Tag Archives: nj estate tax

Mobility of Estate Plan Documents

Many clients ask if they must re-do their estate plan when they move to a different state.  The answer is generally “no”.  A Will made in New Jersey or New York or Florida is likely going to be “valid” in

Increase in the annual gift tax exclusion to $14,000

The IRS recently increased the annual gift tax exclusion from $13k to $14K in 2013. The annual gift tax exclusion is the amount you and your spouse can each gift to anyone without dipping into your lifetime gift tax exclusion.

Plan Now for Dynasty Trusts

For years now wealthy people have used dynasty trusts to shield their assets from estate taxes for tens and hundreds of years, or even forever. But the dynasty trust is under attack from a new proposed legislation in President Obama’s

A limited opportunity for generous gift tax exclusions

The 2010 Tax Act is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2012, at which time under current law the opportunities afforded under the 2010 Act will be lost. This article explores various tax planning opportunities created under the 2010 Act.

Six Estate Planning Myths

The most time-consuming aspect of estate planning is educating clients and dispelling common misconceptions that most people have regarding Wills, Trusts, Estate Taxes and Probate. Over the years, we have identified six recurring misconceptions which many of our clients carry

Top 7 Costly Estate Planning Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

1. Where There Is A “Will” Is There Is A Way? The biggest mistake is the failure to plan, having the wrong plan or even having an outdated plan. Everyone can benefit from a will or some other form of

Probate of Estates in New Jersey

Estate administration in New Jersey is the process by which a deceased person’s property, known as the ‘estate,’ is passed to his or her heirs and legatees (people named in the will). Estate administration encompasses all assets of the decedent

Estate Tax Pitfalls Seen In Court Case

Few things get people madder at their estate planners than fights over who must pay taxes when someone dies. A big source of trouble: the patchwork of state rules that apply. Most states say those who inherit have to share

New Jersey State Income Taxation of 2010 Conversion of a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA

Therefore, New Jersey also conforms to the...provision regarding the Federal Income Tax reporting of a distribution from an IRA which the taxpayer converts into a Roth IRA this year in 2010.

What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)?

Many people aren’t aware that all of the proceeds from life insurance policies that they own at death will be included their estate for estate tax purposes. This is because if the policy owner can withdraw the cash value and

IRA Beneficiary Designation Planning

When an estate or another non-individual is a primary beneficiary, the entire IRA must be distributed within five years after the original owner's passing.

Naming A Minor as Your IRA Beneficiary

IRAs and qualified plans are great vehicles for saving for retirement. Contributions to the plans are not taxed, and the assets inside the plan enjoy tax free reinvestment and accumulation. The income tax is payable only when the assets are

A perfect storm for gifting…

Every storm eventually comes to an end...Now is the time to gift.

Why should you do estate planning in a down economy?

1.             Business and real estate values may be down as much as 20% since last year at this time.  This creates opportunities for transferring the business, stock or assets to children or key employees at significantly less tax cost than

A Good Time To Review Estate Tax Plans: Decline in asset value prompts new strategies

Now is a particularly good time for business owners to think about estate tax planning.

A great time for GRATs

The rate is the lowest it has been since the inception of the 7520 rate in May 1989.