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Why Should I Get My Estate Planning Done Now?
Last Sunday I learned that my mother’s dear friend who is very active, hikes daily, gardens daily, does senior yoga weekly, eats a healthy diet, and has many volunteer and social commitments that keep her
SECURE Act Creates Need for Estate Plan Review
Congress recently passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act, or the “Act”) implementing one of the most substantial pieces of retirement plan legislation in years, into law. The bill was
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Trust & Estate Planning Considerations
Gift Tax, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 This week was supposed to be the week Republicans passed a tax bill. It’s unclear what exactly will happen in the immediate future, or
The Tax Reform Bills: Home Ownership, Purchases & Sales
California Bar Certified Specialist in Tax Law by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 Congressional efforts to enact tax reform are now in the home stretch. While there is no assurance that any legislation will be enacted, or
Return to Windsor: A Novel Tax Code Correction
California Bar Certified Specialist in Tax Law by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 Here’s the next chapter in the saga known as Edith Schlain Windsor v. The United States of America. (For a quick recap, please read
Accidental Disinheritance: Update Wills, Estate Plans Annually
Gift Tax, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 So you have an estate plan? Good for you. You funded it? Even better. But have you updated it and your will in
Estate Planning NOW: Preparing for a New Government
Gift Tax, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 It’s impossible to predict what any future president will do, or what Congress will approve. But in light of comments president-elect Donald J.
Living Like a Prince, but not Dying Like One
Tax Law Certified Specialist by Michael Hackman 818.907.3279 The media seems to be concerned with two primary subjects lately, and both topics continue to trounce each other in turn on social networks for attention: 1.
Tax Planning Before Turning 70: What You Should Know About RMDs
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Tax payers aged 70 ½ or older this year must take a Required Minimum Distribution, or RMD, from their traditional IRAs (Individual Retirement Arrangements), SEP (Simplified
Trusts, Estates, Exemptions and Taxes
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 It may be hard to believe that in 2001, the estate and gift tax exemption, also known as the unified credit, was a mere $675K. In