Category Archives: Estate Planning
Why you need to know the value of your assets
With the gift and estate tax exemptions currently at $5.34 million, you might think that estate valuations are less important. But even if you believe that your estate’s value is under the exemption amount, it’s still important to know the value of your assets. First, your estate might be worth more than you think…. Read More »
Is it time for an estate plan checkup?
Now that we’re in the new year, it’s time for an estate plan checkup. Why? First, various exclusion, exemption and deduction amounts are adjusted for inflation and can change from year to year, so it’s a good idea to see if they warrant any updates to your estate plan: Lifetime gift and estate tax… Read More »
Important Arizona Legislative Changes Impact Estate Planning
Effective September 12: Simplified probate proceedings (by using a simple affidavit) will be available for small estates with personal property valued at $75,000 or less (previously less than $50,000) and real property valued up to $100,000 (previously $75,000 or less). The Arizona legislature has now provided explicit bankruptcy protection for Section 529 plan accounts, which set… Read More »
Is it Time for Short-Term Grantor Retained Annuity Trust?
Congress’s decision not to include a proposed minimum term for grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) in the tax legislation passed back in January — combined with low interest rates — may make it an ideal time to add short-term GRATs to your estate planning arsenal. A GRAT consists of an annuity interest, retained by… Read More »