Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan for Cryptocurrency is Essential

November 18, 2024

Creating a comprehensive estate plan for cryptocurrency is essential. Cryptocurrency is no longer just for tech enthusiasts. With the growing popularity of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other digital currencies, estate planning now involves accounting for these unique assets. Cryptocurrency brings new challenges, unlike traditional investments, such as real estate or bank accounts. There’s no customer service to help recover your funds, and if you don’t have the proper protection in place, your digital wealth could be lost forever.

One of the main differences with cryptocurrency is how it’s stored. Digital wallets protect your crypto holdings, and private keys control access to those wallets. A common phrase in the crypto world is “Not my key, not my coin,” which means that you don’t have access to the funds if you don’t have the private key.

If you don’t create a secure plan to transfer these keys to your beneficiaries, your cryptocurrency could be lost forever after your passing. Imagine losing a loved one and knowing they invested in Bitcoin without knowing where to find it or how to access it. There are no bank statements or account numbers to check, and without a clear estate plan, their digital wealth may disappear for good.

According to ACTEC, you must establish a secure plan for transferring these digital assets. One option is to use a third-party custodian to manage and store your cryptocurrency’s private keys. This minimizes the risk of losing your digital wealth through theft or mismanagement.

Some people prefer to store their private keys on physical items like a metal plate or a secure USB drive. While this method gives you direct control, keeping these items safe and ensuring that your heirs know where to find them is crucial. If these physical keys are lost, so is your crypto.

Another approach is to transfer your cryptocurrency into a corporate entity. This can simplify managing and passing down your crypto holdings, reducing the burden on your heirs to figure out how to handle the technical aspects of private keys.

Cryptocurrency is decentralized, which means there’s no central authority or institution to recover your assets if things go wrong. If you don’t create a clear plan for your crypto, it can easily be lost forever, leaving your family with nothing.

Creating a comprehensive estate plan for cryptocurrency is essential. This plan should clearly outline where your private keys are stored, how to access them and who will manage them after you’re gone.

If you’ve named a fiduciary, such as an executor or trustee, to manage your cryptocurrency, they may face unique difficulties. Cryptocurrencies are known for their volatility, with values fluctuating rapidly. Most fiduciaries are tasked with preserving the value of assets, and managing such volatile investments can be particularly challenging.

There’s also the issue of security. Fiduciaries may not be equipped to handle cryptocurrency’s technical requirements. They could accidentally lose access to these assets if unfamiliar with how digital wallets and private keys work. Selecting a fiduciary who understands these complexities or can seek help from those experienced in cryptocurrency management is essential.

Regarding taxes, the IRS treats cryptocurrency like any other property. You’ll owe capital gains tax if you sell your cryptocurrency for more than you paid. If you’ve held the cryptocurrency for over a year, you’ll pay long-term capital gains tax, which generally has a lower rate.

Cryptocurrency also plays a role in estate and gift taxes. Timing is essential here. If you transfer your crypto during a market downturn, you could lower the tax burden on your estate. Once the value goes back up, your heirs will benefit from the appreciation without the estate being taxed on the total amount.

Without a detailed estate plan, your cryptocurrency could be lost, mismanaged, or subject to excessive taxes. As digital assets become more common, it’s essential to account for them in your estate plan, just like any other investment. Estate planning lawyers can help you navigate these digital challenges and ensure that your cryptocurrency is adequately passed down to your heirs.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your cryptocurrency. Speak with an estate planning lawyer today to create a solid plan for passing down your digital wealth. If you would like to learn more about managing cryptocurrency in your estate planning, please visit our previous posts.

Key Takeaways:

Protect your cryptocurrency: Digital wealth could be lost forever without proper estate planning.
Secure transfer of assets: Create a clear plan to ensure that your loved ones can access your cryptocurrency after your passing.
Reduce tax burden: Plan strategically to minimize capital gains and transfer taxes on your cryptocurrency.
Choose the right fiduciary: Select someone knowledgeable about cryptocurrency to manage your digital assets securely.

