What are the tax implications of an inheriting an IRA? The answer depends on several factors: Is it a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA? The funds in a traditional IRA have never been taxed and will be taxed as they are withdrawn. Roth IRAs contain post-tax dollars and are not again taxed upon their withdrawal. Is the beneficiary of the IRA a spouse, a non-spouse person, or a charity? When the beneficiary of an IRA is the spouse of the IRA owner, the spouse will have a number of … [Read more...] about Ins and Outs of Inheriting an IRA
Tax Efficiency
When “No” is the Best Answer
At our law firm, we dedicate most of our time to helping our clients plan their estates, address issues involving incapacity and long term care planning, and helping to administer their estates and trusts after their gone. However, we also regularly get questions from our clients when they are the beneficiaries or heirs of someone else’s estate. When receiving an inheritance, few people consider that there may be a big decision looming. You are still mourning the passing of someone dear to … [Read more...] about When “No” is the Best Answer
Don’t Cross Over the Line Between Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion
What is tax avoidance? It is the employment of lawful tactics to legally avoid or lower taxes. This includes various estate planning strategies, legitimate charitable deductions and charitable trusts or foundations, accelerating tax deductions, deferring income, and creating legal entities, to name a few. What is tax evasion? It is any plan to reduce taxes through illegal means. The IRS often refers to them as abusive tax shelters. There is a long history of hucksters and grifters who … [Read more...] about Don’t Cross Over the Line Between Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion
Taxes and Inheritances: Planning and Coping
When someone passes on, his or her assets are typically left behind to a beneficiary. If you find yourself the recipient of money, you may have a big question on your mind: will I have to pay taxes? Before we go any further, remember this: it is a good idea to speak with a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure that you are paying all necessary taxes. Whether or not you are required to pay inheritance tax depends on how much money you are receiving, the state in which you live, and … [Read more...] about Taxes and Inheritances: Planning and Coping
Understanding the Annual Gift Exclusion
One part of overall estate planning is considering how to minimize taxes as much as possible. This includes not only estate taxes but also gift taxes. When you transfer ownership of property, even as a gift, the IRS will impose a tax. There are some exceptions or exclusions to the gift tax that is typically imposed. Here is what you need to know. First, what is considered a gift? According to our federal government, a gift is “any transfer to an individual, either directly or indirectly, … [Read more...] about Understanding the Annual Gift Exclusion
4 Myths About Wills and Trusts
Estate planning means preparing for possible incapacity and inevitable death. An estate plan can include many different types of documents, including wills and trusts. The variety of tools available will allow for a customized and comprehensive estate plan. There are many benefits to estate planning and there are some myths as well. Here we will dispel 4 common myths about wills and trusts. MYTH #1: Trusts are only for the rich and elderly One common misconception is that, if you are young … [Read more...] about 4 Myths About Wills and Trusts
Answers to Five Inheritance Tax Questions
You just found out that you will inherit from a loved one's estate. While this might be exciting news, it may also cause some concern. Most people know that estate taxes are typically imposed. Whether or not an heir has to pay any inheritance tax depends entirely on your state. Since state laws are constantly changing, it would be wise to consult with your estate planning attorney if you are receiving an inheritance. Here are the answers to five common inheritance tax questions. No. 1 – … [Read more...] about Answers to Five Inheritance Tax Questions
Trusts Can Satisfy Many Different Objectives
The importance of trusts in estate planning is seen in their ability to minimize estate taxes and hopefully avoid probate. A trust is basically a fiduciary agreement, one based on trust and confidence, between the person making the trust (grantor) and the trustee. This agreement gives the trustee the authority to manage the assets of the trust and distribute those assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the trust agreement. There are several different types of trusts with their own … [Read more...] about Trusts Can Satisfy Many Different Objectives
The History of the Federal Estate Tax
There are many people who have ideological difficulties with the fairness of the federal estate tax. Where does this idea come from? Throughout your life, you pay taxes on your income, and this includes investment income, even though you make investments with assets that you have left over after paying income taxes. Of course, there are also property taxes, sales tax on your purchases, and somewhat hidden taxes on things like energy, communication, hospitality, gasoline, alcohol, tobacco, … [Read more...] about The History of the Federal Estate Tax
Is There a Federal Inheritance Tax in the United States?
There are terms that are used in the field of estate planning that can sound interchangeable, and this can lead people to misguided beliefs. This dynamic enters the equation when it comes to death taxes. You may assume that an inheritance tax and an estate tax are identical. The idea is that these are just two different terms that can be used to describe the same thing. If you are not an estate planning professional, this assumption may make sense, because they do sound quite similar. In … [Read more...] about Is There a Federal Inheritance Tax in the United States?
