Even individuals with modest estates purchase life insurance which means that Estate Planning attorneys must understand the rules regarding taxation of life insurance. Retention of certain powers or certain transactions could cause negative income, gift, or estate tax consequences. My friend and colleague, Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has a nice piece on these powers. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Application of the Transfer for Value Rule to the Sale of Life Insurance
Legal Education
The Toll of Serving as Fiduciary
Estate Planning attorneys balance competing interests when helping clients decide who they should name as personal representative and trustee. Some of the factors that a client needs to consider are the nominee’s responsibility, financial savvy, and temperament. These factors influence the fiduciary’s ability to pay debts, expenses, claims, negotiate on behalf of the estate, and to conclude the administration of the estate or trust. While many individuals consider acting in this capacity a great … [Read more...] about The Toll of Serving as Fiduciary
Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
It’s tempting to think that by taking the time to hand-write your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you can avoid many of the issues that arise with a Will. In fact, the opposite may be true. By handwriting your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you may be creating more issues for your family. My friend and colleague, Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has shared her thoughts. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
State Income Taxation of Social Security Benefits
The pandemic has had a long-lasting influence on our culture, including encouraging relocation at previously unheard-of levels. Imagine the surprise of a recently relocated retiree who discovers that their previously untaxed Social Security benefits are now included in their taxable income at the state level. Taxation of these benefits could have a serious impact on their lifestyle and may provide a less beneficial financial picture than was first thought. Want to know whether your state taxes … [Read more...] about State Income Taxation of Social Security Benefits
What Everyone Should Know about the New FDIC Regulations
Although revocable trusts are the centerpiece for many estate plans, many clients are confused by what amount of their deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company. To make the rules easier to apply, the Federal Deposit Insurance Company released new rules with a delayed effective date. These rules build on the current concepts while simplifying their application. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has provided an overview of the FDIC … [Read more...] about What Everyone Should Know about the New FDIC Regulations
The Intersection of Legacy Contacts and Estate Planning
As more and more individuals get comfortable in the digital world, Estate Planning has changed to address the collection and transfer of digital assets. As this post by my friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, explains, the widespread use of a legacy contact allows owners of digital content to determine what will happen with it after they die. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Intersection of Legacy Contacts and Estate Planning
The Evolution of our Unified Estate and Gift Tax System
Many individuals think that if their estate is below a certain amount that they need not be concerned with Estate Planning. As this article by friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, demonstrates because the Estate Tax evolves constantly, it’s important to talk with a professional to create a plan to accomplish your goals. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Evolution of our Unified Estate and Gift Tax System
Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Since the creation of Individual Retirement Accounts in 1971, they have become an increasingly important part of a well-balanced Estate Plan. Taxpayers contribute to the IRA. Upon attaining a certain age, the taxpayer begins taking distributions based upon tables promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service recently updated those tables which will significantly impact certain taxpayers. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has looked into … [Read more...] about Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Start 2022 the Right Way
The New Year gives us an opportunity to start fresh. If you don’t yet have an estate plan, now’s a great time to make an appointment with an Estate Planning attorney to talk about your goals and concerns. If you already have one, the New Year gives you an opportunity to review it to ensure that it still accomplishes your goals or to make any necessary changes. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has shared her thoughts on the topic. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about Start 2022 the Right Way
It’s Better to Give Than to Receive
Most taxpayers understand that to receive the benefit of charitable deductions, they need to itemize their income tax deductions. However, in the wake of the pandemic, Congress passed legislation allowing even those who take the standard income tax deduction to benefit from a charitable income tax deduction.My friend and colleague Steve Hartett, an estate planning expert, explains how this can work. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about It’s Better to Give Than to Receive
