Articles
GST Tax Exemptions in Jeopardy
A recent PLR showcases risks associated with modifying grandfathered generaltion-skipping transfer trusts
May 18, 2018The provisions of Chapter 13 of the Internal Revenue Code aren't for the faint of heart. That chapter specifically deals with the tax on generation-skipping transfers, that is transfers to individuals more than one generation below the donor.
Trusts & Estates Magazine Website
"What Beats A Charitable Bequest Under The New Tax Law?"
April 10, 2018“Many people go to their lawyers and add a charity in their wills. Instead, I suggest they consider a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity,” says tax lawyer Conrad Teitell, chairman of the Charitable Planning Group at Cummings & Lockwood who has published the Taxwise Giving newsletter since 1964. Most leading charities, including colleges, offer these "planned giving" opportunities.
Forbes
Gift Split Gaffe
Accountant's Mistake Could Result in Increased Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes
April 3, 2018When a taxpayer signs a Form 709 reporting transfers subject to federal gift tax, he signs under penalties of perjury that he’s examined the return and, to the best of his knowledge, the return is “true, correct, and complete.” But honestly, does the average taxpayer truly know or understand the tax implications of the gifts he makes?
Trusts & Estates Magazine Website
"How To Give It Away"
February/March 2018 IssueLaura Weintraub Beck, a trusts and estates attorney in Cummings & Lockwood’s Greenwich, Connecticut office, was quoted in an article entitled “How to Give It Away” in The Magazine published by AARP in the February/March 2018 issue.
AARP's The Magazine
Court Upholds Regulations Requiring Charities to Disclose Donors
March 6, 2018Charities may not be happy about a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that might result in donors thinking twice before pledging support to a charitable organization.
Trusts & Estates Magazine Website
Charitable Contributions From Trusts are Treated Differently
February 6, 2018Like individuals and corporations, trusts and estates that make contributions of property to charitable organizations may be eligible to receive a corresponding income tax deduction for such contributions.
Trusts & Estates Magazine Website
Not Knowing the S Corp Rules Can Be Dangerous to Your Client's Wealth
December 2017Superman is the most powerful S corporation (S corp) in the world. He's so proud of his S status, he wears it on his chest. Until now, most people thought that only kryptonite could take away Superman's powers. Read on, and you'll learn the many ways he can lose his S corp status, actions his advisors can take to prevent its loss...
Trusts & Estates Magazine
Diversifying Charitable Remainder Trust Investments
Who cares? Donors, advisors, trust drafters, trustees, beneficiaries and state attorneys general
October 2017Trustees have a duty to diversify charitable remainder trust (CRT) investments.
Trusts & Estates Magazine
Estate Planning: How Cummings & Lockwood Can Help
A Private Clients Group Article
Clients frequently have many questions about estate planning. This article focuses on how Cummings & Lockwood can address those specific questions and deliver valuable benefits to clients.
How to Reduce Taxes with Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts
A Private Clients Group Article
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) are an important estate planning tool used to reduce estate, gift and similar inheritance taxes by removing assets from an estate. In the right situation, they can allow donors to gift appreciated assets tax-free.
Estate Planning: The Basics
A Private Clients Group Article
While estate planning can be very complicated, its purpose is straightforward: It aims to provide for the management and transfer of your property, in the event of your incapacity or death, at the smallest financial and emotional cost to your family.
Is a Revocable Trust Right for You?
A Private Clients Group Article
The Revocable Trust (often referred to as a “Living Trust”) is a popular and effective estate planning technique. It can provide an excellent way to manage, protect and distribute your assets during your lifetime, in the event of incapacity, and after your death.