IEP
Insight on Estate Planning
Showing 1–16 of 388 results
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You don’t file a gift tax return
February / March 2024
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 320
Abstract: Thanks to the annual gift tax exclusion, individuals can systematically reduce their taxable estates with little effort. Plus, these gifts typically don’t require having to file a gift tax return. However, in certain situations, a gift tax return may be required or recommended. This article explains making gifts using the annual gift tax exclusion and discusses the benefits of filing a gift tax return.
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Protect your estate against undue influence claims
February / March 2024
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 644
Abstract: There’s a chance a person’s will could be contested based on a claim that someone exercised “undue influence” over his or her decisions. Thus, that person’s estate planning intentions, valid or not, may be defeated. This article defines the term “undue influence” and provides strategies to protect one’s estate from an undue influence claim.
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Do your assets include unregistered securities? This asset class requires special planning
February / March 2024
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 705
Abstract: When it comes to estate planning, addressing all assets should be a priority. However, certain assets require greater attention than others. For example, if one’s assets include unregistered securities, such as restricted stock or interests in hedge funds or private equity funds, the securities law implications of various estate planning strategies must be taken into account. This article gives an overview of the securities laws and offers strategies for transferring securities as gifts or to a trust.
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It’s time to take another look at the stepped-up basis rules
February / March 2024
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 851
Abstract: Because of the generous federal gift and estate tax exemption, many families no long must worry about estate tax liability. This means that estate planning now has a stronger focus on income tax planning. And one of the most valuable tax planning areas is the “stepped-up basis” rule. This article explains capital gains rules and details the role the “stepped-up basis” rules play in an estate plan. A brief sidebar explains why lifetime gifts fall under a carryover basis rules regime.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You didn’t retitle assets to be included in a trust
Year End 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 312
Abstract: There are numerous benefits of using a trust in an estate plan. However, if it’s not properly funded, it may not achieve a person’s ultimate estate planning goals. This brief article explains why it’s critical that all of the assets are titled to the trust.
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A strong marriage is a necessity when it comes to using a SLAT
Year End 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 724
Abstract: When creating an estate plan, there’s a certain amount of prognosticating involved. What will one’s financial picture look like in years to come? How will estate tax laws change? No doubt one of the biggest challenges involved with estate planning is all the uncertainty. This article explains how a spousal lifetime access trust can provide flexibility to an estate plan.
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No time like the present – Address top estate planning priorities today
Year End 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: When it comes to estate planning, consider taking a page out of the Boy Scouts Handbook: Be prepared. The last thing one would want for his or her family is to be scrambling to pick up the pieces after death. Drafting a will is a good starting point, but there are several other “top priority” items to be accomplished. This article details several priorities that should be taken care of sooner rather than later.
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Is a charitable remainder trust right for your estate plan?
Year End 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 773
Abstract: For those who’d like to give to their favorite charity and leave a significant amount of their estates to loved ones, a charitable remainder trust (CRT) might be an option for their estate plans. This article details how a CRT works and explores two different CRTs: a CRAT and a CRUT. A sidebar explores the option of using qualified charitable distributions.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t recently updated your powers of attorney
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 337
Abstract: Health care and financial powers of attorney are critical components of an effective estate plan. Indeed, while much of a person’s estate plan focuses on actions that take place after death, it’s equally important to have a plan for making critical financial or medical decisions if one is unable to make them for his or herself. This brief article explains why it’s important to frequently update powers of attorney documents.
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The long view of long-term care insurance
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 596
Abstract: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70% of Americans aged 65 or over will require some form of long-term care. A practical solution to pay for these services is to purchase a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy. With LTC insurance, a person can reduce the possibility that his or her lifetime of savings will be drained by long-term care costs. This article examines what an LTC insurance policy covers and provides three areas to consider before purchasing a policy.
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Planning is essential if you’re inheriting assets
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 778
Abstract: For those in line to receive a significant inheritance, their feelings may range from exhilaration to relief, not to mention a great deal of sadness for the loved ones who have passed. Indeed, a large infusion of cash or assets can be overwhelming. This article explains why it’s important to take time to reflect on the significance of the inheritance on one’s financial situation and to form a plan to address the newfound wealth.
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Should you place your home in a QPRT?
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 785
Abstract: If a person owns his or her principal residence, it may be more beneficial to transfer ownership of the home to a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). Using a QPRT, the homeowner can avoid potential estate tax pitfalls without making drastic changes during his or her lifetime. Notably, the homeowner can continue to live in the home for the duration of the trust’s term. When the term ends, the remainder interest passes to designated beneficiaries. This article details the ins and outs of using a QPRT. A brief sidebar explains that using a QPRT may disqualify a person from the home sale exclusion.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You missed the estate tax filing deadline
August / September 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 232
Abstract: The due date for filing a federal estate tax return varies. Generally, an estate’s executor must file the return within nine months of the date of death. It’s up to him or her to ensure that this obligation is met. This brief article explains the benefits of filing for a six-month filing extension.
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Going through a divorce? Ease the transfer of retirement plan assets with a QDRO
August / September 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 738
Abstract: Despite its unusual sounding name, a QDRO isn’t an alien from a science fiction movie or a geometric equation. In fact, QDRO stands for “qualified domestic relations order.” If a person is in the process of a divorce, a QDRO may provide for the transfer of assets in a qualified retirement plan to a nonparticipant spouse without incurring dire tax consequences. This article explains how a QDRO works.
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Overlooking foreign assets can be detrimental to an estate plan
August / September 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 825
Abstract: It’s critical to disclose all assets in one’s estate plan, including, importantly, any foreign assets. Often, people assume that foreign assets aren’t relevant to their “U.S.” estate plans, so they’re not worth mentioning. That’s not the case. This article provides the answers to several questions regarding accounting for foreign assets in an estate plan.
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Dynasty trust – Create a trust that can span the ages
August / September 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 731
Abstract: For those who want to arrange for a long-lasting transfer of wealth through multiple generations, consider using a dynasty trust. Not only can such a trust avoid tax, it may provide various other benefits and protections for families for an extended period of time, even forever. This article details the estate tax implications of a dynasty trust. A sidebar answers frequently asked question regarding the use of a dynasty trust.