by Christine | Sep 12, 2012 | Estate Planning, Roth IRA |
In 2010, we felt that the conditions were ideal for converting traditional IRAs into Roth accounts. Previous restrictions on conversions had been removed, and income triggered by conversions was taxed at relatively low rates. Today, we are once again looking at...
by Christine | Sep 11, 2012 | Elder Law, Mediation |
A small but growing number of mediators (people who help resolve disputes, typically outside a courtroom) now specialize in elder affairs. They help families work through concerns — and fights — involving caregiving, inheritance, living arrangements,...
by Christine | Sep 10, 2012 | Estate Planning, Funeral Planning |
The old adage “nothing is certain but death and taxes” is very true. Since income taxes occur on an annual basis we think about them frequently. Our own death, however, we seldom think about or plan for. That’s a problem. Admittedly, it’s fairly difficult to plan for...
by Christine | Sep 7, 2012 | Estate Planning, Gift |
Given the uncertainty surrounding next year's taxes, here is a reassuring thought: One of Uncle Sam's most useful tax benefits isn't expiring, shrinking or otherwise under threat after 2012. Experts call it the "annual gift exclusion." Been...
by Christine | Sep 6, 2012 | Estate Planning, Marriage, Retirement |
For couples over the age of 60, cohabitation is becoming increasingly common, even when the partners would prefer to get hitched — a decision that's often financially driven. "This is absolutely a growing trend." Marriage is a big decision, whether...
by Christine | Sep 5, 2012 | Estate Planning, Trusts |
Can you force a grandchild to take a drug test in order to receive an inheritance? Insist your heirs use trust funds only for tuition at your alma mater? Make sure your wife's future husbands can't run through money you worked hard to earn? In many cases, the...
by Christine | Sep 4, 2012 | 2013, Estate Law, Estate Tax, Gift Tax, Trusts |
“You Must Act Now!” “The Now Moment Has Arrived.” Late-night infomercial pitchmen? Nope. Wealth planners breathlessly warning prospective clients that they have only until Dec. 31 to seize a “historic” opportunity to transfer millions to kids and grandkids, tax free....
by Christine | Sep 4, 2012 | Estate Planning, Family Business, Small Business, Succession Planning |
There are a number of reasons you might want to put your name on your business. But before you launch your eponymous company, project yourself into the future—the very reason you’ve chosen to name your company after yourself may be the reason you...
by Christine | Aug 31, 2012 | Gift, Inheritance, International Taxation, IRS |
What about foreign gifts and inheritances? These rules aren’t as well publicized but the stakes are huge. Have you received a gift or inheritance from a loved one living in a different country? The IRS wants to know about it, and failing to notify them could cost you....
by Christine | Aug 30, 2012 | Estate Planning, Estate Tax, Portability |
The Internal Revenue Service in June issued guidance for an estate-tax law Congress passed late in 2010. The IRS recently issued new guidance on an important estate tax issue for married couples regarding the portability of individual estate tax exemption between...
