Cryptocurrency has become a significant part of many investment portfolios, offering both opportunities and challenges. One of the critical challenges is ensuring that these digital assets are included in your estate plan. Proper estate planning for cryptocurrency is essential to ensure that your assets are transferred smoothly to your beneficiaries and to avoid potential legal complications. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to incorporate cryptocurrency into your estate planning.
In recent years, the debate surrounding wealth inequality and tax reform has gained significant traction across the US. Among the states at the forefront of this conversation is Massachusetts, where the “Millionaires Tax” has sparked both support and opposition. In November of 2022, Massachusetts approved the Fair Share Amendment, a 4% tax on state residents with an annual income of greater than $1 million.
As of January 1, 2024, the federal lifetime gift and estate tax exemption amount has increased to $13.61 million per person (up from $12.92 million in 2023). This means that individuals may now transfer up to $13.61 million - tax-free - during their lifetime or at death. Married couples may now transfer up to $27.22 million with proper estate planning.
The United States has taxed the estates of decedents since 1916, and gifts since 1924, with tax rates and exemption levels that have varied greatly over the last two decades.
We all do our best to file tax returns on time. But when the deadline is approaching and we’re all so busy, we might think, “There’s no tax, so what’s the harm. I’ll just get it done when I can”. Sounds reasonable, right?
The United States has taxed the estates of decedents since 1916, and gifts since 1924, with tax rates and exemption levels that have varied greatly over the last two decades. Massachusetts is one of several states in the country that has a state estate tax. Among those states, Massachusetts is one of two states with the lowest estate value that is subject to tax.
So, you were asked to be the Personal Representative (PR) of an estate. It seemed like accepting was the right thing to do at the time. How hard can dividing up your parent’s lifelong savings and assets between siblings really be? Consider the following in deciding to be a PR and navigating the estate administration process.
Clients and many taxpayers often wonder whether it might be beneficial in retirement or while still working to change their place of residency as a way to minimize their current and future state tax obligations, or as part of their long-term strategy to minimize estate taxes to a more tax-friendly state. While most states tax all or a portion of the income of their residents, certain states like Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax, and New Hampshire and Tennessee do not tax earned wages. These and other states may not have “state” estate and/or inheritance tax as well, making them very appealing for those looking to change their residency in the long-term.
Taxpayers often utilize gifting as part of their estate plan. However, determining the applicability of the Massachusetts estate tax can lead to some unexpected results when there are lifetime gifts.
Rule #1: When in doubt, refer to the trust document; an investment policy for a trust cannot be created without it.
One advantage of creating a trust is that the grantor can have it tailored to his or her needs; therefore, although there may be provisions in common, trust documents vary widely.
