There are new tax proposals working their way through the House and Senate. These proposals, if passed, would change retirement savings significantly. Read on to learn more about these proposals and whether they might impact you or your clients. New Tax Proposal re: Retirement Savings … [Read more...]
Beneficiary Designations, etc., Aren’t a True Substitute for a Trust
My friend Steve Hartnett, Director of Education for the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys has a clear blog post addressing the most basic differences between use of a transfer on death (TOD) or pay on death (POD) designation for an account rather than planning through a trust. These designations, like joint tenancy with right of survivorship, have a lure of simplicity which in my judgement is false. They do not address a variety of potential problems which might arise, they leave … [Read more...]
Planning to Avoid Too Much SALT
The 2018 changes in the federal tax laws were a mixed bag. One of the disadvantages for many tax payers was the new cap of $10,000 on federal deduction of state and local taxes. For many people this will mean a higher tax bill. Any time there is a change in the tax law, there will be people looking for different ways to get around the cap. I always encourage clients to be cautious. Anything in the tax world that sounds too good to be true, almost certainly is. Some of the ways people … [Read more...]
You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
This article from my good friend, Steve Hartnett, the Director of Education at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, examines the deaths of two people who died from doing very typical things. You never know what risks might be around the corner, even in seemingly safe endeavors, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...]
Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles
This is a post from my friend Steve Hartnett, the Director of Education at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, about the transfer of frequent flyer mile accounts to beneficiaries. It mentions that Anthony Bourdain had a specific gift of his airline miles in his Will and at least raises the question whether this rights are always transferrable in this way. The post points out that these are contractual rights and not all companies will have the same policies. Planning for … [Read more...]
Planning for the International Client
Estate planning for the international client can be tricky. In this post, my friend Steve Hartnett, the Director of Education for the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, tatkes a look at the estate tax treatment of U.S. citizens and non-resident aliens. Steve's thoughts are a good starting place for a sometimes complex subject which we can help you with at Clarity Legal Group. Planning for the International Client … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care
Many considerations must be addressed in an estate plan, not just who gets whatever’s left after your death. Long-Term Care expenses are an ever-increasing concern. Your estate plan should consider how those expenses would get paid. This article looks at several ways to plan for those expenses. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity
One of the most important considerations in an estate plan is incapacity planning. This article describes how an estate plan provides incapacity planning and the documents which may be used to accomplish that planning. It also looks at how having a plan in place may relieve stress during an emergency. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity … [Read more...]
Age-Related Retirement Milestones
Retirement takes planning. This article includes milestone ages, such as when you must begin taking distributions from retirement plans. The article also includes links to resources which will be helpful in your retirement planning process. Age-Related Retirement Milestones … [Read more...]
Basics of Estate Planning: Lack of Coordination
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Perhaps the most common mistake in estate planning is a lack of coordination. This is not where the client, attorney, or advisor cannot walk and chew gum at the same time. This is a failure to consider all the different aspects of a plan and how they may (or may not) work together. An … [Read more...]
