Curiosity and excitement are always to be expected in an election year—especially curiosity about taxes. We all know that each presidential candidate has very different philosophies about where the tax burden lies, how much should be paid, and by whom; but all most of us really want to know is how the implementation of each… Read More »
Posts Tagged: estate tax
With the Federal Estate Tax Set at $5 Million, Escaping the State Death Tax Is Now An Issue For Migrating Seniors
For wealthy seniors, state death taxes may now be a big issue, especially if the seniors have the ability to relocate to a “death tax” friendly state. The federal estate tax is set (for at least another two years) but we still expect some states to continue making changes to their own estate tax. The… Read More »
What to Expect from Estate Taxes in 2011
It has been a long and uncertain year for anybody interested in the future of the estate tax, filled with a few ups, a few downs, and a lot of speculation. But after the recent passage of the new bipartisan tax bill all of the confusion and speculation is finally at an end, and it’s… Read More »
Estate Tax Update: “Clarity” is Here
It looks as if the long and weary road to estate tax clarity ended on 12/17/2010 when President Obama signed the compromise tax package negotiated with Republican leaders. Here are some quick highlights: Tax Election for 2010 Estates: This is one of the biggest parts of the deal. The bill gives 2010 estates the choice of whether… Read More »
Are You Prepared For The Return Of the Estate Tax on January 1st?
Q. My wife and I have a Living Trust and a combined estate worth roughly $2 million, including the equity in our home. I understand that the federal estate tax returns on January 1, 2011, and that couples having a combined estate worth more than $1 million may once again be subject to tax. Is… Read More »
Prepare Now for an Uncertain Future
There’s a useful saying that goes something like this: “Expect the best, but prepare for the worst.” Never has that saying been as useful as it is right now in regards to asset protection and estate planning. As Laura Lallos mentions in her article in the Morningstar Advisor, “Estate attorneys are trained to prepare for… Read More »
How to Prepare for Dismaying Changes to Estate Tax Law
This may seem like we’re listening to a broken record, but once again Congress’ inability to act is creating uncertainty in the estate-tax-planning world. We’re little over 3 months away from a major upheaval in the estate tax, and according to the New York Times the upcoming law is likely to cause a lot of… Read More »
Planning to Live Through the 2010 Estate Tax Repeal? You Can Still Save on Taxes
It is common knowledge that 2010 is a great year for heirs. If you didn’t know about the 2010 estate tax repeal, all the media coverage of George Steinbrenner’s recent death (and his heirs’ lucky tax break) probably alerted you. Everybody is saying that 2010 is a good year to die… But what about those… Read More »
Debunking 5 Common Estate Planning Myths
There are five common myths that frustrate all estate planners—particularly because we know that not only are they patently untrue, but also because their continued circulation can be harmful. 1. Estate Planning is only for rich people. This is probably the single most common estate planning myth there is—and it is a myth. When… Read More »
You Know the Importance of Planning… But Do Your Aging Parents?
If you have been reading our blog then you know that this year—the year without a federal estate tax—is an important year, and that next year—when the estate tax returns—will be an even more important year for planning and reviewing your estate. You know this… but do your parents? Kimberly Palmer, author of this article… Read More »