On October 18, the IRS announced a number of inflation adjustments for the 2023 tax year. The tax year 2023 adjustments described below generally apply to tax returns filed in 2024, and two key changes affect estate and gift taxes. The annual gift tax exclusion is increasing from $16,000 per recipient to $17,000 per recipient. [...]
PDF and Printer Friendly Checklist: What to do when a family member dies This is a great resource that we put together and occasionally update for various reasons, including tax law changes. I can speak from experience that it helps during a difficult time. And our Estate and Trust group is very experienced, so please [...]
It is no longer unusual to have a spouse, children and grandchildren from a second or third marriage encompass a “blended family.” But these additions to the clan can complicate estate planning. Keeping that in mind, the following techniques may be beneficial for blended families: Will: Your will is the centerpiece of your estate plan [...]
The reach of the electronic age seems to know no bounds, but we are still figuring out some of the fall-out. For example, consider the estate planning consequences when you leave online accounts and files when you pass away, not to mention passwords that have not been disclosed to others. In this day and [...]
Tax season is right around the corner, so we want you to be prepared. As we typically do, we have created this year-end tax planning letter to assist you with certain tips that you should consider before December 31st. This is the time to reassess your overall tax picture for 2021 so you can [...]
This spring, two Senate proposals were introduced that contain significant changes to federal estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes, and, the concept of "stepped-up basis" for inherited and gifted wealth. It should be emphasized here that these are just proposals and it is unknown what, if any, of these acts will become law. The two [...]
Are you planning to give gifts to family members in 2021? As long as the gifts do not exceed the limits for the annual gift tax exclusion, you have no federal gift tax worries. Generally, you do not even have to file a gift tax return. However, there are times when you DO have to [...]
Over the course of time, the caretaker roles of parents and children often reverse, especially if one or more parent experiences health problems. For example, an elderly parent may no longer be competent to handle his or her own affairs. This can raise sensitive financial and personal issues within the family. The optimal approach is [...]
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act encourages taxpayers to contribute to worthy charitable causes during this unprecedented health crisis. Accordingly, here are three key tax breaks in the new law for individual and corporate donors in 2020. 1. Deduction for non-itemizers: Normally, you may write off contributions to charitable organizations, subject [...]
Dear JMF Clients and Friends: As we mentioned in our communication on March 14th, we are in unprecedented times. We wanted to share another update of what JMF is continuing to do to serve our clients while maintaining a safe work environment. This remains a fluid situation and we will continue to communicate with you. [...]