Changes to Legal Documents in light of the Coronavirus pandemic
In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, all clients should immediately review their healthcare-related documents including living will, healthcare proxy, and HIPAA release. Most client advisors are familiar with the need to have a current document that reflects the client’s
Planning in the Time of Coronavirus
The coronavirus is an illness that we cannot ignore. Older adults are especially vulnerable and those who have an underlying issue such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Many such individuals are in a position of responsibility and wealth.
Planning for Dependent (or not Independent) Family Members
One in four Americans has some form of disability. In our law firm’s client base, it is very common to have a family member that is not entirely able to live independently. Even worse, adults with disabilities are living far
Are You Ready For New FATCA Enforcement in 2020?
Banks and certain other financial institutions located outside the United States that have U.S. account holders are scrambling to meet a looming IRS deadline. These institutions, known as foreign financial institutions, or FFIs, must achieve full compliance with the U.S.
How To Limit An Executor’s Personal Liability For A Decedent’s Unpaid Taxes
Being an executor can often be a demanding and thankless task. In addition to coping with the loss of a close friend or family member, executors are routinely charged with navigating estate plans through an unfamiliar and intimidating course of
Individuals with disabilities can create their own self-settled trusts
The Special Needs Trust Fairness Act provides that individuals with disabilities can now create their own special needs trusts instead of having to rely on others. The Act was included as Section 5007 of the 21st Century Cures Act which was signed into law
5 Estate Planning Tips to Avoid Disputes
Insert a no-contest clause When a will contest seems likely, an in terrorem clause may be beneficial. An in terrorem clause, also known as a “no-contest” clause, generally provides that a bequest will fail if the beneficiary initiates or participates
Happy Birthday Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure!
The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure (SFCP) was “born” two years old. Two years ago the IRS publicly announced the SFCP, which has been used by many non-compliant US taxpayers with the disclosure of foreign assets. SFCP has two sub-programs: one
New Trust Law Enacted in New Jersey
On January 19, 2016, the New Jersey Uniform Trust Code (NJUTC) was enacted into law. The new law will take effect on July 17, 2016. The new law, based in part on model legislation prepared by the Uniform Law Commission,
New IRS Forms Informs Beneficiaries of Asset Basis Values
Instructions to IRS Form 8971 for reporting the asset basis of estates have now been finalized. Form 8971, Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a Decedent, tells estate executors and others required to file a Form 706 how to report
The IRS publishes new proposed regulations for tax on transfers from covered expatriates
The IRS published new proposed regulations last week regarding the tax on gifts and bequests from covered expatriates last week. Section 2801 basically provides that if a U.S. citizen or resident receives a “covered gift” or “covered bequest,” a gift