Trusts are useful vehicles both during life and after death. This article examines how trusts are income taxed. Grantor trusts are taxed to the grantor, regardless of whether the income is distributed to them. Nongrantor trusts are separate taxpaying entities but get a deduction for distributions to beneficiaries. Read the article to learn more. How Are Trusts Taxed? … [Read more...]
Trusts for Privacy
Trusts have many uses. Perhaps the most important is that they can provide privacy at death. Garry Shandling is thought to have used a trust to provide privacy for those he left behind. Trusts for Privacy … [Read more...]
Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate
Only 44% of Americans have even a simple Will. We procrastinate for several reasons. Learn those reasons and how to push past them. Learn, briefly, why planning is important. Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate … [Read more...]
Sager Family Shows Perils of Blended Families
Blended families require special planning. Communication of those plans is key to keep frictions to a minimum. This story examines the controversy in the family of sports reporter Craig Sager, who died in December 2016. Sager Family Shows Perils of Blended Families … [Read more...]
A Special Option for Special Kids
When planning for children with special needs, it takes special care to preserve their eligibility for public benefits. An ABLE account is a new way to preserve eligibility while gaining tax advantages. Read on to learn more about this new tool in planning for those who were disabled by age 26. A Special Option for Special Kids … [Read more...]
Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year?
Perhaps you would prefer to take a charitable deduction this year. Maybe you have higher income this year, or the reduced ability to take a deduction next year. A donor advised fund may make sense for you. A donor advised fund allows a deduction this year, even though distributions will be made to public charities in future years. Read on to learn more about a donor advised fund. Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year? … [Read more...]
No Charitable Deduction in 2018?
The tax bills passed by the House and Senate would eliminate deductibility of state income tax and nearly double the standard deduction, dramatically reducing the number of people who would benefit from itemizing their deductions. As a result, most people would get no tax benefit from their charitable contributions. This article examines how a Donor Advised Fund could allow donors to make a contribution this year, getting a tax benefit, and then release the funds to charities in the … [Read more...]
Basics of Estate Planning: IRAs
IRAs are complex assets to handle in an estate plan. There are tax issues during life and after death. Read this article to find out more. Basics of Estate Planning: IRAs … [Read more...]
Basics of Estate Planning: Privacy and Estate Planning
Privacy is important, especially in today’s world. Learn how estate planning can enhance or reduce your privacy. Read on to find out more. Basics of Estate Planning: Privacy and Estate Planning … [Read more...]
Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2
Trusts can be very flexible instruments. One of the ways to add flexibility is by using powers of appointment. This article will examine the different types of powers of appointment and how that can impact taxation. Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2 … [Read more...]
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