Inheritance tax

Is It A “Probate Asset” Or Not?

September 12, 2011

The Answer May Not Always Be What You Expect Simply “Probate” means at death an estate (the deceased person’s property) is administered and supervised by the court, often called probate court. The court will make sure the Last Will is administered correctly and if there is no will state law is followed by a court …

Senate Action Urged on Estate Taxes – Trying To End The Uncertainty

June 18, 2010

By Dave Frees

Federal Estate Tax Reform and Certainty Is Needed by: David M. Frees III, Esquire Congress failed, at the end of the year to enact any estate tax reform. As a result, the tax was eliminated for a one year period. This might seem like a blessing, but currently, many people’s documents no longer function as …

Estate Planning for Same Sex Partners: PA Inheritance Tax

June 16, 2010

By Douglas L. Kaune

It is very important that same sex couples review the estate planning and estate/inheritance tax issues they are confronting. In Pennsylvania alone there will be a hefty tax consideration. The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax rate on transfers to a surviving same sex partner at the death of the first partner will be 15%. For transfers of jointly …

Are GRATs (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts) Dead?

April 9, 2010

By Dave Frees

GRATs are one of the best estate planning techniques for families with welath of over 1 million dollars and they are under legislative attack. The time to act may be very limited. Read more if you have ever considered a GRAT.

Alert: PA Case Evidences Need To Review Tax Clause In Your Will

March 6, 2010

By Douglas L. Kaune

PA Case Tells Us To Review Tax Clause To Insure that the Correct Party Pays the Inheritance Tax on the assets In Your Estate. In Re Estate Of Thomas P. Allen, 2008 PA Super 260 Atlantic: 960 A.2d 470 the decedent had a will and the will contained a Tax Clause intended to determine whether …

Douglas Kaune, Esquire Attends 11th Annual PA Elder Law and Estate Planning Symposium

February 26, 2010

By Douglas L. Kaune

Douglas Kaune, Esquire Attends 11th Annual Pennsylvania (PA) Elder Law and Estate Planning Symposium. It is great to get an update regarding the law changes, new cases and politics that shape Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trust Planning and Probate. Here is a link to this Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) course and the interesting topics covered. I will …

Avoid Probate With Revocable Living Trust In Pennsylvania (PA)

February 10, 2010

By Douglas L. Kaune

Avoid Probate With A Revocable Living Trust In Pennsylvania (PA). I want to remind everyone to consider a combination of a pour over will and revocable living trust to help avoid probate for your estate. Read here to learn more about the mechanics of a revocable living trust. There are many people who choose …

Remember To Review The Tax Allocation Clause In Your Will or Trust

January 27, 2010

By Douglas L. Kaune

Remember to Review The Tax Allocation Clause In Your Will or Trust. by Douglas L. Kaune, Esquire. Most people do not realize that they can choose which beneficiaries will be responsible for paying the PA inheritance tax and federal estate tax on their taxable estate. Many wills are written automatically and sometimes incorrectly to say …

Roth IRA Conversion Might Equal Estate and PA Inheritance Tax Savings

January 25, 2010

By Douglas L. Kaune

Roth IRA Conversion Might Equal Estate Tax and PA Inheritance Tax Savings. Many individuals are considering whether or not to take advantage the new Roth IRA conversion rules. Read this Smart Money article for some of the issues to consider for Roth conversions. This decision will require an in depth analysis of each individual’s …

In PA Changing a Will After Death and Probate: Qualified Disclaimers

December 15, 2009

By Douglas L. Kaune

Beneficiaries can use a qualified disclaimer to change distribution under a last will and testament after date of death and after probate in Pennsylvania (PA) and other states. A beneficiary can actually refuse all or a portion of his or her share of a decedent’s probate or non probate assets. Click here for the technical requirements …

We Listen.

Is It A “Probate Asset” Or Not?

Senate Action Urged on Estate Taxes – Trying To End The Uncertainty

Estate Planning for Same Sex Partners: PA Inheritance Tax

Are GRATs (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts) Dead?

Alert: PA Case Evidences Need To Review Tax Clause In Your Will

Douglas Kaune, Esquire Attends 11th Annual PA Elder Law and Estate Planning Symposium

Avoid Probate With Revocable Living Trust In Pennsylvania (PA)

Remember To Review The Tax Allocation Clause In Your Will or Trust

Roth IRA Conversion Might Equal Estate and PA Inheritance Tax Savings

In PA Changing a Will After Death and Probate: Qualified Disclaimers

Sophisticated, Responsive and Focused.