Estate Tax
Found 51 Articles.
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Avoiding Gift Return Problems with the IRS
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 […]
Choosing the Right Estate Planning Options: The Marital Deduction, Trusts, and Estate Tax
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 […]
The Keys to Estate Planning – Taxes and The Law
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 […]
Why Estate Planning Details are Important: Debts and Estate Taxes
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 […]
Be Ready for Big Estate Tax Changes
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 Plan Building Blocks: Estate Tax, The Marital Deduction and Trusts
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 Estate Planning Gifting Opportunities
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 […]
The Estate Tax Marital Deduction – Dos and Don’ts
The marital deduction is perhaps the best-known estate tax reducer. It also is among the most misused planning devices. While powerful, the mari-tal deduction also can trigger higher taxes or other headaches. The marital deduction is straightforward. The estate executor totals the value of all assets owned by the deceased to arrive at the gross […]
