As pet owners, we form deep bonds with our furry, feathered, or scaly companions, considering them part of our families. But what happens to these beloved pets if we become unable to care for them due to illness, incapacity,...more
You might have several goals you’d like your estate plan to achieve. They may include giving to your favorite charity and leaving a significant amount to your loved ones under favorable tax terms. One estate planning...more
From time to time, we provide updates in the estate planning area. While the November 2022 federal elections resulted in a divided Congress that dampens the likelihood of major federal tax legislation, we thought this would...more
By most accounts, 2022 has been a tumultuous year from a planning perspective: the uncertainty of the midterm elections, stock market volatility, rising interest rates and the highest level of inflation in recent history have...more
Earlier this year the stock market entered bear market territory. This happens when the market declines more than 20% or more from its most recent high. The market decline has been attributed to several factors including...more
Delaware Clarifies “Pro-Sandbagging” Stance by Mark Tarallo and Mary Moran In almost every M&A transaction, the parties spend some time discussing (if not heavily negotiating) the right of the buyer to bring claims against...more
In the past year, the global market capitalization of cryptocurrency has grown exponentially, reaching a high of $2.56 trillion on May 11, 2021. Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange, has more than 68 million verified...more
Last year brought with it several unexpected challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including economic, social, and financial hardships that have left many in a position of extraordinary need. ...more
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is the biggest retirement planning law in decades. However, when all is said and done, the new law may have just as significant an impact on estate...more
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the SECURE Act) was signed into U.S. law on December 20, 2019. The SECURE Act makes significant changes to the administration of IRAs and other tax-deferred...more
Many people like the idea of leaving bequests to favorite charities in their wills. But instead of leaving money to a charity in your will, you can put that money into a charitable remainder trust and collect income while you...more
Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) have been around for decades, and they continue to be a viable estate planning strategy in the wake of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other recent tax legislation. This article details how a...more
In This Issue: - A win-win proposition -A charitable remainder trust benefits you and your favorite charity - When to elect the alternate valuation date - Do you know when an FBAR must be filed? - ESTATE PLANNING...more
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will have a significant impact on estate planning and related aspects, such as charitable giving. Even though the TCJA reduces tax incentives for making charitable donations for some people,...more
If a substantial portion of one’s net worth is tied up in his or her closely held business, it’s critical to have an exit strategy. This article explains why an employee stock ownership plan is one tool that offers a...more
Today, the federal gift and estate tax exemption stands at $5.45 million, so fewer families are facing estate tax liability. This begs the question: Can life insurance continue to play an important role in estate planning?...more
Recently finalized regulations eliminate a potential tax shelter involving the sale of an interest in a charitable remainder trust. This brief article offers an example of how the tax shelter worked before the new regs and,...more
Paying for LTC insurance using a tax-free exchange - Nothing can throw a monkey wrench into an estate plan like incurring long-term care (LTC) expenses. These expenses — for nursing home stays, assisted-living...more
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) allows a person to support a favorite charity while potentially boosting their cash flow, shrinking the size of their taxable estate, reducing or deferring income taxes, and enjoying...more
Now that the election is over, we anticipate having some guidance soon with respect to the numerous tax and planning issues that have been mired in uncertainty for the past two years. Many tax benefits are scheduled to...more