Reference: The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) (Sep. 8, 2022) “Understanding Cryptocurrency in Estate Planning”

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Proper Estate Planning can Protect Couples with Big Age Gaps

October 30, 2024

A decade-sized age gap doesn’t seem like much when you are 38 and he’s 57. However, as you get older, the age difference can lead to challenges, including those concerning estate planning and long-term care. Proper estate planning can protect couples with big age gaps. There needs to be enough resources for the surviving spouse if the older spouse passes first, which isn’t always the case. According to a recent article, “Estate Planning for May—December Couples,” from Next Avenue, finances, wills and estate plans must consider the age difference.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports the average age gap in traditional marriages as 3.69 years. However, in some Western countries, about 8% of all traditional couples have an age gap of 10 years or more.

One couple had a nearly 20-year age gap when they sat down with an advisor. The husband had three grown children from a prior marriage and didn’t want to put his second wife’s financial security in jeopardy if he should die first. His will needed to be drafted so she would inherit the home outright, while also providing his three children with an equal share of remaining assets after a certain period.

Naming someone who is not also a beneficiary to be the executor of your estate may be especially helpful here. Someone who isn’t going to benefit from an inheritance may be more objective about how assets are distributed. During their years of practice with families of all types, experienced estate planning attorneys see all kinds of family situations, including couples in subsequent marriages with large age gaps. They can help navigate the best way for wealth to be distributed to protect both the younger spouse and any children from prior marriages.

A few essential tasks:

Review and update beneficiary designations on accounts like life insurance, retirement accounts and other assets.

Be clear in conversations about your intentions for personal property and document your wishes in your will. Family disputes over heirlooms, regardless of their value, can happen if you haven’t put those wishes in writing.

If the older spouse dies and the young one remarries, it’s possible the new spouse could inherit the older spouse’s assets unless good estate planning is done. The older spouse may consider leaving assets in a marital trust designed to benefit the surviving spouse. This way, the surviving spouse has access to funds as needed. However, upon the surviving spouse’s death, the assets go to the older spouse’s other beneficiaries.

Couples should always have a Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Wills created when working with an estate planning attorney. The medical power of attorney allows another person to make medical decisions in case of incapacity. A Living Will outlines what treatments you do or don’t want if you are terminally ill or injured. These documents vary by state and, just like your will, should be personalized to reflect your wishes. An estate planning attorney will show you how proper estate planning that can protect couples with big age gaps. If you would like to learn more about planning for couples, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Next Avenue (Sep. 5, 2024) “Estate Planning for May—December Couples”

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Estate Planning When You’re Single

October 24, 2024

Estate planning when you’re single can be daunting when there is no one to assist you. For one woman, the wake-up call arrived when listening to a friend explain all the tasks she needed to perform for her 91-year-old mother, whose needs were increasing rapidly. Solo agers, people who are growing older without spouses, adult children, or other family members, are now a significant part of the older population, says the article “Going Solo: How to Plan for Retirement When You’re on Your Own” from The New York Times.

Seniors who are married or have adult children have many of the same retirement planning issues as their solo ager counterparts. However, figuring out the answers requires different solutions. Managing future healthcare issues, where to live and how to ensure that retirement savings lasts needs a different approach.

Options must be addressed sooner rather than later. Estate planning is a core part of the plan. While you can’t plan everything, you can anticipate and prepare for certain events.

Determining who you can count on in a healthcare crisis and to handle your financial and legal issues is key. This is challenging when no obvious answers exist. However, it should not be avoided. You’ll need an estate plan with advance directives to convey your wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care.

An estate planning attorney will help draw up a Power of Attorney, so someone of your choice can step in to make legal and financial issues if you become incapacitated. You’ll also want a Healthcare Proxy to name a person who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t communicate your wishes. While it’s comfortable to name a trusted friend, what would happen if they aren’t able to serve? A younger person you know and trust is a better choice for this role.

