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Estate Tax

Found 52 Articles.
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Loan

Seizing the Family Loan Opportunity to Minimize Estate Taxes

March 1, 2010

The door soon will begin closing for the best opportunity ever to exploit a classic estate planning strategy. The strategy enables many families to transfer significant sums to the next generation while incurring few or no estate or gift taxes. Even estates that won’t be subject to estate taxes can use family loans to achieve […]

Avoiding Gift Return Problems with the IRS

January 1, 2010

The IRS recently said it was beginning a program to identify people who do not file required gift tax returns. It believes the program will identify a large amount of unpaid taxes. Gift tax returns must be filed when a gift exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion, currently at $13,000 per recipient per year. Gifts […]

estate planning

Choosing the Right Estate Planning Options: The Marital Deduction, Trusts, and Estate Tax

December 1, 2009

The foundation of every family estate plan is formed from the same tools and strategies. No matter the size of your estate and how simple or complex it is, you’ll begin by choosing from this basic menu. You don’t want a cookie-cutter estate plan. There are variations of these tools, and many plans need additional […]

estate planning

The Keys to Estate Planning – Taxes and The Law

October 1, 2009

In fewer than 10 years Estate Planning changed dramatically and still is changing. When I first wrote about estate planning, estate taxes were the driver of most plans. Even middle class Americans – modest millionaires we called them – needed plans to avoid estate taxes. The estate tax code changed dramatically. The 2001 tax law […]

estate planning

Why Estate Planning Details are Important: Debts and Estate Taxes

September 1, 2009

I regularly remind readers about the nitty gritty details of Estate Planning?stating who pays debts and taxes, ensuring whether the estate will have enough cash, and appointing executors and trustees. These are not as exciting as the issues that are most discussed, such as tax reduction strategies, but these are the key issues that determine […]

Estate Planning

Be Ready for Big Estate Tax Changes

April 1, 2009

The estate tax is due to expire after the end of 2009. Control of Congress and the White House have changed since that law was enacted, so it is a safe bet the estate tax won’t be allowed to expire. Congress might be too preoccupied with other matters to agree on the details and extend […]

Estate Planning

Estate Plan Building Blocks: Estate Tax, The Marital Deduction and Trusts

January 1, 2009

Many people have procrastinated about Estate Planning. They delayed making or updating plans because of uncertainty over the tax law or turmoil in asset values. People naturally procrastinate because estate planning is complicated and full of unfamiliar terms and concepts. Most of you will have or at least consider the same basic tools and strategies […]

how-market-fluctuations-create-planning-opportunities

How Market Fluctuations Create Estate Planning Gifting Opportunities

May 1, 2008

Few people realize changes in the markets and economy affect estate plans. The changes create opportunities. Strategies that were not viable or were borderline in the past will preserve more wealth today. When the markets or interest rates change significantly, it is a good idea to meet with an estate planner and take a fresh […]

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