A trustee is a person or entity responsible for managing and administering your trust according to your instructions and in accordance with state law. They are considered a fiduciary (meaning they are held to a higher standard of care and owe certain duties to the beneficiaries). As a fiduciary, a trustee must protect the trust’s investments and […]
Read moreDianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female United States senator in history, passed away in September at the age of 90. First elected to the Senate in 1992, Feinstein leaves behind a political legacy that spanned nearly 31 years. She also leaves behind an estate that is thought to be worth tens of millions of dollars. Although a large amount […]
Read moreCalifornia Governor Gavin Newson recently signed legislation that treats incomplete gift nongrantor trusts (INGs) as grantor trusts for state income tax purposes. Retroactive to January 1, 2023, Californians who created and funded an ING will owe state income taxes on any taxable income earned by the ING. While closing the ING loophole marks the end of an era […]
Read moreWith the increased coverage of artificial intelligence (AI) and all of the applications it can have in our everyday lives, some people may wonder whether an AI program can create an estate plan for them. While AI may be able to generate basic estate planning documents, including wills and trusts, there is no guarantee that they will […]
Read moreJimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023, at age 76 after a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (skin cancer) four years earlier. He was a renowned singer-songwriter, film producer, businessman, novelist, and philanthropist. Buffett released his first album, Down to Earth, in 1970. By 2023, his net worth was officially $1 billion,[1] including a $180 million stake in his company, […]
Read moreLifetime gifts are a popular way to reduce estate and inheritance taxes. Currently, only estates worth $12.92 million or more are subject to the federal estate tax. Twelve states and the District of Columbia levy an additional estate or inheritance tax. To lower their taxable estate at death, an individual may consider giving gifts to friends and family […]
Read moreMichael Oher has had a remarkable life so far. Born to a single mother struggling with addiction and growing up in and out of foster care, Oher went on to star as a University of Mississippi football player and was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. He played eight seasons in the NFL, won […]
Read moreStarting on January 1, 2024, under a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), owners of certain business entities must file a report with the federal government including details regarding the ownership of their entity. The CTA was enacted to help combat money laundering, financing of terrorism, tax fraud, and other illegal acts. If you have an […]
Read moreMost people usually think about who will receive their retirement and bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, real estate, and other valuable possessions upon their death. However, a person’s personal property (their stuff) can also be a source of value that needs to be addressed. When looking to start or continue your estate planning journey, ask yourself the following […]
Read moreThe United States hosts the highest number of immigrants in the world, but increasingly, Americans say they are looking to relocate permanently to another country. A large percentage of wealthy Americans are also interested in buying real estate overseas and living there at least part-time. While moving overseas is often a lifestyle decision, the practical implications of living […]
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