A Last Will and Testament is needed to establish your wishes for distributing property. Your will is also used to name an executor who administers the will. Think about people you trust who are a generation or two younger than you, like a niece or nephew or the adult child of someone you know well. You’ll need to talk with them about taking on this role; don’t spring it on them after you’ve passed. Just because someone is named an executor doesn’t mean they have to accept the role.

Where you age matters. From safety and socialization standpoints, aging alone in a single-family home may not be the best option. Having a strong network of friends is important for the solo ager. Moving to a planned community with various support systems may be better than aging in place. Explore other housing options while you are still able to live on your own, so you can make an informed choice if and when the time comes for community living.

Estate planning when you’re single doesn’t have to be a headache. A combination of professional help will make the solo aging journey better. An experienced estate planning attorney, financial advisor and health insurance source can help you navigate the legal and business side of your life. Check with your town’s senior center for available social services and activities resources. If you would like to learn more about planning as a single person, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: The New York Times (Sept. 21, 2024) “Going Solo: How to Plan for Retirement When You’re on Your Own”

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Family Wealth Discussions are Critical to Proper Planning

October 8, 2024

Family wealth discussions are critical to proper planning. It can be tricky to talk about money with your family. Whether it’s financial planning, wealth management, or future inheritance, many people feel uncomfortable addressing the topic.

Before diving into how to have these conversations, it’s essential to understand why they’re often avoided. Many families avoid discussing money because it brings up complicated emotions, such as embarrassment, guilt, or shame.

Parents might hesitate to discuss their wealth with children, fearing it could affect their values or ambition. Conversely, adult children may avoid asking their parents about their finances for fear of overstepping boundaries.

Understanding these emotional barriers is the first step to overcoming them. The key is approaching the conversation with sensitivity and openness, focusing on long-term goals rather than current financial details.

Talking to your children about family wealth can be as challenging as speaking with parents. Many parents fear sharing too much information about money will affect their children’s work ethic or sense of responsibility.

However, having open conversations about money can help your children develop a healthy understanding of financial responsibility and family values. Start by discussing what money means to your family—why you’ve worked hard to earn it, what goals you have for it and what responsibilities come with managing it.

Rather than delivering a lecture, ask your children questions that encourage them to think about wealth and responsibility. You might ask, “What does it mean to be wealthy?” or “Why do you think financial planning is important?”

Approaching a conversation about money with aging parents can be intimidating. However, handling it with care is important. Rather than diving straight into numbers and documents, ease into the discussion by asking them about their thoughts on long-term care, retirement and other financial concerns.

Frame the conversation around ensuring that their wishes are respected. For example, you might say, “I want to make sure we’re all prepared in case anything happens and that your wishes are honored.”

Having a general idea of their financial situation and being prepared can help guide the conversation. Consider whether they have a will, a plan for long-term care, or any trusts. However, remember that the focus should be on understanding their desires and values, not just the details of their finances.

Family wealth discussions are more than just talking about dollar amounts; they are about critical to proper planning. It ensures everyone understands the values and goals behind the money. Talking openly with your family about finances can relieve stress, align expectations and ensure that everyone’s values are respected.

If you are unsure how to begin these critical conversations, consider seeking professional guidance. An estate plan can provide peace of mind for you and your family. If you would like to learn more about passing on wealth to future generations, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Morgan Stanley (2018) “How to Have Meaningful Family Conversations About Money”

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Unique Challenges to Estate Planning for Non-Citizens with U.S. Assets

October 2, 2024

There are unique challenges to estate planning for non-citizens with U.S. assets. Non-citizens’ estate planning isn’t something that all estate lawyers are ready to handle. However, avoiding an excess tax burden is important. However, the right help can drastically reduce your tax burden and increase what you leave behind to loved ones.

One of the most important factors to consider regarding estate planning for non-citizens is residency status. The U.S. estate tax laws apply differently to residents and non-residents. Guardian Life shares that U.S. citizens and residents are entitled to a significant estate tax exemption—currently set at $13,610,000 for 2024.

