Retroactive Reduction in the Exemption Amount: Is it Likely? Can it Happen? Ideas to Plan for it in Case it Does

Estate and Gift Tax, Estate Planning, Tax

As result of the special runoff in Georgia for their two senate seats, the Democrats will now hold power in the Senate, the House, and the Presidency following President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20th. With the Democrats controlling the Presidency, the House, and the Senate, many have started to wonder what tax changes may…
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Transfer to Third Party at Direction of Beneficiary Deemed Gift from Beneficiary

Estate and Gift Tax, Estate Planning, Tax, Tax Controversy

In a newly released Chief Counsel Advice opinion[1], the transfer of assets from a foreign entity referred to as the “Foundation” directly to a third party (the “Recipient”) at the request of the beneficiary of the Foundation (the “Beneficiary”) was deemed to be a gift from the Beneficiary to the Recipient. This is a logical…
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President Joe Biden’s Proposed Tax Policy for Individuals

Current Events, Estate and Gift Tax, Income Tax, Tax

INTRODUCTION In a prior article, Charles J. Allen previously discussed the tax plans of the democratic presidential candidates, while Josh Sage discussed some of Biden’s potential changes here. With the Associated Press calling the presidential race for former vice president Joe Biden on November 7th, time is running short for many taxpayers to take advantage…
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Legislative Update: Mississippi Uniform Estate Tax Apportionment Act

Current Events, Estate and Gift Tax, Estate Planning, State and Local Tax, Tax

On July 1, 2020, the new Mississippi Uniform Estate Tax Apportionment Act went into effect under Sections 33-46 of S.B. 2851, replacing the old Uniform Estate Tax Apportionment Act under Title 27 Chapter 10 of the Mississippi Code. What does apportionment of estate taxes mean anyway? Apportionment of estate taxes is the determination and allocation…
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Historically Low Interest Rates Present Planning Opportunities Amidst the COVID-19 Crisis        

Current Events, Estate and Gift Tax, Estate Planning, Income Tax

Due to historically low rates combined with potentially depressed asset values due to the recent market decline, now may present an unparalleled opportunity to take advantage of wealth transfer techniques to shift significant wealth downstream with little to no use of gift tax exemption. As I write the article, the United States and the rest of…
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My Favorite Presentation from Heckerling

Current Events, Estate and Gift Tax, Estate Planning, Income Tax, Tax

I was fortunate enough to attend the 54th annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning in Orlando. Heckerling is known worldwide for being one of the most innovative and informative estate planning conferences put on. The topics are always relevant and timely, and there are always some new and innovative planning techniques and ideas presented. Additionally,…
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