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Estate Planner
Showing 1–16 of 324 results
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You and your spouse have elected to “split” gifts
May / June 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 354
Abstract: Gift splitting can be a valuable estate planning tool, allowing spouses to maximize the amount of wealth they can transfer tax-free. But in some cases, it can have undesirable consequences. This brief article explains the potential pitfalls of splitting gifts.
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What a difference six months can make – An alternate valuation date can reduce estate tax liability
May / June 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: Those who have money invested in the stock market are well aware of potential volatility. Needless to say, this volatility can affect one’s net worth. Something many might not think about is the potential effect on estate tax liability. Specifically, one’s family might unexpectedly owe estate tax on their death if it occurs before the value of stocks or other assets drops precipitously. This article details a strategy to ease estate tax liability by allowing an executor to elect to use an alternate valuation date.
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Is it time to review your beneficiary designations?
May / June 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: A will or revocable trust may form the core of an estate plan, but for most people, a substantial amount of wealth bypasses these traditional estate planning tools and is transferred to their loved ones through beneficiary designations. This article explores the reasons why it’s critical to periodically review beneficiary designations.
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Charitable giving in 2021 – Plan carefully to maximize the tax benefits
May / June 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 938
Abstract: In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers enacted the CARES Act to provide some relief to the ailing economy. One of its provisions, meant to encourage charitable giving, temporarily suspended limits on tax deductions for certain charitable gifts made in 2020. More recently, the Consolidated Appropriations Act extended this relief to charitable gifts made in 2021. This article examines how to maximize these charitable giving benefits. A sidebar explains the above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You own real estate in more than one state
March / April 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 288
Abstract: One goal of estate planning is to avoid or minimize probate. This is particularly important if a person owns real estate in more than one state. Why? Because each piece of real estate titled in his or her name must go through probate in the state where the property is located. This brief article explains how to avoid the probate process using a revocable trust.
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Defined-value gifts – Plan carefully to avoid unpleasant tax surprises
March / April 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 546
Abstract: Many people are considering making substantial gifts to the younger generation to take advantage of the current exemption while it lasts. Often, these gifts consist of hard-to-value assets, which can be risky. Making a defined-value gift may help avoid unexpected tax liabilities. This article explains what a defined-value gift is and details why precise language is necessary for the gift to pass muster with the IRS.
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Taking steps to protect your will from being contested
March / April 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 729
Abstract: Well-crafted, up-to-date estate planning documents are an imperative for everyone. They also can help ease the burdens on one’s family during a difficult time. Arguably, the most important document is a will. Regardless of how harmonious a family may be during one’s life, there’s always a chance that a disgruntled family member may challenge a person’s estate plan after his or her death. This article explores strategies to reduce the chances of a will being contested.
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Can beneficiaries borrow from a trust?
March / April 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Interest rates remain extremely low, enhancing the benefits of intrafamily loans. These loans allow a person to provide financial assistance to loved ones while potentially reducing gift and estate taxes. But what about families that lack the liquid assets to make such loans? One lesser-known possibility is for trust beneficiaries to borrow money from a trust. This article explains the benefits of intrafamily loans and details why a trust loan may be more advantageous. A sidebar provides a scenario where an intrafamily loan can result in reduced taxes.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You haven’t named contingent beneficiaries
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 295
Abstract: Although a will or revocable trust governs the distribution of many or most of a person’s assets, certain assets require a beneficiary to be named. This can be an advantage, because when a person dies the funds can pass directly to his or her beneficiary without going through probate. This brief article explores the reasons to name not only a primary beneficiary, but also a contingent beneficiary.
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Power up your trust with Crummey powers
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 658
Abstract: The unified gift and estate tax exemption is set at an inflation-adjusted $11.7 million for 2021. This means that for many families, estate tax liability isn’t a factor. However, for others, the annual gift tax exclusion continues to be an important estate planning strategy. For this reason, using a Crummey trust remains an important estate planning strategy. This article explores the benefits of giving Crummey powers to a trust.
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Net gift technique can reduce your gift tax rate
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Making gifts is an easy way to reduce the size of one’s estate. But if the impact of transfer taxes on those gifts is a concern, consider making “net gifts.” A net gift is simply a gift for which the recipient agrees to pay the gift tax, thereby reducing the value of the gift for tax purposes. This article explains how a net gift can reduce taxes.
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Can a charitable trust replicate a stretch IRA?
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: The “stretch” IRA is no more. But for those who have a substantial balance in a traditional IRA, a properly designed charitable remainder trust (CRT) can allow them to replicate many of its benefits. This article details how a charitable trust can act as an alternative to a stretch IRA. A sidebar explains that there are limits to how long a CRT can spread out distribution to heirs.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You don’t have a will
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 293
Abstract: The need for a will as a key component an estate plan may seem obvious, but some may be surprised by the number of people — even affluent individuals — who don’t have one. One reason for this may be a common misconception that a revocable trust — sometimes called a “living trust” — obviates the need for a will. This brief article lists three key purposes of a will.
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Appointing a guardian for your children can be a difficult task
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: It’s often said that a main reason people put off creating an estate plan is because of the difficulty in choosing a guardian for their children. However, that decision is one of the most important estate planning decisions a person must make. This article discusses how to choose the right guardian and what happens if the courts get involved.
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Opportunities and challenges – Valuation in the age of COVID-19
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 709
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the value of many business interests and other assets, which creates some attractive estate planning opportunities. It also presents unique challenges for valuation professionals. As a result, it’s more important than ever to involve experienced valuation experts in the estate planning process. This article examines the opportunities and challenges of asset valuation during the COVID-19 era.
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A SPA trust can improve the flexibility of your estate plan
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 872
Abstract: These are uncertain times. There’s uncertainty about the economy as well as the possibility of tax increases to address the rising federal debt. For example, there’s renewed interest in proposals that would slash the historically high gift and estate tax exemption. In light of this uncertainty, it’s a good idea to consider estate planning tools that offer asset protection as well as flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances. One such tool is the special power of appointment (SPA) trust. This article explains how a SPA trust can inject flexibility into an estate plan. A sidebar cautions readers about fraudulent transfer laws.