Resource Search

The big question in the estate planning world today is whether, when, and to what extent the U.S. Congress will enact changes to gift, estate, and income tax laws. With many challenges facing the new Biden Administration, and the narrowly Democratic Senate, major tax legislation may not even be considered in 2021. Nevertheless, the tax proposals endorsed by the Biden Administration provide clear signals for actions clients should consider this year.

When guiding how your organization drives value through tax efficiencies and financial reporting, don't be surprised if the C-suite is looking for tax leaders to be technology experts. The key is to be proactive in discussions with business leadership.

Needing to meet the challenges of tax compliance for investment partnerships, chief financial officers are demanding more timely tax and financial reporting, along with the need to report and respond to investors with speed and accuracy. Partnership tax technology allows funds to meet those demands, especially in the case of private equity and hedge funds. The automation of tax compliance using a technology platform will offer advantages such as providing transparency for investors, simplifying complex allocations, and allowing a deep enough simplification to fund entity tiering.

With the Democrats controlling both houses of Congress and the White House, it is timely to focus on the potential tax law changes they might propose. Although it may seem unlikely the changes will be enacted quickly, Congress has previously made even mid-year changes that applied retroactively. A summary of potential changes impacting wealthier individuals are provided to help with the tax planning and implementing certain strategies.

Creating an enduring financial legacy becomes more challenging with each branch that is added to the family tree through marriage. With divorce rates at a high level, it is important for families to understand the wealth management considerations related to marriage and take a proactive approach to planning for changes to their family dynamics.

The IRS is increasing its audit of large partnerships and is increasingly scrutinizing the validity and deductibility of management fee arrangements. In the case, Aspro, Inc. v. Commissioner, it offers a warning to taxpayers, including private equity and venture capital funds seeking to establish similar arrangements with their portfolio companies. But perhaps more importantly, this case provides a roadmap for taxpayers to follow when structuring and documenting these arrangements.

Social media and other digital accounts have a life of their own. Managing them is one aspect of managing a deceased person's digital estate. Sometimes the problem is simply closing an account while other times, you hope to gain access to a loved one's accumulated photos, videos, or other important files. To help manage your digital accounts and plan ahead, know the rules governing Google accounts, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Dropbox.

With increasing interest rates, the Treasury Department's recent publication of long-awaited proposed regulations will change the life-expectancy factors used in life expectancy-based estate planning. While the changes may not seem drastic, they should be considered by individuals contemplating its use. For most types of planning, when increased interest rates are favorable to the taxpayer, increased life expectancy is unfavorable to the taxpayer.

In preparing for the birth of his daughter, David Slover developed a to-do list each parent should think about executing. Topics shared include Last Will and Testament, Financial and Healthcare Powers of Attorney, Living Will, Life Insurance Policies and Retirement Accounts.

For families with significant wealth, a new IRS Revenue Procedure could result in millions of dollars in tax savings. The procedure makes the Deceased Spouse Unused Exclusion available up to five years after the death of the first spouse of a married couple.