Since you pay taxes on income, you may wonder if you have to report an inheritance that you may receive when you file your income tax returns. The answer is no, in general your inheritance will not be subject to income taxes. However, if you inherited something that subsequently appreciated, the appreciation could be taxable. As the recipient of the inheritance, you don't have to pay income taxes. But, taxation can be a factor when you look at the big picture. There is an estate tax in place, … [Read more...] about Do I Pay Taxes When I Inherit Money?
Estate Tax Exclusion in Campbell California: How Can I Leave My Estate to My Spouse Free of Taxation?
It is definitely a good idea to be concerned about the prospect of your estate being taxed as it is being passed on to your loved ones. If your assets are exposed to the estate tax in California, you should definitely discuss estate tax efficiency strategies with a licensed estate planning attorney. Who is exposed to the estate tax, and who is not? The answer to this question can be found by identifying the dividing line. It exists in the form of the federal estate tax credit or exclusion. In … [Read more...] about Estate Tax Exclusion in Campbell California: How Can I Leave My Estate to My Spouse Free of Taxation?
2014 Gift and Estate Tax Unified Credit Increased
The estate tax parameters are subject to change, and over the years some of these changes have been significant. In other cases, relatively minor but notable adjustments are made. When you maintain an ongoing relationship with your estate planning attorney, you can always be apprised of new developments as they take place so you will never be behind the curve. Estate planning is an ongoing process, and revisions are likely to be necessary as time goes on. Responsible people will want to be … [Read more...] about 2014 Gift and Estate Tax Unified Credit Increased
What Is the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion?
You may be surprised to hear that the gifts that you give to others are all taxable unless you are giving the gift to your spouse. The reason why you probably do not incur tax expenses when you give people birthday gifts is because of the fact that there is an annual gift tax exclusion. Unified Federal Gift & Estate Tax Before we get into the annual gift tax exclusion, we should explain the unified federal gift and estate tax from an overview. When you transfer assets to others, either … [Read more...] about What Is the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion?
Should You Use Your Unified Tax Exclusion in California While You Are Still Alive?
There is a unified tax exclusion in California that separates those who must pay transfer taxes from those who are exempt. The lifetime unified exclusion at the present time is $5.34 million in 2014. There is a gift tax and an estate tax. The two taxes are unified. As a result of this unification, the exclusion applies to gifts that you give while you are living, coupled with the value of your estate as it is being transferred to your heirs after your passing. It should be noted that there is … [Read more...] about Should You Use Your Unified Tax Exclusion in California While You Are Still Alive?
California Estate Planning: What Is the Marital Deduction?
Tax efficiency strategies are a must for high net worth individuals who are engaged in the process of estate planning in California. Fortunately, we don't have a state level estate tax here, though there are a number of states that do have their own estate tax. This is a break, but the federal estate tax can do more than enough damage on its own. You can pass along a certain amount of money to people on your inheritance list before the estate tax becomes a factor. This is why it is only … [Read more...] about California Estate Planning: What Is the Marital Deduction?
How Large of an Estate Can Pass Federal Estate Tax Free in California?
There are many people who do not think that the federal estate tax is necessary or fair. They make a number of points. One of them is the fact that the estate tax is imposed on assets that remain in your estate after you have paid taxes on your income throughout your life. While you are living, there is no reason to impose a hefty tax on these assets by virtue of their existence. However, for some reason these assets are taxed after you die if they exceed a certain amount. This is why many … [Read more...] about How Large of an Estate Can Pass Federal Estate Tax Free in California?
What Is a California Family Limited Partnership?
Many wealthy families in California would do well to consider the creation of family limited partnerships. These estate planning devices can be useful for asset protection, and they can also facilitate asset transfers at a tax discount. Asset Protection First we would like to take a look at the asset protection that is afforded by family limited partnerships. If you were to be targeted by a creditor or litigant, your personal assets could be vulnerable if you do not take steps to protect them. … [Read more...] about What Is a California Family Limited Partnership?
Consider a GRAT When Interest Rates are Low
It is possible to utilize a grantor retained annuity trust or GRAT to transfer assets in a tax efficient manner under the right circumstances. Before we get into the zeroed out grantor retained annuity trust strategy, let's look at the estate tax parameters. The maximum rate of the tax in 2014 is 40%. The gift tax is unified with the estate tax, and it too has a 40% top rate. The current amount of the estate tax exclusion in 2014 is $5.34 million. Those in possession of assets that exceed … [Read more...] about Consider a GRAT When Interest Rates are Low
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Transfer Taxes
The accumulation of wealth is largely considered to be a good thing, but unfortunately some bad things can go along with it like federal transfer taxes. When you bequeath assets to your loved ones, or give them gifts while you are still alive, the transfers could be heavily taxed. This is a serious matter, and you should take the appropriate steps to position your assets with tax efficiency in mind. Let's take a glance at a few frequently asked questions about federal asset transfer … [Read more...] about Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Transfer Taxes
