Estate Planning for a Single Person
If you are single, you may not think you need to plan your estate, but single people are in as much need of a plan as anyone else.
Why You May Need a Trust in Addition to a Power of Attorney
While everyone should have a durable power of attorney that appoints someone to act for them if they become incapacitated, in some circumstances it is not enough. In these cases, a revocable trust can help.
You Can ‘Cure’ a Medicaid Penalty Period by Returning a Gift
Anyone who gifted assets within five years of applying for Medicaid may be subject to a penalty period, but that penalty can be reduced or eliminated if the assets are returned.
Medicaid’s Benefits for Assisted Living Facility Residents
Almost all state Medicaid programs will cover some assisted living costs, although there may be a waiting list.
The Difference Between Elder Law and Estate Planning
Elder law and estate planning serve two different -- but equally vital -- functions.
What Vaccines Does Medicare Cover?
Vaccines can become less effective over time. Even individuals fully vaccinated as children may need to update their immunizations. Medicare Parts B and D offer vaccination coverage.
Annual Gift Tax and Estate Tax Exclusions Are Increasing in 2022
The amount you can gift to any one person without filing a gift tax form is increasing to $16,000 in 2022, the first increase since 2018. The federal estate tax exclusion is also climbing to more than $12 million per individual.
Are There Special Tax Rules for a Gift or Inheritance from a Foreign National?
If you have close relatives who are citizens of another country, you might receive a gift or inheritance from them at some point. While you usually do not have to pay taxes to the IRS for this, you may need to report it.
The Benefits of Including an LLC as Part of Your Estate Plan
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are an important tool for small business owners, but they can also be useful in estate planning. An LLC can help you pass assets to your children while avoiding gift and estate taxes.
The 6 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes
While you likely have the best of intentions regarding how you want your estate distributed when you die or your affairs handled should you become incapacitated, without proper planning your best intentions may not be enough.