The matter of taxation is logically going to enter your mind if you are inheriting money. Do you have to report your inheritance as income when you file your annual income tax return? In general, the answer to this question is no, assuming there is no appreciation to take into account. If you inherit appreciable resources there are tax implications. This is a somewhat complicated subject that you should discuss with a licensed estate planning attorney. Other Types of … [Read more...] about Do I Pay Taxes When I Inherit Money?
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Deadline Extended for Estate Tax Exclusion Portability Opt-In
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 was passed in December of that year. Among other things, it made the federal estate tax exclusion portable between spouses. Portability was made permanent when the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was passed. What Is Portability? Portability is the ability of a surviving spouse to use the estate tax credit or exclusion that was afforded to his or her deceased spouse. Prior to the 2011 calendar … [Read more...] about Deadline Extended for Estate Tax Exclusion Portability Opt-In
Why Would I Need a Pour-Over Will?
You may want to consider the use of a revocable living trust to serve as a vehicle of asset transfer instead of a last will. Let's look at some of the reasons why this may be a better choice. Trust vs. Will When you state your wishes regarding the transfer of personally owned property through the terms of a last will, the heirs to the estate don't receive their inheritances right away. The will must be admitted to probate first. The estate must be probated before the inheritances will be … [Read more...] about Why Would I Need a Pour-Over Will?
Estate Planning FAQ: What Happens If I'm Single When I Die?
People tend to take estate planning more seriously when they have a number of loved ones depending on them. This may be human nature, but estate planning is important for single people as well as married individuals and those with children. If you do not have an estate plan in place you will die intestate, and this can yield some negative results. Condition of Intestacy If you die without executing the appropriate estate planning documents as a single person the condition of … [Read more...] about Estate Planning FAQ: What Happens If I'm Single When I Die?
How Long Does the Probate Process Take?
If you want your loved ones to receive their inheritances in a timely manner, you should be aware of the process of probate. The executor that you choose must admit your last will to probate if you do in fact use a will to record your final wishes. Probate is a legal process, and it takes place under the supervision of a court. The process of probate takes time. The exact length of time will vary depending on the circumstances. State laws allow creditors a certain amount of … [Read more...] about How Long Does the Probate Process Take?
What Is the Difference Between a General and a Limited Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legally binding document that can be used for various different purposes. With a power of attorney you give another person, called an agent or attorney-in-fact, the power to act on your behalf. There are different types of powers of attorney. Let's take a look at some of them. Limited Power of Attorney A limited power of attorney is used to give the agent the ability to act on your behalf on a limited basis. The limitations are entirely up to … [Read more...] about What Is the Difference Between a General and a Limited Power of Attorney?
February Living Trust Seminars Scheduled
The last will is the most commonly executed estate planning document. It may be natural to assume that a last will is going to facilitate a very simple and direct transfer of assets to the heirs. There are even websites on the Internet that will sell you do-it-yourself last will downloads. You fill in the blanks and go forward with the assumption that everything will go smoothly after you pass away. As they say, a little bit of information is a dangerous thing. There is nothing inherently … [Read more...] about February Living Trust Seminars Scheduled
What Is a Qualified Personal Residence Trust?
When you are planning your estate as a person who has been financially successful you should be well aware of the looming specter of the federal estate tax. This death levy carries a 40 percent maximum rate. The amount of the exclusion in 2014 is $5.34 million. The exclusion or credit is the amount that you can transfer free of taxation. If you intend to transfer more than $5.34 million to your heirs you should consider tax efficiency strategies. When you are calculating the overall … [Read more...] about What Is a Qualified Personal Residence Trust?
Indianapolis Incapacity Planning: What Is a Guardianship or Conservatorship?
Estate planning involves making arrangements for things that will take place after you die. However, if you want to be comprehensively prepared you should also consider the interim that will precede your death. With this in mind let's look at Indianapolis incapacity planning, guardianship and conservatorship. Indianapolis Incapacity Planning Representation in the Event of Incapacity People often become incapacitated late in their lives. Approximately 45 percent of people who … [Read more...] about Indianapolis Incapacity Planning: What Is a Guardianship or Conservatorship?
Consider Estate Plan Review in 2014
Many people procrastinate before they put an initial estate plan in place. Once they do take action, they put the documents in a lock box somewhere and forget about them. Inertia sets in, and that pattern of procrastination resumes. Estate planning should actually be viewed as an ongoing, dynamic process. Estate planning is a form of financial planning. It is an extension of the financial planning that you have done throughout your life. When you are managing your … [Read more...] about Consider Estate Plan Review in 2014
