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Showing 241–256 of 380 results

  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You don’t have the right succession plan for your family business

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 344

    Abstract: This issue’s “Estate Planning Red Flag” discusses the situation of “Dave,” whose estate plan leaves his business to his wife and then to their son after her death. This article explains why this plan will likely lead to an enormous estate tax bill down the road, and shows how Dave might do things differently.

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  • International relations – Estate planning for noncitizens

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 705

    Abstract: For U.S. citizens, the federal gift and estate tax rules are relatively straightforward: Citizens are subject to U.S. transfer taxes on their worldwide assets. They’re also entitled to a generous lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, an annual gift tax exclusion, and a marital deduction that allows spouses to transfer unlimited amounts of property to each other tax-free. For noncitizens, however, it’s more complicated. If a significant amount of their wealth is situated in the United States, their heirs may be facing a substantial estate tax bill. This article discusses the determination of situs and eligibility for the marital deduction and looks at options to minimize adverse tax consequences.

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  • Avoid probate to keep your estate private

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 634

    Abstract: Circumventing the probate process is usually a good idea, because its public nature can lead to family disputes over asset distribution. But it’s possible to keep much (or even all) of an estate out of the probate process (and the public eye) by using the right estate planning techniques. This article describes several tools to avoid (or minimize) probate, but explains that, for larger, more complicated estates, a living trust (also commonly called a “revocable” trust) generally is the most effective tool.

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  • The GRAT: A limited time offer?

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 809

    Abstract: The grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) has long been a popular tool for transferring wealth while minimizing or even eliminating gift and estate taxes. GRATs are particularly effective when interest rates are low, as they are now. But Congress may soon reduce their firepower, so now may be the time to include one or more GRATs as part of an estate planning arsenal. This article explains how GRATs work and notes proposed tax changes that would limit their benefits. A sidebar offers an example of a GRAT in action.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – Your will contains a formula clause

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 321

    Abstract: Now that the federal estate tax exemption has been set permanently at an inflation-adjusted $5 million (currently, $5.25 million), fewer people are subject to federal estate tax. But that doesn’t mean estate planning is any less important. Out-of-date formula clauses, in particular, can create unwelcome surprises. This article shows how an outdated plan can end up effectively disinheriting the very person it’s supposed to benefit.

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  • Using an FLP as an income tax planning tool

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 580

    Abstract: For many years, family limited partnerships (FLPs) have been a popular vehicle for consolidating and managing family wealth while reducing gift and estate taxes. Now that fewer people are subject to these taxes, an FLP may have lost some of its appeal as an estate planning tool. But with individual income tax rates at their highest level in years, it’s important to not overlook an FLP’s potential as an income tax planning tool. Transferring limited partnership interests to children or other family members in lower tax brackets can reduce a family’s overall tax liability.

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  • Should you consider a Roth IRA conversion?

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 745

    Abstract: Converting all or a portion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA can allow one to turn tax-deferred future growth into tax-free growth and take advantage of a Roth IRA’s estate planning benefits. As this article explains, a Roth’s exemption from minimum distribution requirements allows funds to continue growing tax-free for many years. And, since amounts converted into a Roth IRA face immediate taxation, heirs will benefit by receiving future distributions tax-free. But whether this makes economic sense depends on several factors.

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  • The BDIT: Have your cake and eat it too

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 884

    Abstract: Many people are reluctant to consider advanced estate planning strategies because they’re not ready to give up control over their property. A beneficiary defective inheritor’s trust (BDIT) is a relatively new tool that, when structured properly, allows one to take advantage of sophisticated tax planning and asset protection techniques without losing control or enjoyment of the trust assets. This article explains how it works, with a sidebar offering a specific example.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – Your plan includes a charitable lead trust

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 300

    Abstract: A charitable lead trust (CLT) makes annual payouts to a qualified charity for a specified period or for the grantor’s life. The remainder interest then passes to the grantor’s heirs or other noncharitable beneficiaries. Last year, the IRS finalized regulations that affect the way CLTs are taxed. As a result, they may be less attractive than before. This article explains the details.

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  • Decant a trust to add trustee flexibility

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 599

    Abstract: This article discusses “John,” who is the trustee of his deceased brother’s irrevocable trust. In light of the recently enacted estate tax laws, as well as changing circumstances surrounding his brother’s family, John would like additional flexibility in adapting the trust to the new laws and evolving family situation. One of his options is to decant the trust. Decanting would allow him to use his distribution powers to “pour” funds from the trust into another trust with different terms. Even though this strategy is permitted in many states, decanting laws can vary dramatically among them. The article discusses some common differences.

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  • Using the GST tax exemption to build a dynasty

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 612

    Abstract: Those wishing to preserve their wealth for generations to come will need to leverage their generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption. To ensure that the exemption goes as far as possible, it’s important to allocate it wisely. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 made permanent several GST tax-related provisions, including the automatic allocation rules. Understanding these rules — and when to opt out — can help focus the exemption where it will do the most good. This article shows that, with careful planning, it’s possible to create a “dynasty trust” — a trust that continues for several generations.

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  • Exemption portability: Should you rely on it?

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 950

    Abstract: One of the significant changes under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was to make estate tax exemption “portability” permanent. When one spouse dies, portability allows the surviving spouse to use the deceased spouse’s unused exemption amount. Portability simplifies estate planning, but, for many people, particularly the affluent, more-sophisticated strategies continue to offer significant benefits. This article takes a look at credit shelter trusts, with a sidebar offering a specific example.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You don’t have a will

    March / April 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 298

    Abstract: Regardless of a person’s age, health and net worth, a will is essential in determining what happens to his or her children and wealth after death. This article explains that a will can name a guardian and ensure that assets are distributed according to the decedent’s wishes. It also points out that having a will is important even if one has a living trust.

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  • Protect your peace of mind with a trust protector

    March / April 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 616

    Abstract: If a person isn’t 100% comfortable that their chosen trustee could effectively handle the associated responsibilities, appointing a trust protector might provide a solution. A trust protector oversees the trustee and weighs in on critical decisions. This article discusses the advantages of appointing a protector, but also notes the importance of picking the right one.

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  • Are your retirement savings secure from creditors?

    March / April 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 552

    Abstract: People who have significant assets in employer-sponsored retirement plans or IRAs should understand the extent to which those assets are protected against creditors’ claims. This article discusses which plans are protected only in bankruptcy and which are also protected outside bankruptcy, and what steps to take to strengthen protection.

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  • College financing: An integral part of your estate plan

    March / April 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 978

    Abstract: Grandparents often want to play a role in financing their grandchildren’s college educations. But it’s important that they consider the impact that different financing options will have on their estate plan. This article looks at the estate planning implications of grantor and Crummey trusts and the Section 2503(c) minor’s trust, along with direct tuition payments on behalf of grandchildren. A sidebar shows how a health and education exclusion trust (HEET) can be advantageous in regard to generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax.

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