Before we know it, the calendar will turn to 2019. Today, McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus held a conference call with clients to impart insight on year-end tax strategies, in light of the new tax laws, to implement by December 31st. McManus also covered annual end-of-year essentials. Listen to a recording of the discussion by clicking below:
1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A LIMITED-TIME OPPORTUNITY: Since the estate tax was not repealed at the end of last year and the increased estate tax exemption is temporary, what can high-net worth families do to minimize future estate tax?
2. GET SET TO OFFSET: If you’ve already sold appreciated investments or a business in 2018 and will incur significant capital gains taxes, what can you do to enjoy a deduction and aid in offsetting the gain?
3. PLAN TO SAVE: The drastic limitation on the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction for Federal income tax purposes means that those who anticipate selling appreciated investments or a business in the next few years will experience unusually high capital gains taxes—but what can you do so that State capital gains taxes will not be imposed?
4. ADD TO YOUR INCOME TAX TOOLBOX: In spite of the marginal reduction of the Federal income tax rates, now that the Federal deduction on SALT has been significantly constrained, we will all have even more income tax exposure on investments. Can life insurance function as an income tax planning solution?
5. ENSURE YOU’RE UTILIZING INSURANCE: High-net worth families will continue to have State and Federal estate tax exposure, so what must remain an essential component of any well-constructed estate plan?
6. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: For those who have Estate Tax vulnerabilities but are elderly or in poor health, the acquisition of a life insurance policy may be uneconomical or impossible for those individuals, but how can life insurance reduce State and Federal Estate Tax while also creating wealth for future generations?
ADDITIONAL YEAR-END ESSENTIALS
THE ABCs OF ESTATE PLANNING PROTECTIONS: Regardless of tax law changes, it’s important to go back to the basics with estate planning on an annual basis. Proper year-end planning should always consider the following:
· Incapacity concerns
· The dangers of passing away without a will
· Probate pitfalls
· Insurance as creditor-protection planning
· Foreign reporting requirements
· U.S. estate tax exposure for non-resident aliens
· Business succession issues
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