Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. The “Kiddie Tax” is a tax on the “unearned” income of a child. In other words, it applies to the child’s income from interest and dividends, but not from wages from a job like their paper route or McDonald’s. The Kiddie Tax has been around since 1986 and applies to the unearned income of a child over a certain small amount. In 2019, that amount is $2,200. Prior to … [Read more...] about Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever
Treasury Releases New Inflation Adjustment
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Estate planning attorneys and others in the wealth management community have known since mid-December that the amount clients can pass without taxation is now, temporarily, doubled. The new tax law doubled the exclusion until the end of 2025. On January 1, 2026, the exclusion reverts to $5 million (adjusted for inflation from 2011). Each year we get inflation … [Read more...] about Treasury Releases New Inflation Adjustment
Income Tax Basis in Estate Planning – Part 2
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. When considering different estate planning strategies and which direction to take, it’s important to consider the impact on basis. “Basis” is the benchmark used for income taxation. What does income tax basis have to do with estate planning? Property included in your taxable estate at your death gets a “step-up” in basis to its value at your death. (Certain … [Read more...] about Income Tax Basis in Estate Planning – Part 2
Basis is Important in Estate Planning
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. When considering different estate planning strategies and which direction to take, it’s important to consider the impact on basis. “Basis” is the benchmark used for income taxation. What does income tax basis have to do with estate planning? Lots! Property included in your taxable estate at your death gets a “step-up” in basis to its value at your death. (Certain … [Read more...] about Basis is Important in Estate Planning
Am I going to owe taxes if I inherit property?
By: Matthew M. Shafae, Attorney Litherland Law Firm Am I going to owe taxes if I inherit property? We get this question all the time. And we don’t blame you. It can get confusing. So, let’s see if we can clear up this issue. Let’s segregate the different taxes that might be owed, and then we can see if anything will be owed. Estate Tax The estate tax—or death tax, as it’s sometimes called—is a transfer tax on assets transferred from someone who died to someone who is living. The tax … [Read more...] about Am I going to owe taxes if I inherit property?
Sorting Through the Taxes That May Impact Your Estate Plan
By: Matthew M. Shafae, Attorney Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law The “T-word” usually makes our eyes glaze over and we picture an overworked accountant wearing a green eyeshade crunching a bunch of numbers for us every April. Well, unfortunately, I can’t make them go away, but I can attempt to explain how taxes may impact your estate planning. Within the context of your estate plan, there are typically three main taxes that are relevant: the estate tax, the income … [Read more...] about Sorting Through the Taxes That May Impact Your Estate Plan
Do I Pay Taxes When I Inherit Money?
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?
