The tax law makes clear that the taxpayer has the burden of substantiating the value of the property. To this end, a taxpayer must not only comply with the procedural requirements for valuation, but must also persuade the trier of fact that his claimed valuation is correct. How do you…
Everyone knows someone who hardly speaks to his brother or sister or aunt simply because of a misunderstanding over an inheritance. Inheritance planning can be a direct mode of expression, whether of appreciation for a person or an extolling of virtues. But can these expressions be taken the wrong way…
If you have identified all your potential intellectual property and never operated without professionally prepared documents, you will likely be confident about the value of what you worked so hard to create. And if not, now is the time to turn to your intellectual property. Here are a few things that…
As growing numbers of people use reproductive technology to have children later in life or overcome infertility issues, many affluent Americans are leaving behind “genetic material” that could conceivably add a new heir to the family. Estate planning is all about tying together the loose ends of your life. Easier…
If you sell stock you inherited, the tax bill is keyed to its value at the time of the original owner’s death. If you’ve just inherited stock or if you’re set to leave behind stock to your heirs, then it is well worth your time to get an idea of…
A domestic asset protection trust (often called DAPTs, or just APTs) allows the settlor (the trust creator or grantor) to be a discretionary beneficiary of the trust, while at the same time assuring protection of trust assets from claims of the creditors. Trusts are powerful legal machines and the Domestic…
While valuations aren’t out of hand now, offers may climb as competition heats up. Your business is likely an inherent part of your life. The decision to part ways with your business is complicated. It can't be easy to hand over your life's work. Nevertheless, there comes a time when…
Finally your will is finished, and you can sleep soundly knowing that your heirs will receive the assets that you intend. Right? Not necessarily. If you've got a will, you may feel like you are all set when it comes to your estate plans. But does your will have a…
The question of which investment accounts you should tap first in retirement can often be a tricky one. But it gets even trickier if your goal is to leave money to heirs. How do you balance retirement with your estate planning goals? After all, even if you plan to leave it all…
Here are three factors that your clients should consider when making this important decision. How do you make sure you leave the trust in the right hands? Picking a trustee can be a very difficult task. It is not the same as crafting words to paper – ink is cheap…