Thinking about the future doesn’t always come naturally, but it’s one of the most valuable things we can do for our families. Estate planning gives us a way to protect our assets, outline our wishes, and make important decisions before it becomes urgent. Whether we’re creating a will, setting up a trust, or assigning someone […]Continue reading
If you’ve given a significant financial gift to a family member, you may wonder whether you’re required to file a gift tax return. Even if no tax is due, filing Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, can be a smart decision. Indeed, a timely filed gift tax return that meets the […]Continue reading
Even if you’re single and have no children, having an estate plan helps ensure your final wishes are clearly documented and respected. Estate planning isn’t solely about passing assets on to direct descendants; it’s about taking control of your future. Without a formal estate plan, state laws will determine how your assets are distributed, and […]Continue reading
Life insurance plays a vital role in your estate plan because its proceeds can provide for your family in the event of your untimely death. And for wealthier families, life insurance proceeds can cover any estate tax liability not covered by the current $13.99 million federal gift and estate tax exemption. But when was the last […]Continue reading
A revocable trust (sometimes referred to as a “living trust”) is a popular estate planning tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensure a smooth transfer of those assets to your family after your death. Plus, trust assets bypass the probate process, which can save time, reduce costs and maintain […]Continue reading
Your estate plan is the perfect place to make charitable gifts if you’re a charitably inclined individual. One vehicle to consider using is a donor-advised fund (DAF). What’s the main attraction? Among other benefits, a DAF allows you to set aside funds for charitable giving while you’re alive, and you (or your heirs) can direct […]Continue reading
An inheritor’s trust is a specialized estate planning tool designed to protect and manage assets you pass to a beneficiary. One of its primary advantages is asset protection. It allows your beneficiary to receive his or her inheritance in trust rather than as an outright gift or bequest. Thus, the assets are kept out of […]Continue reading
Does your estate plan leave specific assets to specific family members? If so, you may want to reconsider your plan. While it may be tempting to say, leave your son your classic car and give your daughter a family heirloom, doing so risks inadvertently disinheriting other family members, even if you’ve gone out of your […]Continue reading
It’s not uncommon for people who live in states with high income taxes to relocate to states with more favorable tax climates. Did you know that you can use a similar strategy for certain trusts? Indeed, if a trust is subject to high state income tax, you may be able to change its residence — […]Continue reading
Traditional estate planning strategies generally are based on the assumption that all family members involved are U.S. citizens. However, if you or your spouse is a noncitizen, special rules apply that require additional planning. Avoid costly tax traps by understanding how the U.S. gift and estate tax laws apply to noncitizens. Defining “domicile” Noncitizens can […]Continue reading
