Practice

The implementation of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 started the process of "decoupling" between the Federal estate tax and various states. As the years moved forward, many states retained a $1 million estate tax exemption amount, decoupling their exemption from the Federal amount that has ultimately risen to its current $5 million level. However, the reality is that a second decoupling just occurred in 2011, and as a result, a new state estate tax planning "loophole" has opened up, creating a planning opportunity for many clients, but only until the states close the loophole.

On April 30, 2012, Prudential Annuity has unveiled two new asset allocation portfolios and two new sub-advisors.

On April 30, MME learned that DST is revamping its sales and marketing units.

Advisors are ramping up their retirement income planning services as waves of Baby Boomers begin to retire, according to a new survey from LIMRA.

The community, called Connect: Professional Women’s Network, will provide content and news on topics including finding success, creating new businesses and balancing work and life. The group is aimed at helping female professionals connect with other female professionals.

Gordon Morse worked Smith Barney and Bear Stearns, managing and developing branch offices, before working at Raymond James.

On April 26, Pentegra launched its first 401(k) app.

The group, which collectively manages $18 billion of client assets, plans to meet on a regular basis and provide “thought leadership” to independent and wirehouse advisors.

On April 27, Walt Bettinger said Schwab's index offering currently has 10 buyers.

Advisors be forewarned: your small business clients are more likely to be audited next year. The IRS is beefing up its ranks of auditors and doing more audits.