When clients undertake Estate Planning, they face the difficult decision of naming one or more individuals to serve in various fiduciary positions. If a client sets up an irrevocable trust during life, the client may prefer to serve as trustee instead of naming a third party. Serving as trustee gives comfort to the trustor that they maintain a level of control over the assets transferred to the irrevocable trust; however, depending upon the provisions of the trust, naming a trustor as trustee of an irrevocable trust could defeat the intended tax consequences. This article explores what powers a trustor should avoid serving as a trustee of an irrevocable trust.
How Do I Trust Thee…Part I
When clients undertake Estate Planning, they face the difficult decision of naming a trustee after their death. While Estate Planning documents are effective once signed, they often contain provisions regarding what will happen upon the trustor’s death. Because of the application years in advance, the choice of who will serve as trustee often vexes clients. They need to make this decision years in advance of the time that the individual will serve and as we know, circumstances change. This article examines the various considerations that should be made when naming a trustee.
Just When You Thought You Understood the 10-Year Rule, Think Again
IRAs have become ubiquitous components of estate plans. The SECURE Act of 2019 altered the landscape for IRAs significantly by eliminating the stretch benefit for most designated beneficiaries and forcing all designated beneficiaries other than Eligible Designated Beneficiaries to use the 10-year rule for distributions. The 10-year rule was thought to operate much like the 5-year rule that existed before the passage of the SECURE Act. Recently issued proposed Treasury Regulations dispute that and instead require annual distributions for any beneficiary subject to the 10-year rule.
Charitable Planning in Times of Crisis
During times of uncertainty, we tend to feel helpless. This article explores how charitable giving gives us a sense of purpose in trying times. Read on to learn more.
Advantages of Using a “Grantor Trust” in Planning
Grantor trusts are trusts which are income taxed to the “substantial owner” of the trust. Usually, the substantial owner is otherwise known as the “grantor” or “trustor.” Grantor trusts can be quite useful in tax planning. Read on to learn more.
