How to Plan Your Estate and Live Happily Ever After

October 9, 2012 Tax News 4 Comments Print this page Share

Ask many people if they have an estate plan and they just roll their eyes.  With the Federal Estate Tax Exclusion at $5.12 million most people will not be subject to estate taxes.  In Connecticut, the exclusion is $2 million and many people won’t be subject to this tax.  So…why do I need an estate plan?

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Is Estate Planning Dead?

June 16, 2011 Tax News 1 Comment Print this page Share

With the Federal Estate Tax Exclusion of $5 million, many commentators have suggested estate planning is dead.  I think this deserves a closer look.

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Don't Look Now…Tax Rates are Headed Up!

September 10, 2010 Estate Planning, Tax News 1 Comment Print this page Share

The Bush era tax cuts are expiring.  Here are some of the key tax rates for 2010 and 2011:

2010                 2011

Ordinary Income                                   35%                 39.6% Long Term Capital Gains                       15%                 20% Qualifying Dividends                             15%                 39.6% Estate Tax                                              0%                 55%

Unless Congress decides to do something different, we are stuck with these tax rates.  The numbers may need a little explanation.

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$4 Billion in Estate Taxes not Paid…Yet!

May 14, 2010 Estate Planning 4 Comments Print this page Share

Mr. Dan Duncan passed away in March of this year.  It is estimated his net worth was $9 billion, making him one of the top 100 most affluent people in the world.  A self-made man, he amassed his fortune in energy.  He was also very philanthropic, giving away hundreds of millions of dollars.

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