We have all seen it. The media likes to pass along juicy stories of actors that either had no wills or their heirs are fighting tooth and nail over the inheritance. But how do we stop any infighting among our own beneficiaries when we pass? Most families get along great… Read More
posted on August 7, 2019
Is My Children’s Inheritance Taxed?
The general answer is no. The IRS doesn’t allow much to go untaxed, but most inherited assets are the exception (in Arizona at least). It does not matter whether the beneficiary received real property, stock or cash. Nor whether he or she received the inheritance via a Will or a… Read More
posted on December 12, 2018
Taxes on Inheritance
I have addressed this in prior blog posts but it bears revisiting this topic since this comes up frequently in my meetings with clients. The question is typically asked this way: “Will my heirs have to pay taxes on the inheritance I leave them?” or something similar. Let me start… Read More
posted on June 16, 2014
Are Inherited IRAs Subject to Creditor Claims?
The answer is YES. On June 12th the Supreme Court of the United States handed down a decision stating that Inherited IRA’s are subject to the claims of creditors. For anyone who inherits an IRA, creditors or a spouse in a divorce can attach that inheritance if not properly planned.… Read More
posted on April 23, 2014
Will My Heirs Have Hurt Feelings Over My Personal Items? Short Answer: Probably
“The biggest estate-planning mistake is that people think it’s only about the money,” said Marlene Stum, a professor at the University of Minnesota and author of the “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” workbook and website. “When it comes to their personal possessions, they say, ‘It’s just stuff.’ ” In my… Read More
posted on March 24, 2014
“Only Older People Need Estate Plans”
Français: Enterrement à (Photo credit: Wikipedia) It isn’t a surprise to anyone that those typically motivated to do estate planning are those that have their mortality staring back at them. Examples include clients preparing for travel, life-challenging illnesses or individuals in advancing years. I don’t need to remind anyone that… Read More
posted on March 6, 2014
“I don’t need an estate plan since I’m unaffected by the estate tax”
While this is a common misconception, I believe it mixes up two ideas, estate planning and estate tax planning. Estate tax planing is actually a small, but important, part of the overall estate planning process. Estate planning is about making sure your estate is in order and passes as you… Read More
posted on January 2, 2014
Question: Does Having a Will Mean You Avoid Probate?
Question: Does Having a Will Mean You Avoid Probate? Answer: No, almost by definition, a Last Will & Testament implies that a probate will be needed to administer the estate. The best way to avoid probate is using a revocable trust. Another way to avoid probate, but sometimes causing more… Read More
Make a Payment
