Tag Archives: estate tax
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
Mobility of Estate Plan Documents
Many clients ask if they must re-do their estate plan when they move to a different state. The answer is generally “no”. A Will made in New Jersey or New York or Florida is likely going to be “valid” in
Uncertainty About The Future Of The Gift And Estate Tax Laws Will Continue
Even if Congress acts to avoid the “Fiscal Cliff,” uncertainty about the future of the gift and estate tax laws will continue. Despite this uncertainty, meaningful estate planning goals can be achieved. Estate planning is only partly about tax. Whatever
Short Lived Planning Opportunities for the Rest of 2012
The current gift tax exclusion is scheduled to expire at midnight on December 31, 2012, bringing to an end the highest exemptions ever seen. Under current law for 2012, each person has the ability to gift or dispose of assets
Plan Now for Dynasty Trusts
For years now wealthy people have used dynasty trusts to shield their assets from estate taxes for tens and hundreds of years, or even forever. But the dynasty trust is under attack from a new proposed legislation in President Obama’s
A limited opportunity for generous gift tax exclusions
The 2010 Tax Act is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2012, at which time under current law the opportunities afforded under the 2010 Act will be lost. This article explores various tax planning opportunities created under the 2010 Act.
NJ Inheritance and Estate Taxes: Watch Out!
One of our clients recently (and unfortunately) paid $30,000 New Jersey inheritance tax on a $200,000 inheritance received from her aunt. This could have been avoided with some planning. If you live in New Jersey, then you’re lucky enough to
Top 7 Costly Estate Planning Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
1. Where There Is A “Will” Is There Is A Way? The biggest mistake is the failure to plan, having the wrong plan or even having an outdated plan. Everyone can benefit from a will or some other form of
Charitable Remainder Trust: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Charitable Remainder Trust? A Charitable Remainder Trust is a special tax-exempt irrevocable trust arrangement written to comply with federal tax laws and regulations. You transfer cash or assets (especially appreciated assets) to the trust and may
New Jersey Estate Tax: Important Provisions and Filing Requirements
The New Jersey estate tax is now imposed upon the transfer of the estate of every resident decedent which would have been subject to a Federal estate tax under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December
Still Beware of State Death Taxes…
Despite the new and generous federal estate tax exemption of $5 million per estate and $10 million per couple, many less wealthy families still have to plan for estate taxes–state estate taxes that is. The $10 million exemption makes state
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
Congress finally acted to provide some certainty for taxpayers and their advisors on the gift tax, estate tax and generation skipping transfer tax.
Adding Beneficiaries to an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
If the owner and beneficiary of the a life insurance policy is an irrevocable life insurance trust (“ILIT”), the proceeds from the life insurance policy would not be included in her estate and could be used to completely provide funds
Estate Tax Pitfalls Seen In Court Case
Few things get people madder at their estate planners than fights over who must pay taxes when someone dies. A big source of trouble: the patchwork of state rules that apply. Most states say those who inherit have to share
New Jersey inheritance tax
If you live in New Jersey, then you’re lucky enough to live in one of the two states that collects both a separate state inheritance tax and estate tax (the other is Maryland). Currently the following rules apply with regard
Year End Estate Planning Tips – Make Annual Exclusion Gifts
This year the annual gift tax exclusion is $13,000 per person and in 2010 the exclusion will remain the same.
What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)?
Many people aren’t aware that all of the proceeds from life insurance policies that they own at death will be included their estate for estate tax purposes. This is because if the policy owner can withdraw the cash value and