A trust may be taxed as either a grantor trust or a nongrantor trust. Each type of trust has advantages and disadvantages. This article examines a nongrantor trust and situations in which it might be useful. [Read More]
Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease
A trust may be taxed as either a grantor trust or a nongrantor trust. Each type of trust has advantages and disadvantages. This article examines a grantor trust and situations in which it might be useful. [Read More]
Turning the Page on 2018 and Looking Forward to 2019
As we turn the page and bid farewell to 2018, we look forward to 2019. This article summarizes the major changes for 2019, both in the tax area and in other areas. Read on to learn more. [Read More]
Selecting an Agent
Choosing the right Agent under a Power of Attorney is one of the most important choices. This article discusses the qualities of an ideal Agent and qualities to avoid in selecting an Agent. Read on to learn more. [Read More]
What Type of Trusts Protect Assets?
Over the course of your lifetime, you will probably work toward building up your estate assets so that they can provide for you and your loved ones down the road. Acquiring assets, however, should not be your only goal. You also need to protect the assets you acquire. Your estate plan can help you do … [Read More]
Giving Back
Giving back provides many benefits, whether in life or at death. The article explores ways of giving back and some of the tax benefits available, both during life and at death. The article provides a couple strategies to maximize the tax benefits, such as grouping deductions and doing a charitable IRA rollover.
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QDRO: Not Just for Divorce Anymore
Transferring an ERISA account, like a 401(k), from one spouse to another can have substantial tax benefits, by delaying Required Minimum Distributions or avoiding early withdrawal penalties. However, one cannot simply transfer an account from one spouse to another under most circumstances without triggering adverse tax consequences. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order or “QDRO” avoids those adverse consequences. While a QDRO is most commonly used in a divorce context, divorce is not a requirement. Read on to learn more.
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Proposed Regulations Address “Clawback” Issue
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporarily doubled the amount which can be given free of tax. However, that amount reverts to the permanent, undoubled amount in 2026. The estate tax ordinarily includes prior taxable gifts and then applies the exclusion to the total. However, in 2026 or later, this could result in a tax on amounts which weren’t taxable when gifted. This issue is the “clawback.” New Proposed Regulations resolve this issue. Read on to learn more.
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How Are Trusts Taxed?
Trusts are useful vehicles both during life and after death. This article examines how trusts are income taxed. Grantor trusts are taxed to the grantor, regardless of whether the income is distributed to them. Nongrantor trusts are separate taxpaying entities but get a deduction for distributions to beneficiaries. Read the article to learn more.
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Last Will vs. Living Trust
A Last Will and Testament is traditionally used to distribute estate assets in a simple estate plan. If your estate plan still uses a Will for its foundation, it might be time to consider another option – a trust. A trust can also be used to distribute estate assets after your death; however, a trust … [Read More]
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