After spending most of 2010 procrastinating, Congress finally decided to throw a wrench into estate planning in mid-December by enacting the Taxpayer Relief Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Since then, all the estate planning professionals have been scrambling to make sense of the new law and ferret out the implications it has for taxpayers now. Some of the effects of this law are summarized in a few bullet points below:
read more…So What’s this Thing Called a Generation Skipping Tax Exemption?
With the recent increase in the lifetime generation skipping tax exemption to $5 million, effective for 2011 and 2012, you may be thinking that there is no way that this could apply to you (or your spouse). While this may only affect a smaller portion of taxpayers than before for those with potential exposure, let me explain how this works, as simplistically as possible.
read more…Is Your Accountant Asking for the Right Information Regarding Your Trust?
We’ve made it well past the trust filing due date of April 15th, and in reflecting back on what we noted with our trust clients, I thought it would be helpful to educate our trustees as to why we ask for certain information in preparing your trust returns.
read more…Estate and nongrantor trust 2% floor costs update
The previously issued proposed regulations issued in July 2007 regarding trust investment advice costs have been withdrawn and new proposed regulations have been issued.
read more…Ohio Legislation Update
Ohio S.B. 117 signed by Governor Kasich will take effect in March 2012. One of the more interesting changes made by this bill is in regards to trustee duties with respect to life insurance as a trust asset.
read more…Beneficiary Check-up…It’s Just what your Accountant Prescribed
By Barb Theofilos, CPA
read more…Considering the Post-2010 Estate Tax Portability Election?
The IRS issued temporary and proposed regulations providing guidance on the requirements for electing portability of a deceased spouse’s unused exclusion (DSUE) and the surviving spouse’s use of the DSUE amount.
read more…E-mail Scam – Beware of Notices of Inheritance Via E-mail
You’ve received an e-mail from a foreign lawyer telling you that a long-lost relative has died and that you are the only heir. You are entitled to millions from the deceased’s estate. Can this be possible?
read more…
4 Ways to Say I Love You After You Pass
ABLE Accounts Are Now Going To Be Allowed For Disabled Individuals
Posted by: Gary M. Sigman, CPA, MTax, AEP®
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The new tax law will change divorce tactics
When couples divorce, financial negotiations often involve alimony. The tax rules regarding alimony were dramatically changed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, but existing agreements have been grandfathered. In addition, the old rules remain in effect for...
No tax deductions for business entertaining
The good news is that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 lowered corporate tax rates from a graduated schedule that reached 35 percent to a 21 percent flat rate. The bad news? Many business expenses are no longer tax deductible. That list includes all outlays that...
Congress discussing ‘Phase Two’ of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
According to multiple media reports, Congress is looking to create legislation for a “Phase Two” of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This additional legislation will complement the TCJA and would be directed at individuals and families. House Ways and Means Committee...
Relief for taxpayers affected by reduction of maximum deductible health savings account contributions
Taxpayers who have healthcare coverage under a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service. HDHPs, health insurance plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles than a traditional health plan, are a requirement...
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
One Effect of the Recent Tax Reform on Not-for-Profit Organizations By Howard J. Kass, CPA, CGMA, AEP® As often as employers are maligned, there are times where they try to do the right thing for their employees. To be fair, many times, an employer may take an...
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