Start the New Year with gifts
What is the simplest estate planning tool around? Gifting! The New Year is a good time to make substantial annual gifts while you can control the funds with flexibility. Start your year’s tax planning now and reap the benefits and fun of being with your heirs and others as they enjoy your generosity. In 2023, […]
Planning for a Lifetime Legacy
Antares Group, Inc., Kanner Baker, LLC, Antares Wealth Management powered by Homrich Berg, and the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities hosted an estate planning seminar in July for clients interested in learning effective estate planning strategies. The discussion and insights centered on the why’s and how’s of estate planning, charitable gift planning, updates on estate […]
Why donor-advised funds are worth a second look
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a year unlike any other, which makes relying on your trusted business and tax adviser for year-end tax planning even more important. We have offered 10 year-end tax strategies that you can take advantage of now, but there is one in particular that we want to discuss […]
Your estate plan: Don’t forget about income tax planning
With the estate tax exemption at $12.06 million 2022, many estates won’t be subject to estate tax. As a result, more planning can be devoted to saving income taxes for your heirs.
Donor-advised funds and private foundations can optimize your philanthropic impact
As we look at the potential increase in the capital gains rate, it is important to understand which tax strategies are available to mitigate your tax burden. A donor-advised fund or a private foundation are both great strategies to eliminate capital gains tax on long-term appreciated assets. Why donor-advised funds? Donor-advised funds are increasingly popular […]
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 […]
Make updating your retirement plan a New Year’s resolution
This time of year is replete with retrospectives on 2020 and stating goals for 2021. One New Year’s resolution that should be at the top of your list is updating plans for retirement. Kiplinger’s recently published a list of the 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees, which gives some good food for thought. No matter […]
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 […]
Take advantage of a “stepped-up basis” when you inherit property
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. Fair market value rules Under the fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules), an heir receives a basis in inherited property equal to its date-of-death value. So, […]
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 […]