For information regarding the COVID-19 virus, please click the link below.
Read More
Don’t forget about making a portability election
Portability allows a surviving spouse to apply a deceased spouse’s unused federal gift and estate tax exemption amount toward his or her own transfers during life or at death. For 2020, the exemption amount is $11.58 million, and the IRS just announced that that amount will increase to $11.7 million for 2021. To secure these […]
Put pen to paper: How a letter of instruction can benefit family harmony
You may view your will as the centerpiece of your estate plan. But other documents can complement it. For example, if you haven’t already done so, consider writing a letter of instruction. Elements of the letter A letter of instruction is an informal document providing your loved ones with vital information about personal and financial […]
A health care power of attorney is an essential element of any estate plan
A health care power of attorney is an essential element of any estate plan What happens if illness, injury, or age-related dementia renders you unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes regarding your health care or financial affairs? Unless your estate plan addresses these situations, your family may be forced to seek a court-appointed […]
Don’t procrastinate if you plan to transfer ownership of your life insurance policy
Generally, the proceeds of your life insurance policy are included in your taxable estate. You can remove them by transferring ownership of the policy. There is a catch. If you wait too long, the transfer of ownership might not stick. Essentially, if you have transferred ownership of the policy within three years of your […]
Oh, no, your original will is missing!
In a world that’s increasingly paperless, you’re likely becoming accustomed to conducting a variety of transactions digitally. But when it comes to your last will and testament, only an original, signed document will do. The original vs. a photocopy Many people mistakenly believe that a photocopy of a signed will is sufficient. In fact, most […]
5 Good Reasons to Turn Down an Inheritance
By: Sarah Johnston You may use a qualified disclaimer to refuse a bequest from a loved one. Doing so will cause an asset to bypass your estate and go to the next beneficiary in line. What are the reasons you’d take this action? Here are five reasons: 1. Gift and estate tax savings. This is […]
Fortify Your Assets Against Creditors With a Trust
You may think of trusts as estate-planning tools, i.e., vehicles for reducing taxes after your death. While trusts can certainly fill that role, they’re also useful for protecting assets, both now and later. After all, the better protected your assets are, the more you’ll have to pass on to loved ones. Creditors, former business partners, […]
