Today, you can do practically anything online that used to require face-to-face contact. For example, you can buy clothing, do your banking or even download a form to write your own will. But a “do-it-yourself” will is a risky proposition, especially if you have considerable wealth. (more…)
Estate Tax Concerns for Both Today and the Future
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) doubled the federal gift and estate tax exemption amount from $5 million to $10 million, adjusted annually for inflation. Combined with the unlimited marital deduction and other estate tax provisions, including portability of the exemption, a married couple can easily shelter more than $20 million from federal estate tax. (more…)
Beware of the New Tax Law’s Impact on Trust and Estate Income
In this podcast, Chris Madrid from our Family Wealth and Individual Tax Planning Group discusses important modifications the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made to the income taxation of trusts and estates for 2018 and beyond.
Estate Planning for Every Stage of Life
Virtually everyone needs an estate plan, but this isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Even though each person’s situation is unique, general guidelines can be drawn depending on your current stage of life.
The early years
If you’ve recently embarked on a career, gotten married, or both, now is the time to build the foundation for your estate plan. And, if you’ve recently started a family, estate planning is even more critical. (more…)
Beware of the New Tax Law’s Impact on Trust and Estate Income
By Christine Collins Madrid, CPA, Tax Director
ASL Family Wealth & Individual Tax Planning Group
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), signed into law in December 2017, made important modifications to the income taxation of trusts and estates for 2018 and beyond. Trust and estate income tax rates and brackets changed, along with deductibility of some estate and trust administrative expenses. Also, a new qualified business income deduction is available, under certain circumstances, that could be as much as 20% of qualified business income. (more…)
Estate Planning Pitfall - You’re Not Making Payments Directly to the Educational Institution or Health Care Provider
Now that the unified gift and estate tax exemption has jumped to $11.18 million in 2018, you may no longer have to worry about gift and estate taxes. On top of that, you can still use the annual gift tax exclusion of $15,000 per recipient in 2018. (more…)
The Four Basic Steps of Probate
Probate. The word itself is enough to strike fear into the hearts of elderly individuals and their loved ones. It conjures images of lengthy delays waiting for wealth to be transferred and bitter disputes among family members. Plus, probate is open to the public, so all your “dirty linen” may be aired. The reality is that probate doesn’t have to be so terrible, and often isn’t, but both property owners and their heirs should know what’s in store. (more…)
Top 5 Non-Tax Reasons to Have an Estate Plan
In this podcast, Anu Joshi from our Family Wealth and Individual Tax Planning Group discusses the top 5 non-tax related reasons you need an estate plan, from dividing your wealth to protecting your well-being.
Top 5 Non-Tax Reasons to Have an Estate Plan
Despite what one might think, estate planning isn’t limited to only the rich and famous. Previously, avoiding or minimizing federal estate tax liability was a primary motivation for creating an estate plan. But with a generous gift and estate tax exemption of $11.18 million for 2018, this is less of a worry for most families. This article details other important benefits of having an estate plan. (more…)