Tax Freedom Day® Tax Freedom Day, as calculated by the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan economic research think tank, is the day when the U.S. as a whole has earned enough money to pay off its total tax bill for the year. It provides an easy way for Americans to gauge the total amount of taxes [...]
Most adults become eligible for Medicare on the first day of the month they turn age 65. Whether you need to sign up, and how to go about doing so, depends on the type of coverage you select and whether you collect Social Security benefits prior to becoming eligible for Medicare. Medicare Eligibility If you [...]
The scenario plays out over and over again in attorneys' offices: A family brings a parent's will to be probated. The will is complete, well-thought-out, and takes into consideration current tax law. But under closer examination, the attorney discovers that the deceased's estate plan doesn't work. Why? Because a substantial portion of the parent's assets [...]
For decades, the bypass trust was a popular estate planning tool for wealthy couples who wished to take full advantage of the federal estate tax exemption and bequeath more of their wealth to successive generations. However, recent changes to estate tax laws have made bypass trusts unnecessary for many. Individuals may now exempt $5.43 million [...]
In 2014, the IRS allows you to give up to $14,000 annually (or $28,000 if you give jointly with your spouse) to each of as many people as you'd like in cash, investments, and/or property without triggering gift taxes. (This limit may be adjusted for inflation in future years.) If you're thinking about giving money [...]
A major issue in estate planning is whom to name as beneficiaries on life insurance policies, pension plan accounts, IRAs, and annuities. This important decision often doesn't take into account the substantial estate and income tax consequences the beneficiary may incur. So before you name a beneficiary, you may wish to gain a basic understanding [...]
There are several reasons why homeowners may be tempted to put their house in a child's name. However, it's important to understand the risks that come with this strategy. Altruism Altruism may be the most obvious reason to transfer a home to a child. By giving a home to a younger family member, you can [...]
Although the thought may not be pleasant, you may someday face a sudden health crisis that leaves you unable to make your own medical decisions. Fortunately, there is a legal means, known as an advance directive, to address this potential concern. An advance directive is a written statement that you complete prior to a serious [...]
How might they affect investments, housing & retirees? How will Wall Street fare if interest rates climb back to historic norms? Rising interest rates could certainly impact investments, the real estate market and the overall economy – but their influence might not be as negative as some perceive. Why are rates rising? You can cite [...]
A convenient move that could ward off probate on your accounts. TOD, JTWROS...what do these obscure acronyms signify? They are shorthand for transfer on death and joint tenancy with right of ownership – two designations that permit automatic transfer of bank or investment accounts from a deceased spouse to a surviving spouse. This automatic transfer [...]
