The Kiddie Tax can apply to the unearned income of children. Read on to learn if this tax applies to you or your children. Also, learn ways to avoid the Kiddie Tax. Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever … [Read more...] about Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever
Legal Education
Making Trusts More Flexible
Trusts can be drafted to be quite flexible. This article examines several ways you can add flexibility to your trust. This added flexibility will increase the usefulness of your trust. Making Trusts More Flexible … [Read more...] about Making Trusts More Flexible
When and Where You Die Matters
Where you die matters. While you’ll pay the same federal estate tax no matter where you die, 1/3 of the states have a separate estate or inheritance tax. The most populous state, California, is the latest state to consider adding a state estate tax. Read on to learn more. When and Where You Die Matters … [Read more...] about When and Where You Die Matters
Trust Protectors Add Flexibility
Trusts can be drafted to be quite flexible. This article examines how Trust Protectors can add flexibility to your trust. This added flexibility can increase the usefulness of your trust. Trust Protectors Add Flexibility … [Read more...] about Trust Protectors Add Flexibility
Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
Irrevocable trusts often can be modified. They can be modified under the Uniform Trust Code or a state law decanting. Read on to learn more about how a modification of a trust can help. Modifying an Irrevocable Trust … [Read more...] about Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
State Income Taxation of Nongrantor Trusts
States are all over the board on their income taxation. An individual in a state with a high state tax rate could use a nongrantor trust to hold some of their income-producing assets and thereby avoid state income taxation on the income from those assets. Briefly, trusts may be taxed as grantor trusts or nongrantor trusts. A grantor trust is taxed directly to the grantor, so this type of trust doesn’t help if you’re trying to avoid your state of residence’s income tax. However, a nongrantor … [Read more...] about State Income Taxation of Nongrantor Trusts
The Little Things May be the Most Important
Often, the smallest things have the most sentimental value. Your grandmother’s silverware or your grandfather’s railroad watch could connect you to them in a special way. Your mother’s ring or your father’s Boyscout bugle could hold a special place in your heart. Your sports memorabilia could connect you to one of your children in a unique way. You may want those items to go to particular beneficiaries who will cherish their sentimental value as you have. There’s an easy and flexible way to do … [Read more...] about The Little Things May be the Most Important
Two Common Mistakes with Trusts
Trusts are incredibly useful tools. But, not ever trust will fit every circumstance. Trusts must be used appropriately. Here are two common mistakes with trusts and how they can be easily avoided. Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Type of Trusts The first mistake with the use of trusts is not using the right type of trust. There are many different types of trusts. By far the most common type of trust is a Revocable Living Trust, often just called a "Living Trust" or “RLT.” A Living Trust is a great … [Read more...] about Two Common Mistakes with Trusts