However, non-residents with U.S. assets face a much smaller exemption of just $60,000. This stark difference means that non-citizens may be subject to high estate taxes, potentially up to 40% on assets exceeding the $60,000 threshold.

Residency status is a critical element in determining estate tax obligations. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses the concept of “domicile” to decide who qualifies for the higher exemption. A person is considered domiciled in the U.S. if they live there and intend to remain permanently. Non-citizens who do not meet these criteria are considered non-residents and are subject to the lower exemption.

For example, someone living in the U.S. on a non-resident visa might still be considered domiciled for estate tax purposes. This contrasts with income tax rules, which would still treat them as a non-resident.

There are several strategies that non-citizens can employ to minimize their U.S. estate tax obligations:

Gifting Assets During Lifetime: One effective way to reduce estate taxes is by gifting assets while the donor is still alive. The IRS allows an annual exclusion for gifts up to $17,000 per recipient without any tax implications. This strategy can help decrease the value of the estate subject to tax upon death.
Leveraging Estate Tax Treaties: The U.S. has estate tax treaties with several countries, providing more favorable exemptions for residents of those countries. These treaties can significantly reduce estate tax obligations for non-citizens, making it crucial to understand which countries have such agreements with the U.S.
Utilizing Life Insurance: Life insurance can be a powerful tool in estate planning for non-citizens. Life insurance payouts are generally exempt from U.S. estate taxes, making them an attractive option for providing liquidity to cover any potential estate taxes without selling off other assets.

Given the complexities of U.S. estate taxes for non-citizens, seeking advice from experienced estate planning professionals who understand U.S. tax law and international estate planning is crucial. This includes not only tax attorneys but also financial advisors who are familiar with cross-border tax issues. A well-crafted estate plan can ensure that your assets are protected, and your family’s financial future is secure.

There are unique challenges to estate planning for non-citizens with U.S. assets. If you’re a non-citizen with U.S. assets, the tax implications can be significant. However, with the right planning, they don’t have to be. If you would like to learn more about planning for non-citizens with US assets, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Guardian Life (Aug. 28, 2024) “US estate tax strategies for noncitizens and nonresidents with US assets”

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Safeguarding Wealth is an Essential Strategy for Senior Women

September 30, 2024

Women are living longer and facing unique financial challenges. With life expectancy for women being higher than men, senior women need their retirement savings to stretch further. According to JP Morgan, they often find themselves with less saved due to career breaks for caregiving and the persistent gender pay gap. Safeguarding wealth is an essential strategy for senior women to ensure financial security in their later years.

Retirement planning for women should consider their longer life expectancy and potential career interruptions. A well-crafted financial plan, designed with the help of knowledgeable advisors, can help address these concerns.

Women should actively participate in creating a plan that aligns with their lifestyle needs and future goals, factoring in anticipated and unplanned career breaks. It is also essential to regularly assess savings and investments to ensure that they are on track for a comfortable retirement.

Many women find themselves in the role of caregiver for aging parents. This responsibility often comes with both emotional and financial burdens. Women are more likely than men to leave their jobs to take care of aging parents, impacting their own retirement savings.

Beyond financial concerns, women should also consider the time and energy required for caregiving. Planning with family discussions about responsibilities can help ensure that these roles are agreed upon and manageable.

The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Foundation highlighted the importance of women’s estate planning with the story of Huguette Clark, a wealthy woman who became isolated in her later years. Despite her wealth, Clark spent the last 20 years of her life alone in a hospital room, away from her multiple luxurious homes. She was fearful that everyone was after her money and chose to remain secluded.

Clark’s relatives challenged her will, claiming she was not of a sound mind when it was created. The case was settled. However, it illustrates how vital it is for senior women to protect their wealth and ensure that their wishes are respected.

Women should actively engage in estate planning to protect their wealth and ensure their financial security. This includes creating a will, setting up trusts and naming trusted individuals to manage their estate in case of incapacity. Understanding and participating in these decisions are crucial for senior women to prevent potential disputes and ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes.

