Transfer assets tax efficiently with a GRAT

A properly structured grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) can be a powerful tool for those with estates large enough that gift and estate taxes are a concern. It allows you to transfer wealth to your loved ones at little or no tax cost while continuing to enjoy an income stream for a period of years. […]
Beware of potential tax issues when selling self-created intangibles

Many modern businesses rely on intangible assets, such as goodwill, trademarks and customer lists. But the IRS doesn’t treat all intangibles the same way. Questions about how these assets are taxed often arise when a business is sold, ownership changes hands, or intellectual property is licensed or transferred. Generally, intangibles qualify as capital assets that […]
Podcast: Modern Family Offices and Private Trust Companies: A Creative Use of Purpose Trusts
Does your college-age child need an estate plan?

Many parents assume an estate plan is only necessary for older adults or those with substantial wealth. However, once your child turns 18, he or she legally becomes an adult, and that change can create unexpected complications for your family. Without basic estate planning documents in place, you may be unable to help your child […]
Self-employed? Don’t overlook a Roth IRA

Some small business owners overlook Roth IRAs because they assume their income is too high for them to qualify to make Roth contributions. Others may think their current tax rate is higher than it will be in retirement, making current tax deductions more valuable than future tax-free distributions. However, if you don’t at least consider […]
Add flexibility to your estate plan with powers of appointment

Powers of appointment allow a trusted individual (the “holder”) to adjust how assets are distributed after your death, based on changing circumstances. These might include marriages, births, financial needs, tax laws or evolving family dynamics. By incorporating powers of appointment into your trusts and other planning strategies, you can create an estate plan that balances […]
Add flexibility to your estate plan with powers of appointment

Powers of appointment allow a trusted individual (the “holder”) to adjust how assets are distributed after your death, based on changing circumstances. These might include marriages, births, financial needs, tax laws or evolving family dynamics. By incorporating powers of appointment into your trusts and other planning strategies, you can create an estate plan that balances […]