Housing prices have been the talk of the investment community over recent years. Buyers are having a hard time closing deals because of a supply and demand dilemma. In some areas, people are actually offering significantly more than sellers are asking, so this is bull market. We have an office in Westport. In Fairfield County, median home values have increased by 43.5 percent over the last couple of years according to NBC News Connecticut. Statewide, the figure is 32 percent. This is a … [Read more...] about Has Your Property Appreciated? Estate Taxes May Be a Factor
Estate Tax
The Tax Man Cometh: Adjust Your Estate Plan Now
The pandemic has forced many people to put some non-essential responsibilities on the back burner. This holding pattern may apply to your periodic estate plan review, but it is now time for action. If you know that a revision is necessary because of a life change, we are here to help, and general reviews are recommended. This being stated, at this particular juncture, there are a couple of pieces of legislation pending that would have a direct impact on many estate plans. Adjustments will … [Read more...] about The Tax Man Cometh: Adjust Your Estate Plan Now
Is the Federal Gift Tax Exclusion Higher in 2021?
We are going to address a question that is on the minds of some people that have a good grasp on federal transfer taxes. Before we drill down to it, we will provide some background information for those that do not fully understand taxes on inheritances. The Good News There is some surprisingly good news on this subject, which is rare when you are talking about the tax man. If you are named as an inheritor in a will, you would not be required to report the income when you file your federal … [Read more...] about Is the Federal Gift Tax Exclusion Higher in 2021?
Puerto Ricans are Unique, as Is Estate Planning for Them
Puerto Ricans hold a unique position under U.S. law. U.S. estate taxation treats those from Puerto Rico different from other U.S. citizens or citizens from other countries. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Puerto Ricans are Unique, as Is Estate Planning for Them
Inheritance Tax vs. Estate Tax: Is There a Difference?
People are often confused about the way that inheritances can be taxed. If you have heard the terms “estate tax” and “inheritance tax,” you may assume these are two different ways of describing the same thing. There are also those that think that the terms refer to the requirement to report inheritances as income when you file your regular tax returns. In reality, all of the above assumptions are mistaken, and we will provide clarity in this post. Income Taxes and Capital Gains … [Read more...] about Inheritance Tax vs. Estate Tax: Is There a Difference?
Can You Give Gifts to Avoid Estate Taxes?
Before we address the question that serves as the title this blog post, we must provide the necessary background information. We have a federal estate tax in the United States, and it carries a potentially devastating 40 percent maximum rate. The good news is that most people do not have to pay this death levy, because there is a credit or exclusion that is quite high. This is the amount that can be transferred before the estate tax would become applicable. In 2020, the exclusion is $11.58 … [Read more...] about Can You Give Gifts to Avoid Estate Taxes?
Will My Heirs Pay Taxes on Their Inheritances?
One of the things that would naturally enter your mind when you are planning your estate is the question of taxation. Will your heirs be required to pay taxes on inheritances that you leave to them? For the most part, the answers are encouraging, but there is one looming threat to your legacy. The Good News Inheritances are not considered to be taxable income by the IRS, so an heir does not have to claim an inheritance on regular income tax returns. Another positive applies to the capital … [Read more...] about Will My Heirs Pay Taxes on Their Inheritances?
When and Where You Die Matters
Where you die matters. While you’ll pay the same federal estate tax no matter where you die, 1/3 of the states have a separate estate or inheritance tax. The most populous state, California, is the latest state to consider adding a state estate tax. Read on to learn more. When and Where You Die Matters … [Read more...] about When and Where You Die Matters
New Estate Tax Proposal
A new estate tax proposal would lower the amount passing free from tax to $3.5 million and increase the rates of taxation. It would also eliminate some tried and true strategies for reducing estate taxation. Read on to learn more about this proposal and its prospects. New Estate Tax Proposal … [Read more...] about New Estate Tax Proposal
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. Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease … [Read more...] about Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease
