This month’s Alert examines the Obama Administration’s 2012 budget proposal and how it might affect estate, gift, GST, and income taxes. Further, the Alert looks at how our tax system compares to other developed countries.
Doing It Yourself Can Sometimes Lead to Disaster
Nowadays, a growing number of consumers attempt to prepare estate planning and other documents of legal significance without professional assistance. These do-it-yourselfers are penny-wise and pound-foolish. This Alert examines several cases in which the decedent attempted to create or modify his own estate plan, with disastrous results.
Creditor Protection Extended to Inherited IRAs by More Courts
IRAs and Qualified Plans are an increasing portion of our clients’ wealth. The advantages of the income tax deferral are well-known. This month’s Alert looks at developments regarding the creditor protection such plans provide, not only for the contributor, but also for those who inherit them.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Estate Could Exceed $1 Billion – Much of It Could Benefit AIDS Charities
Elizabeth Taylor died recently with a $1 billion estate. This month’s Alert focuses on her estate, her philanthropy, and various advanced estate planning techniques with a charitable component. Read this month’s Alert to find out how charitable giving can help you and your clients meet estate planning goals.
Annuity Maximization
This Alert examines how a tax-deferred annuity may not be the best solution for senior clients. It demonstrates how a single premium immediate annuity, or “SPIA” may be a better alternative for clients, especially if the client is in a lower tax bracket than the children who will inherit it.
Double Disclaimer Saves Millions in Estate and GST Tax
This month’s Alert examines how effective use of disclaimers can save millions in taxes. The Alert examines a ruling request presented to the IRS involving such a situation.
TRA 2010 Creates Opportunity for New Planning Strategy – The FlexTrust
The question of whether to fund a credit shelter trust has long been a central question in estate planning. With the new tax law and it’s temporarily increased exemption, the question is all the more relevant. This month’s alert discusses a new method of adding flexibility to your clients’ trust. The FlexTrust allows an independent Trust Advisor to decide whether and to what extent the credit shelter trust should be funded.
