Federal estate taxes were created in 1916, taxing estates valued at over $5 million. This amount changed to $50 million in 1932. In 1940, it dropped to $10 million, then $5, then $3. In 2002-2007 estates worth more than $2 million paid the tax.
Many families discover that trying to mitigate the cost of long-term care can conflict with another common retirement concern—reducing taxes for retirees and their heirs.
A primary benefit of using TOD/POD designations is that assets held in the account will pass automatically to the beneficiary without having to go through probate.
Most estate planning starts with a will. The legal document covers what to do with your assets and provides important direction on the care for minor children.
As divorce and second marriages become increasingly common, more people find themselves raising children who are not biologically their own. Estate planning for blended families should address this unique situation.
Everyone needs to worry about estate planning. That planning doesn’t only pertain to what happens when you die but what could happen if you end up incapacitated.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, there are many things to deal with. You’ll likely be in shock, processing emotions, and wondering what you need to do to get your affairs in order. This situation will be stressful, and you may not be thinking clearly. It might help […]