Why jointly owned property may not be a good idea

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Abstract: Many well-meaning parents think they can avoid estate planning by simply jointly owning their property with their children. But this may not be such a good idea. For one thing, the value of the gift will be counted toward the parents’ lifetime gift/estate tax exemption. For another, the heir may owe capital gains tax if the property is sold. The transfer could even lead to a denial of Medicaid benefits down the road. This article explores the pitfalls.