Private foundations, also known as “family foundations,” can serve strategic wealth planning goals for high-net-worth individuals while also serving charitable goals. However, private foundations require oversight and annual reporting, and administering a private foundation may be more onerous than it first appears. In this publication, we discuss the key requirements and recommended practices associated with
In this episode of “Future Focused,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss the operation of family foundations as a wealth planning strategy. They highlight the trade-offs between donor advised funds and private foundations, focusing on the annual requirements of private foundations. They cover topics such as federal reporting, the 5% minimum distribution requirement, state-level
Every month, the IRS publishes “applicable federal rates” (AFRs) and a § 7520 rate. These are the rates prescribed by the IRS for use by taxpayers for various intra-family transactions and estate planning vehicles. Importantly, these rates have steadily increased over the last few years.
The July 2023 AFRs have been released. The current short-
On this episode, join Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear as they discuss key considerations when addressing Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax. With a particular focus on interesting planning opportunities and things to look out for when addressing GST tax, Erin and Michael emphasize the importance of thinking strategically about GST tax and its effects on
With educational expenses on the rise, planning for your children’s education while they are still young is usually advisable. Many families find that a “section 529 education savings plan,” or more commonly known as a “529 plan,” works well for this purpose, but there are potential
On this episode, join Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear as they discuss one of the hottest topics in the estate planning world, spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs), and the implications of using SLATs in a post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act world. Focusing primarily on maximizing the use of one’s lifetime exemption amount and removing
On this episode, join Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear as they dispel some of the common misconceptions related to trust planning and delve into the three reasons why trust planning is important for many clients. With an understanding that most clients do not want to “rule from the grave,” Erin and Michael highlight the
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts, commonly referred to as “GRATs,” are an excellent tool to transfer wealth outside of your taxable estate while using a minimal amount of gift tax exemption in the process. GRATs are great estate planning vehicles for clients with appreciating assets, clients who are risk averse and clients who have used up