EST
Showing 193–208 of 384 results
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You’re lending money to a family member
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 272
Abstract: When a family member is in financial need, a natural response may be to make a loan by writing a check. But while an informal approach may feel comfortable, it pays to take steps to formalize the transaction. Why? For one thing, the IRS tends to view undocumented loans as disguised gifts. This brief article explains steps to take to ensure the IRS views the loan as bona fide.
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Estate planning for disabled children – ABLE accounts vs. special needs trusts
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 685
Abstract: For families with a disabled child, financial planning can be a challenge, because loved ones don’t want to jeopardize the child’s eligibility for means-tested government benefits, especially after family members are no longer around to provide for the child. This article examines the benefits and drawbacks to two solutions to this problem: ABLE accounts and special needs trusts.
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When to begin collecting Social Security depends on personal circumstances
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: Determining when to begin collecting Social Security benefits depends on many individual factors — including the amount of a person’s nest egg, how much he or she will need to continue his or her desired lifestyle during retirement, and a person’s overall estate planning goals. This article examines several factors to consider when determining the optimal time to begin receiving Social Security.
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Double whammy – IRD triggers both estate and income taxes
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 861
Abstract: IRD refers to income earned or accrued during life, but not received until after death. It often results in double taxation because it’s included in the deceased’s taxable estate and it represents taxable income to the recipient — usually, the deceased’s estate, spouse or other beneficiaries. Unlike other types of assets, IRD assets don’t receive a stepped-up basis, which otherwise would eliminate income taxes. This article provides strategies to minimize the impact of IRD, while a sidebar illustrates how to calculate it.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your plan doesn’t provide for items of sentimental value
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 307
Abstract: Because many people focus on high-value assets in their estate plans, personal property items with relatively low monetary values that can have significant sentimental value may get overlooked. Using a personal property memorandum can help the estate’s executor on the disposition of personal property not covered by a will or living trust. This brief article explains the benefits of a personal property memorandum.
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Tenancy-in-common: A versatile estate planning tool
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 615
Abstract: For those who hold significant real estate investments, tenancy-in-common (TIC) ownership can be a versatile estate planning tool. This article explains what TIC is and offers three ways TIC interests can be used in estate planning.
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International affairs – Special estate planning is necessary if you’re a non-U.S. citizen
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 695
Abstract: Many traditional estate planning strategies are based on the assumption that everyone involved is a U.S. citizen. But for those couples with a noncitizen spouse, special rules apply that require additional planning. This article examines some of the estate tax issues for noncitizens, both resident and nonresident.
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A TRU balances interests of current, future beneficiaries
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 877
Abstract: Trusts often create conflicts between current beneficiaries, who receive the income that the trust generates, and remainder beneficiaries, who receive what’s left at the end of the trust’s term. A total return unitrust (TRU) can better balance both current and remainder beneficiaries’ interests. Using a fictional example, this article details how a TRU can benefit all beneficiaries. A sidebar looks at whether an existing trust can be converted into a TRU.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You’ve included employees in your will or trust
July / August 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 288
Abstract: Employers may think of their employees as family. But if an employer wishes to provide for his or her employees in his or her estate plan, unintended tax consequences may result. This brief article details an exception for gifts and bequests to employees.
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Tax Court: Trust can materially participate in a business
July / August 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 766
Abstract: In a landmark 2014 case, the U.S. Tax Court opened the door to significant tax savings for certain trusts. In Frank Aragona Trust v. Commissioner, the court held that a trust can materially participate in a trade or business and even qualify as a “real estate professional.” This article explains the ruling and how it affects estate plans that include trusts that own real estate or other passive business interests.
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Keep it in the family – Use an intrafamily loan to cover estate taxes
July / August 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 566
Abstract: An intrafamily loan is one option if an estate doesn’t have the liquidity to pay estate taxes or other expenses. A benefit of using an intrafamily loan is that, if it’s properly structured, the estate can deduct the full amount of interest upfront. Doing so reduces the estate’s size and, thus, its estate tax liability. This article explores the ins and outs of using an intrafamily loan.
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Can a broken trust be fixed?
July / August 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 884
Abstract: An irrevocable trust has long been a key component of many estate plans. But what if it no longer serves its original purpose? Is it too late to change it? Depending on applicable state law, the trust’s owner may have several options for fixing a “broken” trust. This article explains how a trust can become broken and possible solutions to fixing it. But a sidebar warns of the federal tax consequences that may be associated with making changes to a trust.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You’ve designated the wrong beneficiary for your life insurance policy
May / June 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 241
Abstract: Life insurance can be a powerful financial and estate planning tool, but its benefits can be reduced or even eliminated if the wrong beneficiary is designated or a person fails to change beneficiaries when his or her circumstances change. This brief article details three common pitfalls to avoid.
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Retirement ahead? Choosing the right pension plan payout option requires planning
May / June 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 734
Abstract: A decision that many retirees face is choosing the best option for receiving payouts from a pension plan. Would a lump-sum payment be the best option, or would it be better to go with an annuity? If the latter, is it better to go with single life or joint life? What about combining a single-life pension payout with a life insurance policy? This article explains that the answers depend on such factors as the beneficiary’s and spouse’s actuarial life expectancies, current health conditions and family medical histories, along with current financial needs and the possible desire to provide a spouse with a continuing source of current income.
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Watch out for GST taxes
May / June 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: The GST tax is a flat 40% tax on asset transfers to “skip persons.” It’s in addition to gift and estate taxes, so it can take a significant bite out of a person’s hard-earned wealth. This article explains which types of transfers are taxable and discusses automatic allocation tax traps.
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Powers of attorney: Springing vs. nonspringing
May / June 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: Estate planning typically focuses on what happens to a person’s children and assets when he or she dies. But it’s equally important (some might say more important) that a person have a plan for making critical financial and medical decisions if he or she becomes incapacitated. A crucial component of this plan is the power of attorney (POA). This article defines a POA and explains the difference between a springing and nonspringing POA. A sidebar explains the difference between a health care power of attorney and a living will.