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Estate Planning

Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2

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Trusts can be very flexible instruments. One of the ways to add flexibility is by using powers of appointment. This article will examine the different types of powers of appointment and how that can impact taxation. Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2 … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2

Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 1

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Trusts can be very flexible. One of the ways to add flexibility is by using powers of appointment. This article will examine what a power of appointment is and how it may be used to add flexibility to a trust. An upcoming article will examine the tax consequences of powers of appointment. Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 1 … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 1

Basics of Estate Planning: Advising Clients on Selecting Fiduciaries

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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. Often, one of the most difficult choices for a client to make is the selection of people to make decisions for them. These fiduciaries may have great control over the client’s affairs, typically at times when the client would be most vulnerable or already gone. Let’s take a look at the … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Advising Clients on Selecting Fiduciaries

No Charitable Deduction in 2018?

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The tax bills passed by the House and Senate would eliminate deductibility of state income tax and nearly double the standard deduction, dramatically reducing the number of people who would benefit from itemizing their deductions. As a result, most people would get no tax benefit from their charitable contributions. This article examines how a Donor Advised Fund could allow donors to make a contribution this year, getting a tax benefit, and then release the funds to charities in the … [Read more...] about No Charitable Deduction in 2018?

QDRO: Not Just for Divorce Anymore

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Transferring an ERISA account, like a 401(k), from one spouse to another can have substantial tax benefits, by delaying Required Minimum Distributions or avoiding early withdrawal penalties. However, one cannot simply transfer an account from one spouse to another under most circumstances without triggering adverse tax consequences. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order or “QDRO” avoids those adverse consequences. While a QDRO is most commonly used in a divorce context, divorce is not a … [Read more...] about QDRO: Not Just for Divorce Anymore

Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year?

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Perhaps you would prefer to take a charitable deduction this year. Maybe you have higher income this year, or the reduced ability to take a deduction next year. A donor advised fund may make sense for you. A donor advised fund allows a deduction this year, even though distributions will be made to public charities in future years. Read on to learn more about a donor advised fund. Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year? … [Read more...] about Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year?

Nongrantor Trusts Can Be Very Useful in Certain Situations

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A trust may be taxed as either a grantor trust or a nongrantor trust. Each type of trust has advantages and disadvantages. This article examines a nongrantor trust and situations in which it might be useful. Nongrantor Trusts Can Be Very Useful in Certain Situations … [Read more...] about Nongrantor Trusts Can Be Very Useful in Certain Situations

Giving Back

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Giving back provides many benefits, whether in life or at death. The article explores ways of giving back and some of the tax benefits available, both during life and at death. The article provides a couple strategies to maximize the tax benefits, such as grouping deductions and doing a charitable IRA rollover. Giving Back … [Read more...] about Giving Back