Pennsylvania wills

Update Your Tax Software For Protection and Tax Savings

March 10, 2009

Just a quick reminder that there were many changes in the tax laws for tax year 2008. And, to make sure that take advantage of any beneficial changes you should update the program and download any recent updates before preparing your return. For more, just click here to visit the Wall Street Journals article. …

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 …

We Answer Your Questions About Pour Over Wills, Handwritten Wills and, Who Should Be executor

February 23, 2009

By Dave Frees

We have just posted the answers to some of your recent questions. Please enjoy this brief video and the answers to your questions. Just click below: What is a pour over will? Click Here. What is a Holographic or Handwritten Will and why avoid them? Click Here. Who should be the executor …

Some Things That Can Ruin Estate Plans and Information We Need To Adapt

February 23, 2009

By Dave Frees

Our best laid plans can go awry. And, as they say in the armed forces, “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” Indeed, many financial plans have been rendered obsolete or non functional by recent events. As we have observed before, many wills and estate plans in Pennsylvania fail because families fail to structure their …

What is probate?

February 18, 2009

By Dave Frees

Probate is the court oversight of the estate administration process after a person passes away. Only certain assets are considered probate in nature. Probate assets typically are those owned by the decedent in the decedent’s individual name without a beneficiary designated. The Executor, where there is a will, or Administrator, where there is no will, …

The Stimulus Package – Want To Know What It Really Says?

February 16, 2009

By Dave Frees

Many of our clients have expressed an interest in the Federal Stimulus Package. Now that it has become law, we have a link for you to visit and read the text (over 1,000 pages of it). You can also leave feedback and comment. Beware, that this stuff can put you to sleep so we strongly …

PA Inheritance Tax

January 30, 2009

By Douglas L. Kaune

The inheritance tax is a tax on the assets owned or controlled by a decedent at the time of his or her death and applies to assets individually owned, jointly owned and with beneficiaries designated. The tax does not apply to life insurance on the decedent’s life. It also applies to assets the decedent gifted …

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 …

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Update Your Tax Software For Protection and Tax Savings

Taxes and Estate Planning – What Tax Systems Really Matter?

How long does probate take?

We Answer Your Questions About Pour Over Wills, Handwritten Wills and, Who Should Be executor

Some Things That Can Ruin Estate Plans and Information We Need To Adapt

What is probate?

The Stimulus Package – Want To Know What It Really Says?

PA Inheritance Tax

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

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