IRS Is Taking a Closer Look at Trusts: What It Means for Estate Planning
A high-profile tax case is shining a light on how the IRS may view certain estate planning strategies.
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A high-profile tax case is shining a light on how the IRS may view certain estate planning strategies.
A Legacy Trust can benefit family, but also chosen family, friends, mentors, caregivers, charitable organizations, and causes that have shaped your life.
Estate plans don't need to be complicated, but trusts can help when your family needs protection and your will and beneficiary designations aren't quite enough.
Many retirement savers will have no trouble choosing between an IRA or a trust. But experts say there are some important factors that add complication to the decision.
Effective March 1, 2026 new rules require that detailed reports must be filed with FinCEN if you transfer a home or other residential property to many trusts or LLCs.
Learn the difference between domestic asset protection trusts and foreign or offshore asset protection trusts to help you decide what might work best for you.
Families need to prepare heirs through communication and financial know-how, or all that money could end up causing confusion, conflict and costly mistakes....
In this special episode, we catch up on a backlog of insightful listener questions—covering everything from estate planning and Social Security taxation to Roth conversions and Medicare rules. I...
This week, we're diving into a question about the tax treatment of Special Needs Trusts. There are two types—First-Party and Third-Party trusts—but how does each one affect taxes? We'll br...
In this episode, we dive into Stephen's fascinating question about estate planning for the far future—trusts designed to preserve wealth for individuals who undergo cryonic preservation. Is this...
Fear of facing the fact that we all die may be the reason why people hire an attorney to do their estate plan documents but then fail to sign them. It can create a mess....
An irrevocable trust to save estate tax won’t with a $15 million exemption. Trust assets won’t receive a step up in basis. Should the trust be terminated?...
Those with high incomes and a large net worth could benefit from a Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT). Here's what to know. The post Domestic Asset Protection Trusts as a Tool for Liability Protec...
Graduates entering the workforce trust human advisers more than AI tools with their financial planning. But AI can still enhance the client/adviser relationship....
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act's increase of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap creates an opportunity to use multiple non-grantor trusts to maximize deductions and enhance estate planning....
In this special episode, we catch up on a backlog of insightful listener questions—covering everything from estate planning and Social Security taxation to Roth conversions and Medicare rules. I...
You can use trusts to cement your legacy, organize your estate and limit your exposure to estate and gift taxes....
People are conditioned to believe they should avoid probate at all costs, but when compared with living trusts, probate could be a smart choice for some folks....
Most people should consider having one or more trusts in their estate plans, but you must be aware of trust terminology and the basic concepts....
This week, we’re diving into a question about the tax treatment of Special Needs Trusts. There are two types—First-Party and Third-Party trusts—but how does each one affect taxes? We...
In this episode, we dive into Stephen’s fascinating question about estate planning for the far future—trusts designed to preserve wealth for individuals who undergo cryonic preservation. I...
Here's how proper preparation can help you successfully navigate these DST risks, from market uncertainties to structural limitations....
A flexible irrevocable trust can minimize taxes on capital gains, ordinary income, estate tax and property tax....
Irrevocable trusts offer nearly endless possibilities for high-net-worth individuals to reduce their estate taxes and protect their assets....
In this episode, we dive into the recent IRS revenue ruling that has the financial and estate planning communities buzzing. The possibility that trust accounts may no longer benefit from a step-up in ...
Your employer-sponsored retirement plan may hold a unique type of investment called a collective investment trust, or CIT. They come with benefits and risks that warrant a closer look....
As Murdoch family members clash over who will control voting shares in the Fox media empire, the court proceedings, in Nevada, are private....
Some people want to create trusts but not let the beneficiaries know about them, at least for a while....
In this episode we’re answering listener voicemails and tackling some tough questions about Social Security, RMDs, estate planning, and more. First up, we help Diane, whose husband is a minister...
In this episode of Big Picture Retirement, we’re back answering more of our listener-submitted questions. Join us as we cover: Anna's Query: When will NESARA begin? Ron's Question: Clarification...
Your choice to set up a revocable vs. irrevocable trust could have a big impact on your heirs....
A woman plans for the future by comparing the benefits of a will and trust. Wills and trusts are two essential tools in estate planning that serve similar purposes but offer distinct advantages and co...
Balancing the costs and benefits of surrendering control is key when ensuring a trust maker’s assets are properly managed and distributed the way they want....
When estate planning, we often think about our spouse or children — but what about our furry family members? Here’s ... Read more...
You can create this type of self-settled irrevocable trust to protect your assets for yourself, rather than for someone else, but there are limits....
Revocable trusts allow the trust maker complete control over the assets and can be quite efficient when it comes to capital gains and income taxes....
Irrevocable trusts that own or control entities raise complex issues for reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)....
In this week’s video we’re going to look at an introduction to estate planning. This will kickoff a series of estate planning posts that will explore more in depth concepts surrounding it....
From second marriages to special needs trusts, test your disinheritance strategy with our 10-question quiz to prevent family feuds.
REITs can offer high dividend yields and passive income for retirees, but they come with risks. Do real estate investment trusts belong in your portfolio?
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) can keep capital gains taxes at bay when your children inherit your property. But you need to handle them smartly.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts can help protect your savings from being drained by long-term care costs, ensuring assets remain available for your family.
An interview with Dr. Matt Moore to discuss charitable trusts, recent changes affecting charitable giving, and advanced strategies that can help physicians give more efficiently while managing taxes. ...
Stop pricing trusts like products—estate planning is a strategic design process where goals, complexity, and protection drive value far more than upfront cost.
Today, we answer listener questions on rabbi trusts, trust-owned brokerage accounts, and adjusting asset allocation. We also learn about how a group of emergency physicians fought to preserve their in...
Purpose trusts can be used to accomplish a civic, environmental, or other goal but there are issues and an alterative approach may be better.
Vanguard’s new target-date trusts put guaranteed income inside your 401(k). But a floor isn’t a plan. Here’s what the product can’t tell you. The post Vanguard Target Retirement Lifetime Income: What ...
You should be aware about the Reciprocal Trust Doctrine when creating trusts as part of your estate plan, especially if they're irrevocable. The post The Reciprocal Trust Doctrine appeared first on Th...
In the comments on my last post, several readers asked thoughtful questions about family trusts, second marriages, and protecting assets in the event of cognitive decline. A few readers even […] The p...
For Gen X, delaying retirement can be an opportunity to pilot-test your second act, plan for your inheritance and structure trusts for your kids.