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...]
Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA
Whom should you name as the beneficiary of your IRA or Qualified Plan? Sometimes, it can be best to name a trust for your intended beneficiary. Read on to see the protections a trust can offer that a direct designation of the individual would not.Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA … [Read more...]
The Little Things May be the Most Important
Your estate may be worth a little or a lot at your death. The items which your beneficiaries might cherish could be the sentimental ones. Read on to learn how your will or trust could provide the ability for you to keep a list and update it without needing to see your lawyer every time you change your mind on an item.The Little Things May be the Most Important … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 2 of 2
Lottery winners often end up in bankruptcy. Learn how an estate planning attorney can help you avoid mistakes and plan for your newfound wealth. The article looks at ways to protect the wealth and ways to benefit charity and others.Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 2 of 2 … [Read more...]
Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2
A lucky winner recently won $320 million in the lottery. This article looks at an example of a prior winner’s mistakes. The next article in the series will examine strategies for lottery winners.Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2 … [Read more...]
Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles
This article examines the transfer of frequent flyer mile accounts to beneficiaries. It looks at Anthony Bourdain’s will and its disposition of his miles. The article points out that these are contractual rights and you may or may not be able to transfer them at death.Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles … [Read more...]
New Tax Law May Affect State Income Tax, Too!
The new tax law has many impacts on state income taxes in 2018. The law limits the deductibility of state income taxes for federal purposes. It also raises the federal standard deduction amount. However, taxpayers should consider the impact on their state income tax of the decisions they make to minimize their federal taxes. This article examines why.New Tax Law May Affect State Income Tax, Too! … [Read more...]
