In This Issue:

- Considering an ILIT? Now’s the time

- Intellectual property requires careful estate planning

- Defined-value gifts: Give now, value later

- Estate Planning Pitfall: Your family doesn’t know where to find your records

- Excerpt from Consider an ILIT? Now's the time:

People often think of life insurance as “tax-free,” but that’s not entirely true. Life insurance proceeds generally are income-tax-free to your beneficiaries, but if you own the policy at your death, the proceeds may be subject to estate taxes. One of the best ways to keep life insurance out of your taxable estate is to place the policy in an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT).

If you’re thinking about setting up an ILIT for an existing policy, consider doing so before the end of the year, particularly if it’s a high-cash-value policy.