Estate administration is another critical aspect of wealth planning for women. When a loved one passes, the burden of administering their estate often falls on women. This role includes locating assets, paying off debts and distributing inheritances, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. By planning ahead and discussing estate administration with family members, women can ensure that they are prepared to take on this role or appoint someone else who is better suited.

Safeguarding wealth is an essential strategy for senior women. If you are looking to secure their financial future, assembling a team of trusted advisors is a crucial first step. This team should include a financial advisor, an estate planning attorney and a tax professional who understand women’s unique challenges.

These advisors can help develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with a woman’s financial goals, family responsibilities and long-term needs. Regular communication with this team ensures that the plan adapts to changing circumstances, providing peace of mind and financial security. If you would like to learn more about planning for women, please visit our previous posts.

References: J.P. Morgan (Mar. 20, 2024) “Wealth Planning Is a Women’s Issue” and The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Foundation (Mar. 20, 2024) “Balancing Independence and Vulnerability of Older Adults: What if Granny Wants to Gamble?”

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Women should Plan for a Second Retirement

September 23, 2024

Many spouses design their retirement finances and estate plans with their spouses. However, planning for the second phase of retirement and estate plans also needs to be done. Women should plan for a second retirement. When the first spouse dies, the surviving spouse would be well served by a plan for the “second retirement,” as explored in a recent article from Nasdaq, “I’m a Financial Expert: 7 Ways Ever Woman Can Prepare for a ‘Second Retirement.’”

In 2021, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that 30% of all older women were widows. There were also more than three times as many widows as widowers.

How do you plan? It depends on your age and financial situation. For instance, becoming a widow in your 60s is very different from becoming widowed in your 80s. If your network of friends and family was through your spouse, this may also change dramatically after their death.

The most important question is what the household income will be upon losing the first spouse. This must be considered if the decedent had a pension, annuity, or other income source that stopped upon their death. A surviving spouse can’t claim a deceased spouse’s Social Security benefits in addition to their own. You can only receive one of two benefits—either your retirement or survivor benefit.

Some pensions end upon the account owner’s death, while some allow for survivor benefits. These are usually a percentage of the original amount, or they may offer a lump sum payment.

Living costs will change when the first spouse dies. The surviving spouse may be able to move to a smaller home or sell a second car. However, certain costs will go away. Meanwhile, other costs may occur, like one-time taxes on inherited IRAs and taxes on the sale of property and vehicles. Losing the spouse might mean some services, like home maintenance, will need to be paid for.

The death of a spouse will incur certain legal and administrative costs. If there was no will, probate is expensive and will be necessary. An estate planning attorney may be needed to help settle an estate if there was no will, while costs will be less if a will and trusts were created before the spouse died.

Major changes in circumstances like the death of a spouse can throw even the highest functioning people into a difficult emotional state. Women should plan for a second retirement that will help make the transition into their new life easier, or at least as easy as possible.

Speak frankly with an estate planning attorney about revising your estate planning documents and preparing for the second retirement. There will be more than enough to deal with at the time; it will be better if planning can be done in advance. If you would like to learn more about retirement planning for women, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Nasdaq (August 17, 2024) “I’m a Financial Expert: 7 Ways Ever Woman Can Prepare for a ‘Second Retirement’”

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Disability Insurance is a vital Component of Estate Planning

August 22, 2024

Disability insurance is a vital component of comprehensive estate planning. It ensures that you and your family can maintain financial stability in the event of a disabling condition. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), understanding the essential aspects of disability insurance is vital to choosing the best policy for your needs.

Disability insurance provides income replacement if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a safety net that ensures that you can continue to meet financial obligations, even when you are not earning a regular salary.

Imagine being the primary breadwinner for your family. One day, you suffer a severe injury that prevents you from working. Without disability insurance, the loss of income could lead to significant financial hardship. Disability insurance provides stability by covering these losses while you get back on your feet.

