New Alert ON RMDs From IRAs
If you are 70 1/2 or older there are new rules on required minimum distributions from your IRA. Just click the highlighted line to read more. David M. Frees III Pennsylvania Lawyer Avvo Rated 9.4 Superb. Visit our convenient offices serving Chester County, Montgomery County, as well as Lancaster County, Berks …
Will Your Estate Owe Federal Estate Taxes?
Many of us are wondering whether or not our Executors, Administrators, beneficiaries or Trustees will have to pay estate taxes at the time of our death. I came across an excellent article in Smart Money that will help you answer the question, Will My Estate Owe Estate Taxes? This should help you get a …
The Death Tax Update
Both the Senate and the US House of Representatives are now working on bills that would reform the federal estate tax (also known as the death tax) before the end of this year. Both bills contain a $3.5 million dollar exemption per person. This would allow an individual Pennsylvania resident to shelter $3.5 million dollars …
The Top Mistakes of PA Executors and How To Avoid Them
I recently completed a great new report entitled “The Top Ten Mistakes Executors Make and How To Avoid Them.” This report is great for people who are or will be serving as executors of Pennsylvania estates for the obvious reason that it will help you to avoid personal liability. And, the report is also …
What Are Executor Fees In Pennsylvania?
In many states, the fees that executors can charge are set by statute. In Pennsylvania, executor fees must be reasonable. They are always subject to court review. In general, many executors charge fees ranging from 1% to 5% of the estates value. The Supreme Court has ruled that a three percent fee is, on the …
Beneficiary Designation Disaster
One of the most frequently neglected parts of the estate planning process is the proper use of beneficiary designations on life insurance, IRA’s, 401k’s, annuities and other similar assets. Failure to properly prepare and update a beneficiary designation can significantly change the disposition of assets someone intends to be carried out by his or her …
Update Your Tax Software For Protection and Tax Savings
Just a quick reminder that there were many changes in the tax laws for tax year 2008. And, to make sure that take advantage of any beneficial changes you should update the program and download any recent updates before preparing your return. For more, just click here to visit the Wall Street Journals article. …
Do Proposed Benefits of Death Tax Reform Really Hide Dangers?
Many articles, websites, blogs and government talking heads have been out in force to reassure tax payers and particularly the owners of family farms and small businesses, that the reforms proposed by the Obama Administration to the death tax will be highly beneficial and pose no dangers to these groups. But see David Frees’recent …
No More Federal Estate or “Death” Taxes! Who said this on the View?
OK. This is not a completely serious blog entry. But wait. Federal estate taxes and death taxes are a serious topic. Have you ever wondered why your family has to pay a death tax? Have you ever thought that the federal estate tax seems unfair or that you have already paid taxes many times already …
Possible Secret “Back Door” Death Tax Increase
There is currently a bill before the House Ways and Means Committee that would radically increase the federal estate (also known as the “Death Tax”). Are you trying to pass on assets, investments, family land or farms, or a family business? If you are, then things might be about to get a lot rougher. …