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Showing 337–352 of 380 results

  • Estate Planning Red Flag – Your child is on the title to your home or other assets

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 353

    Abstract: One of the most common, and costly, estate planning mistakes is to own property jointly with one’s child. Many people hold property — such as homes, bank accounts, investments or automobiles — with their children as joint tenants with right of survivorship. Their goal is to avoid probate and to ensure that when they die the property is transferred to their children automatically without the need for a trust or other estate planning vehicle. But there are many problems with this approach. Fortunately, they can be avoided with properly drafted trusts.

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  • It’s intentionally defective? How an IDGT can benefit your estate plan

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 611

    Abstract: Despite its somewhat odd sounding name, an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT) can help one realize significant gift and estate tax savings. Combining the estate tax benefits of an irrevocable trust with the income tax advantages of a grantor trust, an IDGT removes assets from one’s estate, but it’s treated as a grantor trust for income tax purposes. This can substantially increase the amount of wealth that beneficiaries receive without triggering additional gift or estate taxes. And, IDGTs can be an ideal vehicle for selling assets that have appreciated in value and are expected to continue appreciating.

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  • The Roth IRA: Is it time to convert?

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 683

    Abstract: Someone who has a significant balance in a traditional IRA may find that it makes sense from an estate planning perspective to convert it to a Roth IRA. For many, the Roth offers a number of specific advantages. However, due to the law’s current (but soon to expire) income limitations and depending on one’s personal situation, a conversion will be most advantageous if made at the right time: either now, in 2010, or in stages over two or more years.

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  • FAQs about donating real estate

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 938

    Abstract: Making charitable donations during life or at death removes assets from one’s estate and thus reduces any potential estate tax liability. But those who would like to make a significant charitable contribution, yet who are “property rich and cash poor,” might feel that they don’t have a good way to do so. But there are ways. This article answers some frequently asked questions about contributions of real estate: What are the tax benefits? Does donating property still make sense in this dismal real estate market? Can one donate a portion of the property? Are there limits on the charitable deduction? And what tax traps may be lurking? A sidebar discusses the benefits of donating conservation easements.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You’re planning required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 410

    Abstract: If you’re planning to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) at the end of this year from your IRA, 401(k) or other tax-deferred retirement-savings account, check with your tax and estate planning advisors first. Under a tax law passed late last year, you may be able to skip RMDs this year. This short article discusses the law’s provisions.

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  • What are these assets worth? Valuation is critical to your estate plan

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 543

    Abstract: If you make substantial noncash gifts or charitable donations, it’s critical to have the property valued by a qualified appraiser to protect you against IRS challenges that could result in some unpleasant tax surprises. This article discusses steps you should take to avoid an IRS challenge that could result in penalties as high as 40% of an asset’s value.

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  • Do-it-yourself estate planning can lead to costly mistakes

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 802

    Abstract: If you’re interested in preparing your own estate plan, there’s no shortage of software, how-to books, preprinted forms and online services to assist you. Do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning may save you a few hundred dol¬lars, or even a few thousand dollars, up front. But except in the simplest cases, the risk of unintended results or costly disputes is too great to justify the initial savings. This article looks at one hypothetical example, and one real-life court case, to show why.

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  • It’s time to make gifts – The struggling economy may allow you to save gift and estate taxes

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1052

    Abstract: Estate planning opportunities are a silver lining among today’s dark economic clouds. Depressed asset values and low interest rates may allow you to gift more to your loved ones at a significant gift tax savings, removing substantial wealth from your taxable estate. Some of the most effective gifting strategies involve the use of trusts. Or you might transfer interests in a family business or other closely held company using a family limited partnership (FLP) or a family limited liability company (FLLC). But, as a sidebar explains, Congress is considering new restrictions on FLPs and FLLCs. Also, when gifting property, you will need to consider income taxes as well as gift and estate taxes.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You make (or receive) “deathbed” gifts

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 274

    Abstract: Making annual exclusion gifts is an effective way to reduce a person’s taxable estate. But if such gifts aren’t “completed” before the person’s death, they could be subject to estate taxes. This short article explains how a gift is “completed.”

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  • Family split-dollar arrangement can ease gift taxes

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 704

    Abstract: One of the most effective techniques for avoiding estate taxes on life insurance proceeds is to set up an irrevocable life insurance trust. If a person pays the premiums on the policy, however, there may be gift tax consequences. A properly structured split-dollar arrangement may solve this problem. This article details the ins and outs of a split-dollar strategy.

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  • 10 tips for choosing a guardian

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1106

    Abstract: The selection of a guardian can have a profound impact on a child, so it’s important to choose carefully. If a person is hesitant to name a guardian for his or her children, a court will name one. Thus, it’s one of the most important estate planning decisions a person can make. This article lists 10 tips to help people make the right decision.

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  • Protecting your assets against fraud and ID theft

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 852

    Abstract: Wealth preservation typically focuses on protecting assets against creditors’ claims and lawsuits, but it’s also important to protect wealth from erosion by fraud and identity theft. There’s a common misconception that fraud victims usually are unsophisticated, but there’s no shortage of sophisticated investors who’ve been seduced by the promise of generous returns. And, according to the Federal Trade Commission, 10 million people fall victim to ID theft every year. This article offers safeguards against fraud and ID theft.

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  • Give and receive – Charitable gift annuities can benefit both you and your favorite charity

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 716

    Abstract: Because of volatile financial markets, an investment that offers guaranteed fixed income for life has great appeal. A charitable gift annuity (CGA) offers an attractive combination of a secure income stream, an immediate income tax deduction and the opportunity to benefit a favorite charity. This article covers the ins and outs of a CGA.

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  • Spendthrift trusts aren’t just for spendthrifts

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 559

    Abstract: No matter what happens to the estate tax in the future, estate planning will continue to be essential for most families. That’s because tax planning is only a small component of estate planning — and usually not even the most important one at that. An equally important strategy is asset protection. And a spendthrift trust can be an invaluable tool for preserving wealth for heirs. This article explains how to use a spendthrift trust.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – Your power of attorney isn’t all that powerful

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 362

    Abstract: An estate plan likely includes a power of attorney that appoints another person to manage investments, pay bills, file tax returns and otherwise handle property when the person is unable to do so. But not all powers of attorney are created equal. This short article details four things to consider when reviewing a power of attorney document.

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  • What’s new with FLPs and FLLCs? Recent court cases offer insight on how these estate planning tools will hold up against IRS scrutiny

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1397

    Abstract: Family limited partnerships (FLPs) and family limited liability companies (FLLCs) can be powerful tools for consolidating and managing family wealth while reducing gift and estate taxes. Unfortunately, the potential for significant tax savings makes FLPs and FLLCs targets for the IRS. This article explains how FLPs and FLLCs work and examines how the outcomes of recent court cases affected them.

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