Selecting the right disability insurance policy requires understanding various factors and terms. For one, you need to understand the kind of liabilities you have to choose from to find the most suitable coverage. Combine this with Riders that match your needs to get customized, affordable disability coverage.

Own-Occupation: This type provides benefits if you cannot perform the duties of your specific occupation. It’s ideal for professionals, like doctors or lawyers, who have specialized skills.
Any Occupation: This type only provides benefits if you cannot work in any occupation suited to your experience and education. It’s less expensive but offers broader coverage.
Modified Own-Occupation: You receive benefits if you cannot perform your job and are not working in another job. This is a middle-ground option that balances cost and coverage.

What Riders are Available for Disability Insurance?

Residual Disability Rider: Provides partial benefits if you can work part-time but not full-time.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Rider: Adjusts benefits according to inflation, maintaining your purchasing power.
Future Increase Option Rider: You can increase coverage as your income grows without additional medical exams.

The cost of disability insurance varies based on several factors:

Age and Gender: Younger individuals and women typically pay higher premiums.
Occupation: High-risk jobs attract higher premiums.
Health: Pre-existing conditions can increase the cost.
Coverage Amount and Duration: Higher benefits and longer durations cost more.
Policy Riders: Additional features, like cost-of-living adjustments, can raise premiums.

Disability insurance is a vital component of comprehensive estate planning. Protecting your future requires careful planning. Once you’re injured, it’s too late to begin planning. That’s why you should contact an experienced attorney and start planning today. If you would like to learn more about disability insurance, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: American Medical Association (AMA) (May 21, 2024) “Evaluating a disability policy | American Medical Association”

Estate Planning with Annuities can be Complex

July 15, 2024

Estate planning can seem daunting. If you’re new to it, you have to learn about power of attorneys, trusts and much more. However, this effort can pay off many times over for you and your loved ones. Once you have a handle on the basics, you can start incorporating advanced strategies into your estate planning such as annuities. Nerdwallet makes the case that having good estate planning is important, and annuities are a vital tool to consider. Estate planning with annuities can be complex.

Annuities are insurance contracts that offer a series of payments over time. These contracts can pay out for a set period or the rest of your life. People often use them to manage retirement income.

Annuities have two phases. An accumulation phase is where you contribute money to the fund, and a withdrawal phase is where the contract pays out. Leaving your money in an annuity during the accumulation phase gives it room to grow tax deferred.

Annuities offer income security, tax advantages and legacy planning opportunities. Not only can you fund your retirement, but you can ensure a steady income stream for your beneficiaries. Annuities are a flexible tool to hedge against volatile markets and achieve financial security.

One of the primary reasons to include annuities in your estate plan is to provide for your heirs. According to Charles Schwab, there are three strategies you can consider during the accumulation phase:

Cash out your annuity if you’re at the end of its surrender period, though be aware of potential charges and taxes. This option provides immediate liquidity, which can be useful for other estate planning needs. However, you may suffer fees or tax penalties related to the early withdrawal.

Moving ownership to a non-grantor irrevocable trust will remove your annuity from your estate to benefit your heirs. This strategy can protect the annuity’s value from creditors and reduce estate taxes.

Make periodic withdrawals during the accumulation phase to take advantage of favorable tax treatment. Regular withdrawals can help you manage your income and tax liabilities more effectively and provide funds for other investments or expenses. This approach allows you to access the annuity’s value without triggering large tax penalties.

Once your annuity enters the payment phase, you have different options to support your estate planning goals:

Annual Gifts to Heirs: Make annual gifts using annuity distributions. This will reduce your taxable estate, benefit your loved ones and comply with annual gift restrictions.
Purchase Life Insurance: Use payouts to fund life insurance premiums. By setting up one of these policies, you can provide a tax-free inheritance for your beneficiaries.
Charitable Donations: Donate annuity payments to reduce taxable income and support charitable causes.
Reinvestment: Reinvest annuity payments into other financial instruments to continue growing your estate’s value.

