Estate Planning Basics
Working with an attorney or tax planner
It's important to work with an attorney and possibly a tax advisor / planner on your estate plan. The attorney's role will include guiding you through the creation of fundamental estate planning documents. These may include a will, health proxy and a durable power of attorney. A tax advisor / planner can help you with any associated tax issues. You'll make the decisions, but your attorney and tax advisor can help you think through and understand the complex implications of each option. They will also help you communicate your wishes clearly, avoid mistakes, minimize taxes, and adjust your plans as time goes by or your circumstances change.
An attorney or tax planner can be well worth the cost—significant savings can result from thorough, informed planning.
Maximizing what you leave behind
This will be a key theme throughout your estate planning efforts. It's important to get legal or tax advice and think through how each asset will pass to your beneficiaries, as well as your estate. The best options may vary by the asset type, asset size, your age, or many other factors.
You'll want to be thoroughly informed on what actions you can take or plan now to make sure as little as possible is lost to taxes, court fees, and other expenses.
Estate, inheritance, and gift taxes
A big part of maximizing what you leave behind is minimizing taxes. Federal taxes on gifts and estates can be among the highest assessed on any financial transaction. In addition, some states levy their own estate or inheritance taxes.
Tax Information
Both estate and gift taxes usually have exemption limits, meaning you can give up to a certain amount without incurring tax. Many people use the gift tax exemption to transfer assets while they are still living, as part of their strategy to maximize what their beneficiaries receive. The exemptions are subject to change overtime as tax rates and laws contract and expand.
Estate and inheritance taxes usually are based on the value of the taxable estate and are paid before the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.
For more information, Contact MCF today!
Hunter Nighbert
Financial Advisor
859-967-0990
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The tax information and estate planning information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. MCF does not provide legal or tax advice. Laws of a particular state or laws that may be applicable to a particular situation may have an impact on the applicability, accuracy, or completeness of such information. Federal and state laws and regulations are complex and are subject to change. Changes in such laws and regulations may have a material impact on pre- and/or after-tax investment results. MCF makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use. MCF disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.