While nothing may be as certain as death and taxes, nothing is as confusing as estate taxes on death. The estate tax is the single highest tax rate a person (or rather their state) will ever pay, currently capping out at a federal rate of 40% on assets over $12.06...
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Estate Planning
Prince’s Death Reminds Us that Privacy is Priceless in Estate Planning
The death of music icon Prince on April 21, 2016, presents an example for estates of all sizes of the privacy an estate plan can provide. Last week, Prince's sister, Tyka Nelson, filed a petition with the Carver County, Minnesota probate court stating Prince did not...
VIDEO: How we assist with estate planning and trust administration
An estate plan isn't generally something that people are excited to talk about, but it is something that everyone needs to do at some point in their lives -- preferably sooner instead of later. An estate plan will ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event...
Estate Planning for Your “New” Adult
With graduations in full swing and high school seniors preparing to leave home for college, employment, or other adventures, it may be time to consider estate planning documents for your 18 year old. It may not initially make sense for an 18 year old to need an estate...
2015 Estate and Gift Exclusion Amounts Confirmed
For decedents dying in 2015, the applicable exclusion amount (or the value of assets a decedent may own without incurring an estate tax liability) is $5,430,000.The annual gift tax exclusion (or the value of assets a donor may gift to each person without incurring a...
Final Reminder from Oscar de la Renta regarding Business Succession Planning
Aside from prurient interest in a celebrity's estate plan, there is often a lesson to be learned in the structure of the estate plan of the wealthy. The passing of fashion icon Oscar de la Renta on October 20, 2014 is a reminder for all business owners, no matter how...
Reminders for Year-End Charitable Donations
In addition to achieving philanthropic goals, many people make charitable donations at the end of the year in order to maximize income tax benefits. To make sure your charitable donation accomplishes both charitable and tax-savings benefits, here are few...
IRS Announces 2014 Unified Credit Amount
On October 31, 2013, the IRS issued Rev. Proc. 2013-35 in which it announced that the Unified Credit Against Estate Tax for decedents dying in 2014 is $5,340,000 per person. This is a $90,000 increase for inflation. The IRS also confirmed that the annual gift tax...
Estate Planning Awareness Week
The Financial Awareness Foundation is celebrating the 5th Annual Estate Planning Awareness Week October 21 through 27. According to the Foundation's website, it is estimated that over 120 million Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan to protect themselves,...
Estate Plan for an 18 Year Old?
It may not initially make sense for an 18 year old to need an estate plan since most do not have assets about which to be concerned. However, in most states, an 18 year old is an adult in the eyes of the law, with legal rights relating to privacy and decision making....
