estate planning

For 2020, the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption has reached a whopping $11.58 million ($23.16 million for married couples). As a result, few people will be subject to federal gift taxes. If your wealth is well within the exemption amount, does that...

adminFeb 12Comments Disabled

estate planning

Inheriting property? Be aware of the basis consistency rules

If you’re in line to inherit property from a parent or other loved one, it’s critical to understand the basis consistency rules. Current tax law, passed in 2015, provides that the income tax basis of property received from a deceased person can’t...

adminFeb 05Comments Disabled

estate planning

If you’re a non-U.S. citizen, the estate planning rules are different

Traditional estate planning strategies generally are based on the assumption that all family members involved are U.S. citizens. However, if you or your spouse is a noncitizen, special rules apply that may require additional planning. Defining “residency”...

adminJan 29Comments Disabled

estate planning

Time passages: Estate planning through the years

Virtually everyone needs an estate plan, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Even though each person’s situation is unique, general guidelines can be drawn depending on your current stage of life. The early years If you’ve recently embarked...

adminJan 22Comments Disabled

estate planning

Use nongrantor trusts to bypass the SALT deduction limit

If you reside in a high-tax state, you may want to consider using nongrantor trusts to soften the blow of the $10,000 federal limit on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. The limit can significantly reduce itemized deductions if your state income and...

adminJan 15Comments Disabled

estate planning

Qualified Opportunity Funds: A new weapon in the estate planning arsenal

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a new program to encourage investment in economically distressed areas through generous tax incentives. The Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program relies on investments in Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) — funds...

adminJan 01Comments Disabled

estate planning

IRS confirms large gifts now won’t hurt post-2025 estates

The IRS has issued final regulations that should provide comfort to taxpayers interested in making large gifts under the current gift and estate tax regime. The final regs generally adopt, with some revisions, proposed regs that the IRS released in November...

adminDec 23Comments Disabled

estate planning

What lenders look for in a succession plan

Business owners are urged to create succession plans for the good of their families and their employees. But there’s someone else who holds a key interest in the longevity of your company: Your lender. If you want to maintain a clear path to acquiring...

adminDec 17Comments Disabled

estate planning

3 pitfalls to avoid when naming a beneficiary of a life insurance policy

Life insurance can be a powerful financial and estate planning tool, but its benefits can be reduced or even eliminated if you designate the wrong beneficiary or fail to change beneficiaries when your circumstances change. Common pitfalls to avoid include:...

adminDec 13Comments Disabled

estate planning

Have you considered making direct payments of tuition and medical expenses?

With the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption at $11.40 million for 2019 ($11.58 million for 2020), you may think you don’t have to worry about gift and estate taxes. However, there are no guarantees that estate tax law won’t be revised in the future...

adminDec 13Comments Disabled

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