Can Estate Planning Reduce Taxes?

Once more hesitant to plan ahead, clients in today’s environment are much more proactive and willing to take action in the near term, rather than waiting and risking having to pay higher taxes down the line.

How Much can You Inherit and Not Pay Taxes?

Unless you spend your winters in Aspen and your summers in the Hamptons, you probably don’t have to worry about paying federal estate taxes on an inheritance. In 2021, the federal estate tax doesn’t kick in unless an estate exceeds $11.7 million.

Short-Cuts to Estate Planning can Lead to Costly Consequences

Over the years I get all kinds of questions from people. And boy, have I heard some doozies. But one common one I get is called the ‘lazy (or poor) man’s (or woman’s’) estate planning.’ This type of estate planning has some very negative tax consequences.

How Does Step-up Basis Work in an S-Corp?

My sister, her husband and I own an S Corporation with 25%, 25% and 50% ownership, respectively. The S Corporation invests in rental properties. My brother-in-law passed away earlier this year, so does my sister get a step-up in basis for her husband’s portion?

How Do You Divide Inheritance among Children?

First, before making a gift or bequest outright to your youngest son, consider whether now or in the future he will possibly be eligible for governmental assistance based on his disability and his own assets.

How to Prepare for Higher Taxes

President Biden’s proposal to eliminate the step-up for calculating inheritance taxes targets a tactic that has long been a wealth-preservation tool. What are some of the ramifications of the proposal and what, after political wrangling, could be the tax implications for large inherited assets?