Chamberlin Riechert Law Group, P.C.
There are many software programs, as well as websites, that sell do-it-yourself estate planning documents. These websites and form tools seem to offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to consulting with an estate planning attorney. But do they really meet your needs and protect your family? Is online, do-it-yourself estate planning worth the perceived upfront…
read moreOn December 20, 2017, Congress passed a tax bill (herein “Tax Cuts Act”), with provisions that impact the Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Taxes (transfer taxes) effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2025. For people who have not reviewed their estate plan documents for some time, it may be prudent to take another look.…
read moreFIRST PARTY SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST The Amendment to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 allows the person with disability to create the First Party Supplemental Needs Trust (OBRA Payback Trust) himself or herself. In 1993, Congress passed a law as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA ’93) allowing a person…
read moreWhile there may be efforts with the new administration to repeal or otherwise replace the Federal Estate and Gift Tax, as of January 1, 2017, the Federal Estate and Gift and Generation Skipping Taxes remain in force. The 2017 Estate and Gift and Generation Skipping Tax exemptions will increase from $5,450,000 to $5,490,000. The annual…
read moreSTARTING JANUARY 1, 2017, REAL PROPERTY IS TRANSFERRED INTO TRUST BY WRITTEN AND RECORDED CONVEYANCE OF LEGAL TITLE. Public Act 009-609 amends section 6.5 of the Illinois Trusts and Trustees Act. The amendment will become effective January 1, 2017. The amendment requires that all transfers of real property to a trust must include a…
read moreOn December 18, 2015 Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (the Path Act of 2015) which, among many changes, renews as well as makes permanent the Charitable IRA rollover provision. This provision enables an individual over age 70 ½ to gift up to $100,000 annually from IRAs directly to charities without such…
read moreThe IRS has announced the 2016 Estate and Gift and Generation Skipping Tax exemptions. The exemptions will increase from the current $5,430,000 to $5,450,000. The annual exclusion for a gift will remain at $14,000 per donee. Illinois as well as 17 other states retain a separate estate and/or inheritance tax. The Illinois exemption remains at…
read moreCongress Passes ABLE Act Congress has passed the ABLE Act of 2014 (Achieving a Better Life Experience.) Beginning in 2015, states may choose to develop savings plans akin to the popular 529 college savings plans. The ABLE account may provide an efficient way for family members or friends to provide small gifts to benefit a…
read moreLaw Passed to Help Military Veterans Safeguard Survivor Benefits for their Children with Disabilities As part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015, Congress will allow a supplemental needs trust (SNT) to be designated to receive military Survivor Benefit Pans on behalf of the Retiree’s child with a disability. Prior to this law,…
read more2015 Estate Tax Update The amount that individuals may transfer by lifetime gift or at death free of federal estate tax will be increasing to $5,430,000 for 2015, up from the $5,340,000 exemption in effect for 2014. Illinois continues to impose a separate state estate tax and its exemption remains at $4,000,000. While the federal…
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