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A grantor retained annuity trust (“GRAT”) is an estate planning instrument that may be used to transfer wealth from the trust grantors to the trust beneficiaries. In this overview of GRATs, learn how annuity payment analysis works and the considerations the valuation analysts should keep in mind when it is time to estimate the fair market value of the underlying GRAT assets.

With so many priorities on the Biden administration’s tax policy agenda, the biggest question for businesses and individuals alike is: How will this impact me? Regardless of whether the administration accomplishes everything outlined in the Treasury’s Green Book, businesses and individuals must take a proactive approach to tax planning. In this Tax Policy Agenda Video Series, Todd Simmens and his guests explore the tax issues and the planning opportunities to help you prepare.

From the tax-aware to the tax-focused investment manager, it is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to most investors’ circumstances. But after decluttering and tidying the tax tactics, the essential aspects that can add value quickly becomes clear.

Today’s environment is perfect for high net worth individuals and families to maximize flexibility, minimize taxation, and execute their desired plan. But given the current economic and political climate, the outsized benefits available today may not be available tomorrow. That is why it is critical to execute your plan now.

With the Democrats controlling both houses of Congress and the White House, it is timely to focus on the potential tax law changes they might propose. Although it may seem unlikely the changes will be enacted quickly, Congress has previously made even mid-year changes that applied retroactively. A summary of potential changes impacting wealthier individuals are provided to help with the tax planning and implementing certain strategies.

Managing family wealth over the long-term requires careful thought and a well-structured estate plan. Before making specific decisions about what’s best for your wealth, it’s wise to spend time considering what it is you really want to see happen with it. There are steps you can take—including considering trust options—to help create a legacy plan that both reflects your values and incorporates tax-efficient ways to transfer your assets.

Although the future is unpredictable, we do know that financial planning can allow families and their advisors to operate from a position of strength and resilience, no matter the changes that lie ahead. In this video, the Baird economic analysts and financial planning specialists look at how the economic landscape impact your finances in 2021 while highlighting wealth planning opportunities to consider.

Investors shouldn't let taxes prevent them from choosing better investment options. Transitioning to a tax-managed SMA may help minimize upfront tax cost and provide opportunities over time to reduce tracking error against a preferred benchmark. The combination of this tax efficiency, along with ongoing tax management, allows investors with different tax and investment situations to more readily achieve their near-term and long-term asset allocation and investment goals.

President Biden’s tax proposals, while not enacted, are important to review and consider before any planning strategies are implemented in 2021 as they represent potential changes to current tax laws. The table in this article identifies key areas of income and transfer tax law affecting individuals and families, workers, corporations, and pass-through business entities, as well as those estates potentially subject to federal estate tax.

Amid low interest rates and volatile asset values, high-net-worth individuals are taking a fresh look at a powerful wealth transfer tool—grantor-retained annuity trusts, or GRATs. When GRATs are used correctly, they can reduce estate taxes and allow grantors to gift assets free of tax.