Beneficiary designations can be deceptively simple. But their simplicity is sort of like an iceberg. Danger lurks beneath those tranquil waters, both for the client and the attorney. Designations for IRAs and retirement plans can be particularly complicated, especially after the SECURE Act. This article examines how beneficiary designations done prior to the SECURE Act might not have the intended consequences today. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Prior Designations
Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act Basics
Beneficiary designations can be deceptively simple. But their simplicity is sort of like an iceberg. Danger lurks beneath those tranquil waters, both for the client and the attorney. Designations for IRAs and retirement plans can be particularly complicated, especially after the SECURE Act. This article focuses on the basics of the SECURE Act. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act Basics
Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries
Beneficiary designations can be deceptively simple. But their simplicity is sort of like an iceberg. Danger lurks beneath those tranquil waters, both for the client and the attorney. Designations for IRAs and retirement plans can be particularly complicated, especially after the SECURE Act. This article focuses on beneficiaries who don’t fall under the standard 10-year payout of the SECURE Act. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries
Joint Tenancy Problems in Estate Planning
Sometimes people use Joint Tenancy as an easy, simple way to do Estate Planning. However, this can have serious, unexpected drawbacks. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Joint Tenancy Problems in Estate Planning
Updating Your Plan: Your Trust or Will
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to think about updating your plan. This includes your entire plan, including your primary vehicle, such as a trust or will. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Updating Your Plan: Your Trust or Will
Biden Administration Could Reduce Estate Tax Exclusion
Runoff Elections in Georgia resulted in a Senate controlled by Democrats. Could this impact your Estate Planning? It’s possible. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Biden Administration Could Reduce Estate Tax Exclusion
It’s Better to Give, Especially This Year
Normally, you must itemize your deductions in order to benefit from them. In 2020, the standard deduction amount is $12,400 for individuals and $24,800 for married couples filing jointly. But this year, you can get a charitable deduction even if you don’t itemize. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about It’s Better to Give, Especially This Year
Updating Your Plan: Powers of Attorney
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to think about updating your plan. This includes your entire plan, including Powers of Attorney. Powers of Attorney are part of even the simplest estate plan. A Power of Attorney allows your Agent to act for you. There are Powers of Attorney for financial matters and also those for health care. It’s important to consider whether you need to update either of these powers. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Updating Your Plan: Powers of Attorney
Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes
The recent tax law temporarily doubled the estate tax exemption. That doesn’t mean there’s no need for estate planning. Estate plans consider many important aspects, not just estate taxes. This article examines some of the many considerations besides estate taxes. Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes
Tax Planning for 2021
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate tax at death. Even though 2021 is just starting, it’s not too early to think about planning for whatever it may bring your way. … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2021