Friday, February 19, 2010 Press Coverage of Estate Planning this Week (Feb. 19, 2010)Laura Saunders of the Wall Street Journal writes about why the lack of a federal estate tax could raise taxes for some moderately wealthy people but significantly reduce taxes for the very rich. See Why No Estate Tax Could Be a Killer (Feb. 13, 2010).
Deborah L. Jacobs of the New York Times offers some strategies for beneficiaries to consider in 2010, during this time of estate tax uncertainty, including holding off on selling appreciated assets and managing assets in separate accounts to allow disclaiming of assets if that makes tax sense. See Estate Tax’s Unclear Fate Challenges Heirs (Feb. 18, 2010).
Conrad DeAenlle of the New York Times discusses some the intricacies of the interplay between estate taxes and capital gains taxes in 2010, and some advice on actions to take this year, including giving gifts and ensuring your estate plan is up to date. See That Fog Still Hasn’t Lifted From the Estate Tax (Feb. 14, 2010).
David John Marotta writes in the DailyProgress.com (Charlottesville, Va.) about discussing your parents’ finances and estate planning to head off arguments with your siblings, and recounts how his parents put everything in writing. See Your Parents’ Estate Plan Part 1: Why You Need to Know (Feb. 15, 2010).
Deborah L. Jacobs of the New York Times discusses estate planning disclaimers, and how they might be particularly useful in 2010. She adds, on the other hand, that disclaimers are not always used by spouses and others, so planning with disclaimers can entail some risks. See Saying ‘No Thanks’ to a Bequest (Feb. 18, 2010). |