Estate planning

Several estate planning products were built to address concerns about paying federal estate tax. However, the tax law passed earlier this year may have made these products moot. Advisors need to react before angry clients start calling.

Several provisions affecting advisors contained in President Obama’s budget blueprint drew sharp reactions from many corners of the industry, with groups variously praising measures to increase funding for securities regulators and blasting provisions concerning taxes and retirement planning.

New legislation means big changes for estate planning. Here's what you need to consider.

In the world of trust and estate administration, where tax planning typically involves special attention to federal tax law compliance, it’s easy to lose focus on state income taxation issues. And while some states do not tax income related to trusts, states that do tax trust income have a variety of rules and criteria for which trusts are subject to tax.

As the April 15 tax filing date draws closer, millions of taxpayers still find themselves somewhere between putting the final touches on their tax return and just starting the process.

Taxes are increasingly spreading beyond national and state borders to make more of a global impact, affecting economic activity across the world.

The Internal Revenue Service said that budget sequestration would require reductions in refundable credits for certain tax-exempt bonds and the refundable portion of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for some small tax-exempt employers.

The battle over the estate of the Godfather of Soul started not long after James Brown died in 2006. Now, the South Carolina Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling that may finally lay the epic feud to rest, and could establish an interested precedent for your clients.

With federal estate taxes no longer a threat, the standard planning approach for wealthy couples needs to change.

When planner Gordon Bernhardt began focusing his practice on entrepreneurial clients about three years ago, he discovered all of them lacked one important asset: time.

Clients who hold valuable land may receive generous tax breaks in return for a conservation easement, but the IRS has made an effort to keep the tax breaks from becoming too generous.

How many people would jump at the chance to trade places with 15-year-old twins who stand to inherit one billion dollars in six years? Andy and Danielle Mayoras warn: be careful what you wish for.

An ethical will can ensure the positive impact of your client's life on future generations.

Finding a way to keep clients safe while generating more income in the markets.

The professor of law and taxation at the University of Virginia discusses the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

This year's tax deal could radically shift the way your clients handle tax and estate issues. Here are some strategies to consider.

Chicago businessman Urooj Khan jumped for joy when he learned he had the winning numbers for a million-dollar lottery drawing last summer. Too bad he never had a chance to enjoy it.

Jenni Rivera was a singer-songwriter, actress and Telemundo TV star who died tragically and now her estate will be as rocky as her life.

“It’s a good time to be an advisor,” said IRA Expert Ed Slott. “There’s a tremendous opportunity now because you have certainty.”

The impact of last week’s tax accord in Congress -- officially known as the American Tax Relief Act of 2012 -- is likely to be far wider and more complex than many have imagined. And many of these complexities will directly impact financial advisors.