JOSHUA M. KAPLAN

The House Ways and Means Committee recently released a draft of the tax portion of the proposed reconciliation bill. Some of the proposals affecting individual taxpayers, estates and trusts are described below. Termination of Temporary Increase in Gift and Estate Tax Exclusion Amount The gift and estate tax exclusion amount is presently $11.7 million (indexed…

In the wake of the 2020 election, many expect that the Biden administration will seek to engage Congress to enact new tax legislation in order to raise revenue to pay the costs associated with the pandemic and other government programs. The administration’s ability to set policy will be impacted by the final results of several…

As the global economy continues to feel the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 crisis, now may be an appropriate time to consider potential estate planning opportunities: Low Interest Rates: The IRS prescribes minimum interest rates that taxpayers must charge on most loans (including installment sales) to avoid gift tax consequences. These IRS rates are now…

Both the SECURE Act enacted in December 2019 and the CARES Act enacted in March 2020 changed the rules governing distributions from retirement plans and IRAs. Under the SECURE Act, retirement plan participants and IRA owners no longer have to begin taking distributions until April 1 of the calendar year after they reach age 72…

The COVID-19 crisis presents unique challenges, as well as opportunities, for tax-exempt organizations. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provides some relief to tax-exempt organizations who may be experiencing difficulties funding their operations and charitable projects as a result of the current situation. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service has postponed tax…

As the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) continues to affect almost all areas of life, the Kleinberg Kaplan Trusts & Estates Practice Group is monitoring developments that may impact our clients’ estate planning. As always, the health, safety and wellbeing of our clients and their families are of paramount importance to us. In light of the current situation,…

Retirement benefits (such as pension, profit-sharing, 401(k) or IRA benefits) make up a substantial portion of many people’s assets. Congress recently passed, and the President signed on December 20, 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Act (the SECURE Act) as part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020. The SECURE Act made various…