The new tax law doubled the estate tax exclusion through 2025. This article looks at the exact amount of the new exclusion (it’s not what you thought) and how it might be useful. The article also examines why there’s no reason not to take advantage of the newly-doubled exclusion. Treasury Releases New Inflation Adjustment … [Read more...] about Treasury Releases New Inflation Adjustment
Legal Education
Basis is Important in Estate Planning
When choosing the direction to take in estate planning, it’s important to consider the impact on income tax basis. This article examines the nature of basis and follows an example from acquisition of property to death and looks how basis is adjusted along the way. Since the property is included at death, the basis receives a step-up to the value of the property at death. Upcoming articles will examine how common estate planning strategies impact income tax basis. Basis is Important in Estate … [Read more...] about Basis is Important in Estate Planning
Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best
Clients often want the simplest estate planning solution possible. However, the simplest solution is doing nothing. Usually, doing nothing does not result in the desired outcome. Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best
Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better
Clients often want the simplest estate planning solution possible. While keeping it simple is an understandable goal, the simplest solutions are not often the best. This article shows a couple simple solutions for estate planning and why, in most circumstances, a living trust is at the center of a more robust estate plan and more likely to provide the desired protections. Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better
Retirement is Complicated
Many factors go into retirement decisions. This article examines many of those factors, such as where to retire, access to healthcare, income taxation, estate taxation, property taxation, etc. This article includes many links to helpful lists. Retirement is Complicated … [Read more...] about Retirement is Complicated
Age-Related Retirement Milestones
Retirement takes planning. This article includes milestone ages, such as when you must begin taking distributions from retirement plans. The article also includes links to resources which will be helpful in your retirement planning process. Age-Related Retirement Milestones … [Read more...] about Age-Related Retirement Milestones
Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Asset Protection
Perhaps the largest part of most Americans’ wealth is in their qualified plan or IRA. Planning for these assets is one of the most important parts of the estate plan, for many reasons. This article will discuss the asset protection of such plans and how a trust may be used to provide asset protection. Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Asset Protection … [Read more...] about Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Asset Protection
Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Beneficiary Designation
Perhaps the largest part of most Americans’ wealth is in their qualified plan or IRA. Planning for these assets is one of the most important parts of the estate plan, for many reasons. This article will discuss the importance of beneficiary designations. Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Beneficiary Designation … [Read more...] about Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Beneficiary Designation
Sager Family Shows Perils of Blended Families
Blended families require special planning. Communication of those plans is key to keep frictions to a minimum. This story examines the controversy in the family of sports reporter Craig Sager, who died in December 2016. Sager Family Shows Perils of Blended Families … [Read more...] about Sager Family Shows Perils of Blended Families
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...] about New Tax Law May Affect State Income Tax, Too!
