Tax Articles

A Family Advancement Sustainability Trust (FAST) can help with your estate planning goals, such as minimizing taxes and preparing heirs to manage wealth responsibly. Typically funded through life insurance, a FAST provides a structured governance system with various committees to manage investments, distributions, and administrative tasks. Establishing a FAST can also help bridge leadership gaps and support the personal development of younger family members. Consult an estate planning advisor for detailed guidance.

Understanding the tax implications of selling business property is crucial due to the complex rules involved, particularly regarding long-term capital gains and recapture rules. Different types of property, such as Section 1245 and Section 1250 properties, have specific tax treatments that must be carefully considered. For detailed guidance on specific transactions, professional consultation is recommended.

Self-directed IRAs can enhance traditional and Roth IRAs' benefits by allowing investments in alternative assets, potentially offering higher returns. However, they come with significant risks and tax implications that require careful management. Individuals considering self-directed IRAs should evaluate these factors to optimize their estate planning strategies.

This article discusses five essential elements for effective estate planning, which are holistic coordination, current beneficiary designations, trust funding, correct asset titling, and ongoing plan review.

We outline important third quarter tax filing dates, including July 15, July 31, and September 16.

The article explains the concept of undue influence and provides tips to protect your estate plan from undue influence claims, such as using a revocable trust, verifying competency, preventing the appearance of undue influence, communicating with family, and including a no-contest clause.

Digital assets often leave no paper trail, making it crucial to include them in your estate plan to ensure your family can locate and access them. Take inventory of your digital assets, provide access instructions, and ensure your representatives have the necessary legal consent to manage these accounts; contact us for further assistance.

To avoid penalties on your next quarterly estimated tax payment, your business should aim to pay the minimum required estimated tax using one of four methods: the current year method, the preceding year method, the annualized income method, or the seasonal income method. 

Neglecting international holdings in estate plans may lead to dual taxation, as U.S. citizens face federal taxes on global assets which could also be taxed abroad. Although a foreign death tax credit might mitigate this, it’s not guaranteed, and professional advice should be sought.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) offers affluent individuals a strategic way to reduce healthcare costs and federal taxes while enhancing their retirement savings and estate planning. HSAs allow tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses and provide unique benefits for beneficiaries, particularly spouses, allowing for continued tax-free growth and usage.