Social media and other digital accounts have a life of their own. Managing them is one aspect of managing a deceased person's digital estate. Sometimes the problem is simply closing an account while other times, you hope to gain access to a loved one's accumulated photos, videos, or other important files. To help manage your digital accounts and plan ahead, know the rules governing Google accounts, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Dropbox.
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With increasing interest rates, the Treasury Department's recent publication of long-awaited proposed regulations will change the life-expectancy factors used in life expectancy-based estate planning. While the changes may not seem drastic, they should be considered by individuals contemplating its use. For most types of planning, when increased interest rates are favorable to the taxpayer, increased life expectancy is unfavorable to the taxpayer.
With the ever-evolving nature of international tax, the non-U.S. resident or non-U.S. citizen with activities in the United States (referred to as “inbound” activities) and their U.S. advisors should become aware of fundamental, international tax principles to avoid the unintended application of U.S. tax. This guide serves as a resource to help navigate the dynamic tax landscape.
With the recent changes in the transfer tax laws, it is possible to transfer greater wealth and reduce income taxes through POAST. This innovative approach and integrated trust technique allow a wealthy individual (the donor) to provide benefits to both parents and descendants. A properly structured POAST can accomplish multiple objectives, including support for less wealthy family members, income tax mitigation, and enhanced dynastic wealth transfer.
In nearly every discussion about estate planning, important questions and issues arise.
A much anticipated and, perhaps, over-hyped news conference rolling out the Trump Administration’s tax reform plan generated very little “new news.” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Director Gary Cohn presented an outline of a plan that is very similar to the talking points the President promoted on the campaign trail. Perhaps the most interesting tidbit of information from the 23-minute briefing was a change in the Administration’s proposal for the treatment of itemized deductions for individual taxpayers.
When a loved one dies, there isn’t a checklist of tasks to complete to expedite the grieving process. When you have been named the Executor (or “Personal Representative”) of the estate, you have an administrative process to navigate in addition to the emotional one. Thankfully, in that role, there are a finite number of actions that are involved, and plenty of places to turn for guidance.
Every family has its own reasons for establishing a private family trust company (PFTC) which can be structured to suit the family’s needs and desired goals. When deciding whether to establish a PFTC, there are several important issues to consider. Taking an in-depth look at these considerations—including capital requirements, regulatory burdens and costs, family participation, long-term governance and succession, and trustee latitude—can help a family decide if it should create a PFTC and make it part of their long-term wealth planning.
For decades, Delaware has led as an innovative and flexible jurisdiction for establishing and administering personal trusts. There are five reasons to explore the First State as the premier location for your new or existing trust—even if you don’t reside in the state. Delaware is also a leader in providing “directed trusts,” which enable families to benefit from a trust without giving up control.
The legal qualifications for a trustee are simple: the person must be over the age of 18 and legally competent to manage his/her own affairs. The practical qualifications, however, are much more complicated. Most importantly, a trustee must have the skill set to properly administer the trust and meet the needs of the beneficiaries and must possess and exercise good judgment.