What Planning Should I Do in My 50s?

If you are one of the many people who start getting serious about their finances as they reach their 50s, enjoy this guide for your next steps.

Can I Avoid Taxes when I Inherit?

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. The Biden administration has proposed lowering the exemption, but even that proposal wouldn’t affect estates valued at less than about $6 million.

How Do I Sell a Home in an Irrevocable Trust?

I’m a trustee selling a home in irrevocable trust for a parent who died. There are two beneficiaries who will get the sale proceeds with a stepped-up basis. I’m filing Form 1041 but do I still have to file a Form 1040 to report anything for the beneficiaries?

What are Top ‘To-Dos’ in Estate Planning?

The biggest misconception people have about estate planning is that “they are not that old and can do it later,” say almost half (49%) of advisors in a recent Key Private Bank Advisor Poll on estate planning. Yet, the majority (73%) of advisors say the ideal age to start putting an estate plan in place is before 40—earlier than many people think.

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?