There is an election looming over the horizon, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the federal estate tax parameters. High net worth individuals may be negatively impacted by a shift in the political mindset. Let’s look at the details. Federal Estate Tax Exclusion The majority of taxpayers do not have to worry about paying the federal estate tax, because you can transfer a certain amount before the tax would be levied. This threshold is called the estate tax credit or exclusion. … [Read more...] about Will Election Trigger Estate Tax Changes?
Estate Tax
Edith Windsor Changed LGBT Estate Planning
We always emphasize the importance of estate planning for all responsible adults. This being stated, before a landmark Supreme Court ruling was handed down in 2013, it was absolutely essential for committed LGBT couples. Prior to that time, same-sex marriages were recognized in some states, including New York. However, they were not recognized on the federal level because of a provision that was contained within the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). It defined marriage as a union that can only … [Read more...] about Edith Windsor Changed LGBT Estate Planning
Estate Taxes Can Erode Your Legacy
If you have been very successful from a financial standpoint, you have to be concerned about the potential impact of estate taxes. Many people contend that the death tax is not fair, because your estate is comprised of resources that you have been able to retain after paying innumerable taxes throughout your life. Why should your death be a taxable event in and of itself? This a good question, but whether it is fair or not, the federal estate tax is a fact of life. The good news is that … [Read more...] about Estate Taxes Can Erode Your Legacy
When Would You Use an Irrevocable Trust?
The type of trust that is most commonly used is the revocable living trust. Many people are comforted by the idea that it is possible to change your mind and dissolve the trust at some point in the future. Plus, if you create this type of trust, you have control even while you are alive and well. As the grantor of the trust, you could serve as the trustee and the beneficiary at first. In the trust declaration, you would name successors to assume these roles after you are gone. You can change … [Read more...] about When Would You Use an Irrevocable Trust?
Estate Tax Exclusion Adjusted for Inflation
Overall, the tax laws that apply to inheritance distributions are favorable to American families. You are not required to report an inheritance as taxable income, and this would include life insurance proceeds. Plus, if you inherit assets that appreciated during the life of the decedent, you do not have to pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation. On the other side of the coin, if you have been very successful from a financial standpoint, you have to be concerned about a significant level … [Read more...] about Estate Tax Exclusion Adjusted for Inflation
Is a Bequest to Your Spouse Taxable?
In this post, we are going to examine the unlimited estate tax marital deduction. However, before we get into this specific area, we should provide a broad overview of the federal estate tax itself. The federal estate tax is imposed on wealth that is being transferred that exceeds a particular amount. This threshold is called the estate tax exclusion. The amount of the exclusion has varied significantly over the years, so the current numbers we are going to share are subject to change. In … [Read more...] about Is a Bequest to Your Spouse Taxable?
Resolve to Update Your Estate Plan in 2020
Another New Year is quickly approaching, and many people make resolutions when the next chapter begins. This is a great tradition, and although a lot of folks do not keep their resolutions, there are those that follow through on them. In addition to personal improvements, individuals often use the new year as a landmark reminding them that they have certain incremental responsibilities to address. You should definitely apply this this principle to your existing estate plan. Far too many … [Read more...] about Resolve to Update Your Estate Plan in 2020
Top Five Insider Estate Planning Tips
On this blog, we typically provide basic, broad-based information about estate planning topics, because most people are not very well informed at all. In this piece, we are going to come from a different approach in an effort to provide some tips about some more savvy concerns that lie just beneath the surface. Don’t Underestimate Estate Administration Far too many people are completely unprepared from an estate planning perspective. Time flies, and this is not something that many people … [Read more...] about Top Five Insider Estate Planning Tips
New Estate Tax Proposal
A new estate tax proposal would lower the amount passing free from tax to $3.5 million and increase the rates of taxation. It would also eliminate some tried and true strategies for reducing estate taxation. Read on to learn more about this proposal and its prospects. New Estate Tax Proposal … [Read more...] about New Estate Tax Proposal
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...] about Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease
