Estate Planning when So Much Is Uncertain
Taxpayers should, of course, carefully consider whether to engage in a lifetime gifting strategy, which has other considerations beyond just estate taxes (such as the tradeoff with the ‘step‑up’ in basis, and non-tax family related considerations).
Is Estate Tax Exemption Going to Change?
The new numbers mean that wealthy taxpayers can transfer more to their heirs tax free during life—or at death. A lot more.
You May Need a ‘Durable’ Power of Attorney
A durable power will remain in force, if a court finds that you have become incompetent.
Now is the Right Time to Approach Parents about Estate Planning
If you have a parent over the age of, say, 65, thoughts about their future may have started to creep into your mind. However, because end-of-life planning can be emotional and overwhelming, it’s tempting to put these conversations off—and even more pleasing to avoid them altogether.
Relieve Regret About Retirement Savings
A 2019 survey by Global Atlantic Financial Group, which sells annuities, asked more than 4,000 Americans, pre-retirees and retirees, about their retirement savings. Of those surveyed, 55% said they had regrets. The top three were that they: Did not save enough. Relied too much on Social Security. Did not pay down debt before retiring. However,…
Do Gifts Count Toward Estate Taxes?
A recipient of a gift does not pay income taxes on the gift. However, the gift-giver may pay gift taxes, unless one of two exemptions applies.
Can Cryptocurrency Be Inherited?
If you’re merely dipping your toe in cryptocurrency, it can be hard to imagine your crypto as something worth talking to an estate attorney about. But that $100 in fun money could grow to a significant percentage of your total investments, sometimes overnight.
Before They’re Gone—Estate Planning Strategies
If you have not already been inundated with invitations to webinars, articles and newsletters regarding the estate planning you should consider doing before new legislation passes, you undoubtedly will receive these over the next few months.
What Is the Social Security Increase for 2022?
A large 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment is coming to Social Security beneficiaries in 2022. That means the average monthly retirement benefit will go up by $92 per month. Exactly how much more money you will see may depend on the amount of Medicare Part B premiums.
What Do I Need to Do During Medicare Open Enrollment?
It’s hard to escape the Medicare ads that fill the airways each fall, when insurance companies vie for beneficiaries’ attention during the annual open enrollment period. Running from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, this period is when the more than 63 million Medicare beneficiaries can pick a new Medicare Part D drug plan, a new Medicare Advantage plan, or switch from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa.
