What Steps Lead to an Effective Estate Plan?
Do you have an estate plan? A lot of people don’t, for a lot of different reasons. Some people would rather not discuss their death under any circumstances, other people think they are too young to worry about an estate plan, while others just don’t know, or aren’t, sure where to begin. However, it’s a good idea for everyone to have an estate plan in place; and for those who already have one, it’s a good idea to review it often.
A good estate plan consists of several things, but every estate plan is a little different according to each individual’s circumstances. However, there are some aspects that are consistent with every effective estate plan. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
- Be sure you determine who will be in charge of your estate and your affairs should become unable to do so.
- It’s always a good idea to set things up to avoid probate both in this life and for your heirs when you die. Trusts can help you do this.
- Make sure to take care of your children, including children from a first marriage if you have divorced and remarried.
- Protect the assets that your heirs will inherit from lawsuits, divorces and high taxes.
- Be sure to leave provisions and assets for any children or grandchildren with special needs.
These are just a few of the important things to keep in mind when planning your estate. If you have more questions about estate planning, especially as it pertains to your taxes, then please contact GROCO today at 1-877-CPA-2006. We can help answer your questions and get you prepared for the future. Click here to learn more.
You Thought FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report – Form TD F 90-22.1) Was Bad?
You Thought FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report – Form TD F 90-22.1) Was Bad? By Ron Cohen, CPA, MST Partner Greenstein, Rogoff, Olsen & Co., LLP PLEASE See: http://www.calcpa.org/Content/26096.aspx We are happy to help you meet these old & new disclosure requirements. Non-reporting subjects a taxpayer to horrendous penalties, even if no tax is due.…
What the IRS Has On File About You and How to Obtain Your Tax Files
What the IRS Has On File About You and How to Obtain Your Tax Files IRS liens and levies can wreak havoc on a person’s life, making it difficult to obtain financing on a home or a car and wiping out savings. Maybe you want access to your tax files to see where the problem…
How to Respond to That FATCA Letter You Just Received in the Mail
How to Respond to That FATCA Letter You Just Received in the Mail Are you among the many Americans who have a bank account(s) in another country? If you are, then you have probably received a letter in the mail recently from the IRS. If you haven’t, then it’s almost assuredly on its way. So…
Job Search Expenses Can be Tax Deductible
Can job search expenses be tax deductible? Summertime is the season that often leads to major life decisions, such as buying a home, moving or a job change. If you are looking for a new job that is in the same line of work, you may be able to deduct some of your job hunting…