» Estate Tax

New Jersey Rethinking High Tax Rates

New Jersey has some of the highest tax rates in the nation. News that the state's wealthiest resident has moved to a state with much lower tax rates has caused some lawmakers to call for changes to New Jersey's tax structure. It is not know… Read More
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Are Americans Confused about Taxing the Rich?

A new poll reveals that the majority of Americans agree with eliminating the estate tax, which suggests that they want to lower taxes on the wealthy. The same poll also suggests, however, that the majority of Americans want to increase taxes on the r… Read More
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Be Wary of Living Trust Scams

Many seniors in the U.S. fall victim to living trust scammers who scare and intimidate their victims into purchasing worthless, unnecessary trusts. Seniors need to know what to look out for to avoid being victims. Going through probate can be burdens… Read More
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President Obama's Proposed Tax Changes for Estates

The last proposed budget of Barack Obama's presidency contains several changes to the tax codes important to estate planning. President Obama has submitted his last budget proposal to Congress. It contains many of the same changes to the tax cod… Read More
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The IRS Knows More about Art than You Think

If an effort to reduce their estate tax burdens many wealthy families are tempted to undervalue their prized collections, such as art. The IRS, however, makes its own valuations. As with other taxes, most people seek ways to pay as little in estate t… Read More
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The Real Tax to Worry About

The federal estate tax might get most of the political headlines, but the truth is that it affects a relatively very small number of Americans. Of far more concern for most Americans is how the federal capital gains tax will impact their estates. If… Read More
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Charitable IRA Tax Break Made Permanent

The 2006 IRA charitable rollover exclusion was a popular tax break for wealthy elderly people and the charities to which they donate. It has been made permanent. Seniors trying to spend down the size of an estate for estate tax purposes often find it… Read More
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What Do The Uber-Wealthy Do with Their Money?

Art makes up 2.5 percent of the biggest estates and just 0.6 percent of those who had between $10 million and $20 million. A Picasso fetched more than $95 million in 2006. The superrich are different from the very, very rich. For one thing, they own… Read More
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Avoid These Common Estate Planning Mistakes

The most common estate planning mistake may surprise you. "The mistake actually isn't part of the will and trust," said Dan Prebish, head of life services events at Wells Fargo Advisors, based in St. Louis. "It actually has to do… Read More
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Irrevocable Trusts May be the Answer to Tough Estate Planning Issues

The death of a loved one can create a lot of financial complexity. For families that have set up irrevocable trusts to facilitate the transfer of assets from one generation to another, the tax implications can be even more complicated. However, there… Read More
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