As a family business owner, you may have concerns when you are devising your estate plan. For example, there is the matter of inheritance balancing.The best way to describe inheritance balancing would be by way of example. Let’s say that you have a daughter who has always helped you run your business, and you have a son who embarked on a different career path. You are going to give your daughter the business, and it is one of your most valuable assets.Your daughter will continue to run … [Read more...]
What Is the Purpose of Probate?
If you start to look into the subject of estate planning, you will definitely run across the word “probate” quite a bit. Here in New York, probate matters are handled by the Surrogate’s Court. In this post, we will look at the function of probate as it applies to elder law and estate planning matters.Proving of a Last WillOne of the major misconceptions that people harbor about estate planning is the notion that a last will is the simplest and most efficient estate planning device to … [Read more...]
Income Tax Basis
Income tax basis is important in tax and estate planning. This article examines the concept of income tax basis, how one acquires a basis, how it gets adjusted, etc. The article then examines how the basis is subtracted from the sale price to determine gain or loss. The next article in the series will examine how income tax basis is an important factor in estate planning.Income Tax Basis … [Read more...]
Use Trust Protectors for Added Protection and Flexibility
Trust Protectors are increasingly popular in trusts. This article examines how Trust Protectors can add flexibility to your trust. This flexibility helps achieve your goals and can protect the beneficiaries and Trustee.Use Trust Protectors for Added Protection and Flexibility … [Read more...]
How Will You Obtain the Care You Need?
What’s the right direction for you in planning for the help you might need in the future? Seven in ten of us will need long-term care at some point in our lives. Here are possible paths for covering the assistance you may need.How Will You Obtain the Care You Need? … [Read more...]
Income Tax Basis in Estate Planning
Income tax basis is important in estate planning. This article examines what happens to an asset’s basis when it is gifted. It then examines what happens to the basis of an asset when someone dies with the asset and then bequeaths it to someone. Many people find it surprising that these are treated differently. Income tax basis is an important factor in considering estate planning strategies.Income Tax Basis in Estate Planning … [Read more...]
Which Type of Life Insurance Is Right for Me?
Although every estate plan is unique, there are some components that are commonly found in the average estate plan. Life insurance is one of those. Because there are several types of life insurance, a life insurance policy can be used in a variety of ways within an estate plan. To help you decide which type is right for you, the Pittsford estate planning attorneys at the Law Office of Michael Robinson, P.C. explain the most common types of life insurance policies.Life Insurance … [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...]
What Is the New York Estate Tax Cliff?
Financial success is a very good thing, but when it comes to estate planning, it presents a potential challenge. There are estate taxes that can have a major impact on your legacy if you are exposed. One of them is the federal estate tax, and it carries a 40 percent maximum rate.Most families do not have to contend with this tax, because there is a credit or exclusion that allows you to transfer a certain amount free of taxation. In 2019, the exact amount of federal estate tax exclusion is … [Read more...]
SALT Deduction Limit…Can You Get Around It?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the standard deduction amount. However, it also limited itemized deductions for state and local taxes (SALT) on the federal income tax return. Read on to learn what works (and what doesn’t work) to maneuver around the $10,000 SALT limitation.SALT Deduction Limit…Can You Get Around It? … [Read more...]
