back provides many benefits, whether in life or at death. The article explores ways of giving back and some of the tax benefits available, both during life and at death. The article provides a couple strategies to maximize the tax benefits, such as grouping deductions and doing a charitable IRA rollover. Giving Back … [Read more...]
Proposed Regulations Address “Clawback” Issue
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporarily doubled the amount which can be given free of tax. However, that amount reverts to the permanent, undoubled amount in 2026. The estate tax ordinarily includes prior taxable gifts and then applies the exclusion to the total. However, in 2026 or later, this could result in a tax on amounts which weren’t taxable when gifted. This issue is the “clawback.” New Proposed Regulations resolve this issue. Read on to learn more. Proposed Regulations Address … [Read more...]
Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family?
Aretha Franklin died intestate. Intestacy has definite drawbacks. Read on to see what this means for her family, financially and in other ways. Aretha was the Queen of Soul, but her lack of planning caused consequences she did not consider. Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family? … [Read more...]
Estate Planning is for You, Not Just Your Parents or Grandparents
If you’re young and unmarried, do you really need an estate plan? The answer is “yes,” if you care what happens to you and your stuff. Read on to find out how an estate plan can help someone who is young and unmarried. Estate Planning is for You, Not Just Your Parents or Grandparents … [Read more...]
Planning for the Client Moving Overseas
In this increasingly mobile world, clients often spend periods of time living in other countries, or even retiring overseas. How does one address estate planning in this situation? This article explains what to do. Planning for the Client Moving Overseas … [Read more...]
