Many people put inheritance planning on the back burner because they feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the process. However, with a few foundational tips, you can gain a clearer understanding and take those first steps with confidence.
Estate Taxes May Not Enter the Picture
One of the most common misconceptions about estate planning involves taxation. You might avoid the process because you’re concerned about complicated tax laws. In reality, for most people, taxes are not the obstacle they appear to be.
The federal estate tax only applies to estates that exceed a certain value. Currently, the federal estate tax exclusion is $13.61 million. This means you can transfer up to that amount without worrying about federal estate taxes.
Even if your estate exceeds this threshold, only the portion above $13.61 million would be taxed. Most people’s estates fall well below this limit, making the estate tax irrelevant for the vast majority.
Some states do impose their own estate taxes, and we do have a state-level estate tax in Connecticut. The good news is that the exclusion is equal to the federal exclusion, so you have a large cushion.
Inheritances Are Not Taxable Income
It’s also important to understand that an inheritance itself is not considered taxable income. Whether your heirs receive funds from a bank account, real estate, or an insurance payout, they generally won’t owe income tax on these amounts.
Additionally, assets that have appreciated over time receive a “step-up in basis,” which means your heirs won’t owe capital gains tax on the increase in value during your lifetime.
A Will May Not Be the Best Option
When you think about estate planning, a will might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, for most people, a will is not the most effective way to transfer assets. A revocable living trust often offers better control and flexibility while also avoiding the probate process.
With a revocable living trust, you retain control of your assets during your lifetime and have the power to modify or dissolve the trust if your circumstances change. After your passing, a trustee you designate will distribute your assets according to your instructions.
This avoids probate, which is a lengthy and often costly legal process. Additionally, a trust allows you to protect your beneficiaries by including a spendthrift provision.
This provision prevents creditors from accessing the assets within the trust and can limit distributions to prevent reckless spending. You can also structure distributions over time, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their inheritance in increments rather than a lump sum.
A trust offers another key benefit: incapacity planning. If you become unable to manage your affairs, your successor trustee can step in and handle your finances without the need for court intervention.
Don’t Forget Incapacity Planning
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away – it also addresses what happens if you become incapacitated. Having a plan in place ensures that your medical and financial decisions will be handled according to your wishes if you’re unable to make them yourself.
A living will allows you to specify your preferences for life support and end-of-life care. This document can help guide medical professionals and your loved ones during difficult times. You can also make your organ and tissue donation preferences known through this document.
For other medical decisions unrelated to life support, you should designate someone as your healthcare agent through a durable power of attorney for healthcare. This person will have the legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf.
A HIPAA release form should also be included, ensuring that your healthcare agent has access to your medical information.
Additionally, you’ll need to designate someone to manage assets not held by a trust. This can be done through the inclusion of a durable financial power of attorney.
Start Planning Today!
Estate planning can seem daunting, but it becomes quite simple when you work with our firm. We will learn about your situation and your objectives and make recommendations. Ultimately, you will go forward with a tailor-made plan that ideally suits your needs.
You can send us a message requesting a consultation at our Westport or Glastonbury, CT estate planning offices, or you can give us a call at 860-548-1000.
