Tag Archives: Estate Tax
How to Minimize the (Voluntary) Federal Estate Tax with Portability
Most people may be surprised to learn that the federal estate tax is considered by some to be voluntary. Estate planning attorneys used to say, “You only pay if you do not plan.” The relatively recent introduction of portability provides yet another planning tool available to married couples to minimize or eliminate estate taxation…. Read More »
Estate Tax vs Inheritance Tax
Estate tax vs inheritance tax… what’s the difference? These two forms of taxation relate to transferring wealth from generation to generation but are entirely different. The federal government levies a tax on all estates when the value meets a certain financial threshold. Twelve states (including Maryland) and the District of Columbia levy additional estate… Read More »
Basics of Estate Taxes
In the United States, estate taxes are levied on the transfer of assets from a deceased individual’s estate to their heirs or beneficiaries. An estate tax is not the same as an inheritance tax. It’s a tax on the total value of a person’s assets at the date of death. The estate pays the… Read More »
State Estate and Inheritance Tax: What They Are, If Your State Has Them, and How to Plan Accordingly
The federal gift and estate tax exclusion is currently very high—$11.58 million for an individual and $23.16 million for a married couple in 2020. As a result, only very wealthy people currently need to be concerned that their estates will be taxable at the federal level, at least until 2026, when the increased exclusion… Read More »
Understanding the Role of Annuities in Estate Planning
Selecting the right type of annuity for yourself is no small feat. Of course, you’ve put in the research and planned with your financial advisors. But, you might still be wondering what happens to those annuity payments upon your death. Let’s start by discussing the role of annuities in estate planning. In addition to… Read More »
Estate Tax Repeal: Planning for the Future Without a Crystal Ball
Creating a will, trust, or any type of estate plan has always involved dealing with an uncertain future. Consider that just 20 years ago in 1997, the estate tax had an astonishing 55% rate with only a $600,000 exemption. Back then, tax-driven estate planning was a mathematical necessity for a large segment of the… Read More »
Impacts of the Trump Presidency on Estate Planning: Your Quick Guide
Estate Planning Under Trump It’s official — at 12:00 p.m. on January 20th, 2017, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States of America, in essence completing the 2016 presidential election cycle. With that bit of uncertainty behind us and a fresh administration starts out, here’s what you need… Read More »
