Estate tax

Do Proposed Benefits of Death Tax Reform Really Hide Dangers?

March 9, 2009

Many articles, websites, blogs and government talking heads have been out in force to reassure tax payers and particularly the owners of family farms and small businesses, that the reforms proposed by the Obama Administration to the death tax will be highly beneficial and pose no dangers to these groups. But see David Frees’recent …

Possible Secret “Back Door” Death Tax Increase

March 8, 2009

By Dave Frees

There is currently a bill before the House Ways and Means Committee that would radically increase the federal estate (also known as the “Death Tax”). Are you trying to pass on assets, investments, family land or farms, or a family business? If you are, then things might be about to get a lot rougher. …

No More Federal Estate or “Death” Taxes! Who said this on the View?

March 8, 2009

By Dave Frees

OK. This is not a completely serious blog entry. But wait. Federal estate taxes and death taxes are a serious topic. Have you ever wondered why your family has to pay a death tax? Have you ever thought that the federal estate tax seems unfair or that you have already paid taxes many times already …

Taxes and Estate Planning – What Tax Systems Really Matter?

March 1, 2009

By Dave Frees

If you are a Pennsylvania resident, there are many different taxes and tax systems that have to be considered in creating any truly effective plan. In addition to the federal estate taxes, you should also consider the effect of gift taxes, state and federal income taxes, the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax, and in many cases, the …

How long does probate take?

February 25, 2009

By Douglas L. Kaune

The length of the probate process in Pennsylvania (PA) or other states varies greatly from estate to estate. The determining factors include the assets involved in the estate, the experience of the Executor/Administrator and counsel and the ease in dealing with the beneficiaries. Contrary to common belief, the process is rarely impacted by the actual …

The GRAT Explained Briefly – How To Get Money Out of Your Estate and Pay No Gift Tax

February 10, 2009

By Dave Frees

Have you ever heard of a GRAT or a “Walton GRAT”? The Grantor Retained Annuity Trust is a powerful estate planning and asset protection technique that allows wealthy families and modestly wealthy families to move a great deal of value without incurring gift taxes at the time of the transfer. The GRAT also allows …

Protecting Children and Granchildren Form Divorce and Lawsuits

February 10, 2009

By Dave Frees

Concerned that a child or grandchild might lose an inheritance to divorce or a lawsuit? There are techniques that can be used to protect lifetime trusts and transfers and transfers under your will. Often referred to as Beneficiary Controlled Trusts, or testamentary asset protection trusts, these vehicles can give an heir control over assets …

Stimulus and Federal Estate Tax Bills – What’s Missing and What Do You Do Now?

January 29, 2009

By Dave Frees

There are still people arguing for the elimination of the federal estate tax. However, it appears that it is here to stay. This article in the New York Times makes some interesting points. But, if the tax remains, there are some unique planning opportunities and it will be good to know what we have …

Does The Federal Estate Tax Apply To You? You Might be Unpleasantly Surprised – Or Not

January 27, 2009

By Dave Frees

Effective as of January 1, 2009, the federal estate tax has a new exemption amount. Currently, estates are exempt if they are below $3.5 million Dollars. That’s the good news. The bad news is that many people may still be subject to the tax even though they think that they and their families are free …

More On The Federal Estate Tax – Straight from the IRS

January 27, 2009

By Dave Frees

At Unruh Turner Burke and Frees, the Trust Estates and Wealth Preservation section has developed a number of valuable resources for our clients to both understand and to manage their federal estate tax liability. We represent many affluent and moderately affluent clients and families who want to minimize or eliminate this tax, reduce inheritance taxes, …

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Do Proposed Benefits of Death Tax Reform Really Hide Dangers?

Possible Secret “Back Door” Death Tax Increase

No More Federal Estate or “Death” Taxes! Who said this on the View?

Taxes and Estate Planning – What Tax Systems Really Matter?

How long does probate take?

The GRAT Explained Briefly – How To Get Money Out of Your Estate and Pay No Gift Tax

Protecting Children and Granchildren Form Divorce and Lawsuits

Stimulus and Federal Estate Tax Bills – What’s Missing and What Do You Do Now?

Does The Federal Estate Tax Apply To You? You Might be Unpleasantly Surprised – Or Not

More On The Federal Estate Tax – Straight from the IRS

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