Estate planning with annuities can be complex. However, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Key Takeaways

Income Security: Annuities provide a steady income stream, ensuring financial stability during retirement and for your beneficiaries.
Tax Advantages: Annuities allow contributions to grow tax-deferred, and strategic payouts minimize taxable income.
Legacy Planning: Transferring annuities to a trust or using them to purchase life insurance protects your estate from taxes and ensures that your heirs benefit.
Flexibility: Options like annual gifts, charitable donations and trust transfers offer diverse ways to include annuities in your estate plan.

Reference: Nerdwallet (Dec. 21, 2022) “Annuities: What They Are and How They Work – NerdWallet” and Charles Schwab (Nov. 17, 2023) “5 Ways to Use Annuities in Your Estate Plan”

If you would like to learn more about annuity planning, please visit our previous posts.

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Owning a Second Home creates Unique Tax Implications

June 13, 2024

Many people dream of owning a cabin or a sunny beach house away from their homes. While these dreams are beautiful, buying a second home isn’t as simple as picking a new getaway. Your second home can increase your tax burden more than your first. Owning a second home creates unique tax implications to keep in mind. According to Central Trust, understanding the strings attached to a second home is a must.

If you already own one home, purchasing a second means doubling up on property tax bills. Your deductions for state and local taxes are also capped at $10,000. State taxes on your primary home often reach that limit on their own. As a result, a second home may increase your tax liability much more than you’d expect. While you can deduct mortgage payments on your second home, it’s limited to a combined total of $750,000 for both residences.

There are tax benefits if you plan to rent and limit personal use to 14 days or 10% of rental days. Doing so allows you to deduct utilities, maintenance and improvement costs as you would for any other rental property. However, be careful – renting to relatives at market rate still counts as personal use.

When selling your primary residence, you can usually exclude a portion of the gains from taxes. However, this isn’t the case with a second home. Your vacation house is taxed as an investment property, which means capital gains can go up to 23.8%.

However, there’s a way to avoid paying capital gains tax on your second home. You may avoid capital gains tax if you live in it as your primary residence for at least two of the five years before you sell. Considering the average home price in America today, a lower tax rate can amount to impressive savings.

On the other hand, lost rental revenue or an increased cost of living could detract from these savings. Weigh the costs and benefits before choosing your tax management strategy.

Maintaining solid records is crucial if you’re renting out a second home. If the IRS audits your return and you can’t provide evidence, you could face extra taxes and penalties. Keep receipts, bills and documents detailing any expenses related to the property. If you plan to avoid capital gains tax by living in the home, keep proof of your residence and travel during the time in question.

The thrill of buying a second home should not overshadow the importance of thorough estate planning. Consult a tax professional or financial advisor to avoid costly mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

Double the Taxes: Owning a second home brings a second set of property tax and mortgage interest bills.
Rental Benefits: Renting out your vacation home could offer tax deductions.
Capital Gains Tax: Selling a second home could subject you to up to 23.8% capital gains tax. Living there for two of five years before selling can help avoid this.
Record Keeping is Essential: Proper documentation of expenses and rental income is crucial to avoid penalties in case of an IRS audit.
Consult an Advisor: Seek guidance from tax or estate planning professionals to create a sound plan and minimize tax implications.

Owning a second home creates unique tax implications that can cause a headache for your estate planning. Discuss the topics in this post with your estate planning attorney before you purchase that dream second home. If you would like to learn more about tax planning for real property, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Centraltrust (March 2024) “Second Homes & Tax Implications – Central Trust Company”

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Category: Financial Planning

Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan for Cryptocurrency is Essential

Proper Estate Planning can Protect Couples with Big Age Gaps

Family Wealth Discussions are Critical to Proper Planning

Unique Challenges to Estate Planning for Non-Citizens with U.S. Assets

Safeguarding Wealth is an Essential Strategy for Senior Women

Women should Plan for a Second Retirement

Disability Insurance is a vital Component of Estate Planning

Estate Planning with Annuities can be Complex

Owning a Second Home creates Unique Tax Implications

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