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.
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Significant tax reform is likely on the horizon. Given the proposals from President-elect Trump and the Republicans in Congress, we may see legislation repealing the current estate tax passed in 2017, and potentially changes to the gift and generation skipping transfer (GST) tax rules. There is a global precedent for the removal of an estate tax, and Canada serves as one example of what the proposed tax reform may look like in the U.S., which could mean the implementation of a new capital gains tax at death. The uncertainty regarding the future of tax law in the U.S.
IRS regulations’ restricting taxpayer’s ability to structure leveraged partnerships were drafted with the intent to eliminate leveraged partnerships through the use of what the IRS perceived as abuses of the debt allocation rules. As of January 3, 2017, when a taxpayer contributes property to a partnership, the Temporary Regulations treat all partnership liabilities (with limited exceptions) as non-recourse, even if the taxpayer is personally liable on some or all of the debt.
Given the uncertainty after the 2016 presidential election, it is critical to implement the best strategies to minimize taxes come April 15, 2017 (and beyond). While it is unclear which tax reforms will be pursued and what order, there are considerations and informational points—broken down by tax areas in a summary of planned changes—that will provide some education relevant to higher-income taxpayers.
Originating in English common law, trusts have been used for centuries to manage holdings of the wealthy. Even though trusts are quite common, many people may find them hard to understand. Having an introduction to the trust basics is a good place to begin and learn how trusts are used in wealth management plans to help provide financial support for family members, protect family assets from a myriad of risks, and help mitigate taxes.
1031 Exchange, commonly known as like-kind exchange, can be a smart tax strategy for business owners who also own or invest in real estate.
The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has released its draft budget reconciliation bill. While the provisions presented are subject to ongoing negotiations, some are more likely to pass than others. In this summary, some key provisions of the proposal are highlighted, including the tax rates on long-term capital gains and trusts and estates, elimination of valuation discounts for passive assets, and tax-free conversion of certain S corporations to tax partnerships.
As the fast-moving tax reform train continues to pick up speed, Travis Lucas joins host Damien Martin in boiling down the thousands of pages of recently introduced proposed legislative text. Find out what the tax proposals might mean for you, your business, and your family.
Cryptocurrencies have rapidly gained market acceptance and the U.S. government is determined to establish rules for reporting cryptocurrency transactions. In the latest proposed tax compliance rules, banks and other financial institutions would be required to report information on the cryptocurrency transactions to the IRS to detect unreported income.
In anticipation of the expected tax changes that could be enacted under the Biden administration, it’s a good time to review and update your estate plan. As part of your review process, there are three proactive changes you can take before an overhaul of the tax code is implemented.