Current Comment
Estate Planning in Uncertain Times By Ronald Aucutt, Esq.
The definitive guide to advanced estate planning in uncertain times.
The Transfer for Value Tax TrapBy Robert Adler, J.D.
After the initial issuance of a life policy, if it is subsequently transferred for valuable consideration the income tax exclusion under §101(a) is lost. Master the exceptions -- don`t let your clients fall into this trap!
Estate Tax ChaosBy Robert Adler, J.D.
Most commentators thought that Congress would act in 2009 to enact permanent estate tax reform before the repeal took effect. But that did not happen.
Notice 2010-06 Offers Guidance on Correcting Document Failures Under Section 409A By Robert Adler, J.D.
Companies should review all of their nonqualified deferred compensation plans to identify documentary failures and then correct them in accordance with Notice 2010-06.
Lapse of the Estate and GST Taxes in 2010 — FAQs By Steve Akers, Esq
What planning steps should clients consider in early 2010, when there is the possibility of having no estate or GST tax system in place?
Liberalized IRA to Roth IRA Conversion Rules in 2010By Robert Adler, J.D.
Certain high income clients who have not previously made deductible IRA contributions ought consider opening a traditional IRA this year and contributing the largest allowable nondeductible contribution they can manage.
The Will ApproachBy Robert Adler, J.D.
The will approach is based upon one of two major assumptions. At the time of the interview, either the prospect has a will or doesn`t - there`s no middle ground.
Coordinating Retirement Accounts with Estate PlanningBy Keith Herman, J.D.
A substantial portion of the wealth possessed by Americans today consists of IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s. This article covers all the distribution rules and all aspects of trusts as beneficiaries of tax deferred retirement accounts including sample forms.
Fully Insured PlansBy Joseph F. Stenken, J.D.
A fully insured plan is a defined benefit plan that is fully funded by life insurance, annuities, or a combination of both.
Two Tax Doctrines: Constructive Receipt and Economic BenefitBy Robert Adler, J.D.
The constructive receipt and economic benefit doctrines have an important bearing on non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements.
Finding Income in Hard TimesBy William J. Wagner, J.D., LL.M.
Many clients have a need for additional income in these hard times. An advisor can help guide clients through the possibilities.
Power of Appointment for Future FlexibilityBy Robert Adler, J.D.
Powers of appointment are a valuable tool in estate plans, because they allow for future flexibility in the ultimate disposition of the donors property which is placed in a trust.
Concepts Illustrated
Stock Redemption and Cross Purchase Agreements, Family Attribution, Business Succession Planning...
Key Person Insurance, Executive Bonus, Deferred Compensation, Rabbi Trusts, Secular Trusts, Split-Dollar, ...
Wills, Trusts, Wealth Transfer Tax Planning, GST-exempt Trusts, GRATs, IDITs, QTIP Trusts..
Disability Income Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, Health Insurance, 529 Plans, Taxation of Investments...
Group Term Life Insurance, COBRA, Cafeteria Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account...
IRAs, SEPs, 401(k)s, Qualified Retirement Plans, ESOPs, Rollovers, Life Insurance in Qualified Plans...
Main Libraries
Planning Techniques, Wills & Trusts, Intestacy, Uses of Life Insurance, Charitable Giving, Community Property...
Proprietorships, Partnerships, LLCs & Corporations, Buy-Sell Agreements, Family Limited Partnerships...
The Federal Estate & Gift Tax, The Generation Skipping Tax, ILITs, State Death Taxes...
Taxation of Life Insurance, 1035 Exchanges, Transfer For Value Rule, UL and VUL, Annuities...
Gifts to Minors, Charitable Giving, Crummey Powers, Gifts of Life Insurance...
Contribution and Deduction Limitations, Rollovers, Minimum Distribution Rules, Roth IRAs, Employer Sponsored Plans...
Section 162 Plans, Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation, Split-Dollar, Stock Options...
Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit Plans, Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans, ESOPs, Tax Rules...
Planning Techniques, Gains and Losses, Exclusions From Gross Income...
Business Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, Group Life Insurance, Welfare Benefit Funds and VEBAs, Cafeteria Plans...
Types of Investment Vehicles, Taxation of Investments, Investment Strategies...
Financial Planning Concepts, Financial Planning for Special Circumstances...
Topics of special interest to financial advisors.
Covering Wills, Trusts, Intestacy, Insurable Interest, Insurance Exemption Laws...
Tax COLAs, Qualified Plans, IRAs, 7520 rate...
Various Planning Scenerios...
A listing of all Main Libraries.
Selected Highlights
Significant tax advantages can be achieved by widows and widowers who are beneficiaries of credit shelter trusts (established upon the deaths of their respective spouses), through the purchase...
In the case of an individual or a small business the creation of substantial cash values through a life insurance contract can be an effective asset accumulation vehicle.
The unique characteristics of life insurance make an irrevocable life insurance trust a unique hedge against both tax uncertainty and the contingency of mortality.
Under common law minors cannot own property in their own names. This does not mean that a minor cannot inherit an IRA or be designated as the beneficiary of an IRA; it means that their are special considerations.
If there were no insurance exemption from the claims of creditors, the purpose for owning insurance would be undermined. The financial security of an insured`s dependents would depend upon whether the insured was solvent or insolvent at the time of death.
For wealthier and more sophisticated investors 529 Plans may not be the best option to financially prepare for college.
The most important planning element that emerges from §101(j) is the need to obtain the consent of the insured party prior to the issuance of an EOLI policy.