Loading...

Category: Gift Planning

Woman calculating at computer.

The 2026 Sunset: How the TCJA Expiration Could Impact Your Estate and What to Do Now

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) effectively doubled the federal lifetime gift and estate tax exemptions from $5 million to $10 million, with adjustments for inflation from year to year. And while the federal exemption will increase in 2025 due to inflation, the provisions of the TCJA, which expanded the exemption amounts, are […]

Read More

How to Make Leveraged Use of Your Federal Lifetime Estate and Gift Tax Exemption

As January 1, 2026, creeps closer and the “sunset” of the increased federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption is less than two years away, many clients are seeking ways to use the increased federal exemptions for estate and gift tax purposes (the “Lifetime Exemption”). While the Lifetime Exemption is currently $13.61 million per person, […]

Read More

End-of-Summer Checklist: 6 Financial Considerations and Annual Maintenance Reminders

Last year, we created an end-of-year list of some financial considerations and annual maintenance items that clients should consider. As fall approaches, we want to revisit some of those items while also outlining some additional considerations which may require more time and effort to address. 1. Prepare and/or Revise Your Personal Inventories We often advise […]

Read More
Estate Planning Opportunities Under Secure 2.0

Estate Planning Opportunities Under SECURE 2.0

We will admit that it feels odd to speak about “The SECURE Act 2.0” when it feels like we are still getting our arms around some of the planning and administrative implications of the original SECURE Act (see the proposed regulations released in April 2022 and “4 IRA Rules you should know from the SECURE […]

Read More

End-of-the-Year Considerations and Annual Maintenance Reminders

The end of the year is fast approaching. While these last few months bring holidays and celebrations, they also provide a perfect opportunity to review your finances and annual checklists and make sure that your estate plan is ready for the new year. Don’t let the ball drop on 2023 without ensuring that you’ve made […]

Read More

Understanding 529 Plans for Education Funding

The cost of education continues to soar. Paying for the education of your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones may be an important part of your estate plan. One option is state-sponsored 529 saving plans, which are popular due to their income tax-saving benefits. The funds in 529 plans grow income tax-free and can then […]

Read More
family laughing

How to Manage a New or Future Inheritance

The term “windfall” was first coined in the 15th century to equate unexpectedly good fortune with fruit falling from the sky. Just as an apple can drop to the ground without the need for a ladder, certain people wake up one day with access to a life-altering fortune without even lifting a finger. If you […]

Read More
Should-You-Consider-an-Irrevocable-Life-Insurance-Trust-ILIT

Should You Consider an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)?

Life insurance is often one of the first investments people consider when they begin estate planning. The right policy can help cover certain expenses for your beneficiaries after you pass. However, choosing the right life insurance policy for you and your family can be a difficult and confusing process. Policies vary widely in their terms. […]

Read More
Understanding-Grantor-Retained-Annuity-Trusts-GRATs

Understanding Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)

Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts, or GRATs as they are commonly known, are a powerful tax-saving tool used by estate planners to shift assets with significant potential appreciation to beneficiaries without utilizing their lifetime gift tax exemption. When creating a GRAT, your assets are placed within an irrevocable trust which expires after a set period while […]

Read More
Sessa Dorsey | Web design by NightShift Creative | © 2022