Time to plan for the future is NOW
Many business owners have seen financial success in the past year and, upon review, realize that the value of their assets and businesses are at an all-time high. This makes now the prime time to understand your net worth, get your estate documents in order, take advantage of the lowest exemption amounts, and develop the […]
The long and short of succession planning
For many business owners, putting together a succession plan may seem like an overwhelming task. It might even seem unnecessary for those who are relatively young and have no intention of giving up ownership anytime soon. But if the past year or so has taught us anything, it is that anything can happen. Owners who […]
Why it’s important to plan for income taxes as part of your estate plan
As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($11.58 million in 2020), many estates no longer need to be concerned with federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller amount resulted in estate plans attempting to avoid it. Now, because many estates won’t be subject to estate tax, more planning can be devoted […]
What qualifies as a ‘coronavirus-related distribution’ from a retirement plan?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows “qualified” people to take certain “coronavirus-related distributions” from their retirement plans without paying tax. The first question that needs to be asked is, what is a coronavirus-related distribution? Early distribution basics In general, if you withdraw money from an IRA or eligible retirement plan before […]
COVID-19 has many people thinking about their estate plans
The following is published courtesy of Paige P. Baker, Esq., of Kanner Baker, LLC, estate planning and business law attorneys based in Sandy Springs, Ga. Learn more about Kanner Baker, LLC here. Since the coronavirus pandemic began in March, estate planning attorneys throughout the country have seen a significant increase in requests for wills and […]
Cash gifts a good way to say ‘well done’ this school year
This school year has been like no other. Students, teachers and parents have all been tested, and graduating seniors have perhaps made the biggest sacrifice by not being able to participate in commencement ceremonies. You may want to show your extra appreciation and admiration for their hard work and congratulations on a job well-done by […]
What will happen if the worst happens?
You never know when it could happen, but you need to be prepared for when it does. Receiving a serious health diagnosis can be one of the most stressful things someone can experience. Even if treatment is successful, confronting this can serve as a wake-up call to make sure your estate plan is up-to-date and […]
‘Think’ about making an estate plan now to protect your heirs later
“You better think.” The unmistakable lyrics sung by Aretha Franklin are words to the wise, but sadly, Franklin herself did not take this advice when planning her estate. Consequently, her heirs may be on the hook for a significant tax bill, not to mention the possibility of years of very public legal battles. While most […]