Articles Index
Archive of 2013 Weekly Wills & Estate Planning Newsletters
2013 Weekly Wills and Estate Planning Newsletters
State Inheritance Tax Chart
Currently the District of Columbia and a handful of states collect a state estate tax, while only a six states collect a state inheritance tax. Learn the difference between an estate tax and an inheritance tax and view a chart that summarizes the inheritance tax laws of Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
State Estate Tax and Exemption Chart
Currently only a handful of states and the District of Columbia collect a state estate tax. Here you'll find a chart that lists the historical and current estate tax exemptions for the states that collect estate taxes at the state level.
A Collection of Blogs About Michael Jackson's Estate and Family Trust
If you're interested in reading about the past and present news related to the probate of Michael Jackson's estate, then here you'll find links to all of the Wills & Estate Planning blogs written about the estate and the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
Overview of Taxes that Affect an Estate
When preparing or updating your estate plan, you will need to have a basic understanding of the different types of taxes that can affect your estate - gift taxes, estate taxes, inheritance taxes, generation skipping (or GST) taxes, and income taxes.
Exemption From Federal Estate Taxes: 1997 - 2013
The exemption from federal estate taxes has gradually increased over the years while the estate tax rate has gradually decreased. Here you will find a chart that shows the increases in the exemption and decreases in the tax rate from 1997 through 2013.
What is the Future of the Federal Estate Tax in 2014 and Beyond?
The passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 has added some certainty to the future of federal estate taxes, or at least many believe this to be the case. Nonetheless, with the federal deficit soaring to record numbers, the need for increasing revenues will continue for years into the future. So what really is the future of federal estate taxes in 2014 and beyond?
What is the Future of the Federal Estate Tax - 2012 and Prior Years?
This article discusses the possible estate tax changes that Congress and President Obama could have made in 2012 and prior years.
State Tax Chart
If you are looking to move to a new state or for the best place to retire, then understanding what taxes will be associated with your move or retirement city will be important since each state has its own tax laws. Here you will find a chart that shows which states collect an income tax, sales tax, death tax, and/or gift tax.
What Happens to a Payable on Death Account When the Owner Dies?
If your loved one has died and you're the beneficiary of a payable on death or similar type of account, then you'll need to understand the tax and other consequences of inheriting the account.
Overview of Current Federal Estate Tax Laws
On January 1, 2010, the federal estate tax was officially repealed, but on December 17, 2010, it was reinstated retroactively. Historically the federal exemption from estate taxes and estate tax rate changed and current law provides that the tax will continue to change as shown in the attached "Federal Estate Tax Schedule."
Lifetime Exemption From Federal Gift Taxes: 1997 - 2013
Over the years the lifetime exemption from federal gift taxes has gradually increased while the gift tax rate has gradually decreased. Here you will find a chart that shows the changes in the lifetime gift tax exemption and gift tax rate from 1997 through 2013.
What is the Federal Estate Tax?
While the federal estate tax was initially repealed as of January 1, 2010, on December 17, 2010 it was resurrected and applied retroactively back to January 1. The federal estate tax is collected on the transfer of a person's assets to his or her loved ones after death, but not all estates actually have to pay the tax. Find out why.
What is an AB Trust?
Married couples can maximize the use of both of their federal exemptions from estate tax by using AB Trusts as part of their estate plan. Here's how the AB Trust system works.
Exemption From Federal Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes: 1997 - 2013
The exemption from federal generation skipping transfer taxes has increased over the years while the tax rate has decreased. Here you will find a chart that shows the increases in the exemption and decreases in the tax rate from 1997 through 2013.
How to Calculate Your Estate Tax Liability
Whether your estate will be liable for estate taxes depends on the value of your gross estate, the amount of debt owed by you at the time of your death, the total expenses that will be incurred while settling your estate, and any deductions that your estate can take. Here's how to figure out an estimate of your estate tax liability.
How to Calculate Your Estate Tax Liability in 2013
Whether your estate will be liable for estate taxes depends on the value of your gross estate, the amount of debt owed by you at the time of your death, the total expenses that will be incurred while settling your estate, and any deductions that your estate can take. Here you will find a quick way to determine an estimate of your estate tax liability if your death occurs in 2013.
Annual Exclusion From Gift Taxes: 1997 - 2013
The annual amount exempt from the federal gift tax, called the annual gift tax exclusion, was indexed for inflation beginning in 1997 and has slowly increased over the years. Here you will find a chart that shows the increase in the annual gift tax exclusion from 1997 through 2013.
Archive of 2012 Weekly Wills & Estate Planning Newsletters
2012 Weekly Wills and Estate Planning Newsletters
Archive of 2011 Weekly Wills & Estate Planning Newsletters
2011 Weekly Wills and Estate Planning Newsletters
An Overview of Advanced Trusts
Here you will find quick links to a variety of trusts used for advanced estate planning that go beyond the basic planning of a revocable living trust. Follow the links to learn more.
How to Calculate Your Estate Tax Liability in 2008
Whether your estate will be liable for estate taxes depends on the value of your gross estate, the amount of debt owed by you at the time of your death, the total expenses that will be incurred while settling your estate, and any deductions that your estate can take. Here you will find a quick way to determine an estimate of the estate tax liability if the death occurred in 2008.
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts
When it comes to understanding trusts, knowing the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts is crucial. If you ask for a revocable trust and get an irrevocable one, or vice versa, the legal and tax consequences will be significant.
Marilyn Monroe's Estate - Summary of Marilyn Monroe's Last Will and Testament
Model, actress and singer Marilyn Monroe died on August 5, 1962. Her Last Will and Testament was filed for probate in New York Surrogate Court on August 17, 1962. A summary of what the will says and who became heirs of Monroe's estate can be found here.
How to Avoid Guardianship or Conservatorship
There are a variety of ways to avoid having you and your assets placed in a court-supervised guardianship or conservatorship if you become mentally incapacitated. Some will work in certain situations but not in others.