With only a few months to go until the end of the year, those who have not fully used their available lifetime gift, estate and generation skipping transfer exemptions may be running out of time. This paper outlines some ideas for making relatively simple and quick use of the opportunity, so that it does not go to waste.
The windfall of inherited wealth often comes with feelings of guilt and elation, isolation and confusion. No wonder; when the financial gain is due to the loss of a loved one’s life, it feels crass to be excited about the opportunities an inheritance affords. Learning to be comfortable with inherited wealth is a process, a process of moving through...
The sale of a business can be one of the most significant events for families of wealth. Often, family members have devoted substantial time and resources to building a successful enterprise.While the sale of the business may be viewed as the successful culmination of years of work, it may also cause concern for the owner, who feels there is not en...
On 18 March, the Russian Ministry of Finance published a draft law on anti-offshore measures (the Draft). This article by Withers LLP provides a thoughtful review of the Draft, which introduces three concepts:Controlled foreign companies rules (CFC)Russian tax residence for foreign companies based on tests of management and controlNew rules on taxa...
For families contemplating substantial charitable contributions, private foundations provide a structure to create a legacy of family charitable giving and remain a popular vehicle for charitably inclined families.While a private foundation may appeal to an individual for a variety of reasons; private foundations come with responsibilities. Prior t...
Research on income equality and social mobility yields compelling conclusions in support of both sides of the debate. For now, regardless of how the research evolves, it is safe to expect the U.S. will enter an environment of higher personal tax rates with further redistribution in the cards, something investors need to consider when weig...
The loss of a spouse to either death or divorce is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through. Life will change irrevocably in many ways for the surviving spouse or separated partners. This article reviews often-neglected steps that may lessen the burden and financial issues that you and/or your spouse may face when this painful lo...
When approaching estate planning and, more specifically, setting up a long-term, irrevocable trust, many high net worth families both think and act locally. They provide -- often with minimal analysis or advice – for a trust that is governed by the laws of their home state and subject to taxation there, without considering alternatives that m...
Family business owners begin their adventures balancing two priorities: keeping the business as an integral part of an ever-expanding family and creating a profitable, sustainable organization. In the end, family is the guiding force behind the company’s success; maximizing value for the next generation is sometimes more important than maximi...
The Worldwide Family Business Tax Guide brings together detailed information on family businesses from 41 countries worldwide. The Guide is a detailed source of information for practitioners, family business owners, tax advisors, tax legislators and tax academics. In trying to distil leading practices and help promote sound tax policy for family bu...
The US Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion issued June 19, 2014, implemented a new standard for courts to employ in determining if a taxpayer may challenge whether the Internal Revenue Service has issued a summons in good faith. In light of the Service’s new procedures for administering Information Document Requests, including the potential...
The process of developing long-term strategies to manage family wealth requires careful thought and well-coordinated tactics focused on achieving far-reaching wealth planning objectives.All too often, plans are established that are focused primarily on minimizing the tax burden. Individuals and families need to be careful that the tax “tail&r...
It is not uncommon for wealth transfer planning to focus solely on the amount of money to be transferred and potential strategies for minimizing taxes. However, one of the most lasting gifts that a grantor can provide family members is an understanding of their long-term goals for the family and how this is shaped by shared history and values.This ...
The historic June 2013 Windsor decision clarified the financial and legal status of some legally married same-sex couples, while leaving others in an ambiguous status—legally married for purposes of federal law, but still considered single in many states. For those in a same-sex relationship or for families with children or grandchildren in a same-...
Many families of wealth struggle with a fundamental question: Can our wealth be sustained across generations and have a positive impact on those who use it? Through experience and research, a series of best practices for the successful transfer of multi-generational wealth has been identified to help reduce the likelihood of families succumbing to ...