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Despite the uncertainty regarding estate taxes, wealth owners still can take steps to ensure their estates are in the best possible position no matter what laws are passed.

Be sure that your heirs have the information they need to access your online accounts.

A Private Family Trust Company (PFTC) is typically a family owned LLC (i.e. pass through entity or corporation), authorized by a state’s Division of Banking to be a PFTC and serve as the trustee for the family’s trusts. This article outlines key considerations in establishing a PFTC and two alternatives: a Directed Trust and a Directed Trust combined with a Special Purpose LLC.

Nearly all states have “delegated” trust statutes, but only a few states, such as South Dakota, have “directed” trust statutes, which provide families with maximum flexibility and control regarding a trust’s asset allocation, diversification, investment management and distributions.

After 17 years of declining or fairly constant tax rates, investors face a changing environment of much higher tax rates on investment income starting in 2013. This brief from BNY Mellon Wealth Management details the coming changes in taxation and offers strategies for greater tax efficiency for business owners, investors and corporate executives.

Intra-family loans can provide a low-risk way to achieve estate planning objectives in a volatile economy, but these loans can result in unexpected taxable income or gift taxes. In addition, some debt attributes can pose valuation challenges. Stout Risius Ross discusses valuation concepts and other important attributes to consider in structuring intra-family loans.

With the IRS intensifying its focus on taxpayer non-compliance, ultra-wealthy individuals are wise to take steps now to reduce the likelihood of an audit and ensure they are fully prepared if one should occur in the future. A new white paper from HUB International offers some guidance for proactive taxpayers.

With the announcement of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, the uncertainty as to who will govern the UK is over. However, what does this mean for taxpayers? Withers Worldwide looks at the likely changes under the new administration and the implications for taxpayers.

A short article from TaylorWessing highlights the benefits of a Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility, including a shorter taxable period, lesser tax penalties and the guarantee of no criminal prosecution than would be otherwise available within the UK tax regime. For an individual eligible for the LDF, in the great majority of cases the LDF will offer a lower-cost tax deal than he or she could otherwise get.