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.

/GROCO
Posted in

IRS Publication 4681: Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions, and Abandonments (For Individuals) For use in preparing 2008 Returns

IRS Publication 4681: Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions, and Abandonments (For Individuals) For use in preparing 2008 Returns For use in preparing 2008 Returns Link: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4681.pdf This publication explains the federal tax treatment of canceled debts, foreclosures, repossessions, and abandonments. Generally, if you owe a debt to someone else and they cancel or forgive that debt,…

Update on Homebuyer’s Credits

Update on Homebuyer’s Credits Dear Client & Friends: On November 6, the President signed into law H.R. 3548, the ”Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009.” The new law extends and generally liberalizes the tax credit for first-time homebuyers, making it a much more flexible tax-saving tool. It also includes some crackdowns designed to prevent…

Revocable Living Trust: Family Financial Security

Revocable Living Trust: Family Financial Security The times in which we live have brought new uncertainty and increased anxiety to our front doors. With the threat of terrorism and the reality of war, our safety and that of our loved ones are at the forefront of our concerns. For many a continually disappointing investment environment…

Municipal Bonds: A Source of Tax-Free Income

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s one readily available and legal source of untaxed income that we know of: municipal bonds. These securities are issued by state and local governments, school districts, hospitals and other public agencies to support community projects and services. To permit these worthy endeavors to raise money economically, Uncle Sam exempts the interest that they pay…