The death of legendary singer Aretha Franklin has shined a new spotlight for many North Carolina fans on the complications that can ensue from dying without a will. When the 76-year-old star passed away in August after battling pancreatic cancer, she had no will or other estate documents, which could have a significant impact on how her heirs deal with the estate. Her niece has applied to be the executor of the estate while her four sons have declared themselves interested parties before the probate court.
Star Aretha Franklin dies without a will
A succession plan is good for your small business
North Carolina small business owners know how difficult it is to start a business and make it successful. It takes careful planning and strategy to start a profitable company, but it is also important to plan for the future of your business as well. You can do this by drafting a smart, thoughtful business succession plan.
Steps to creating an estate plan
Many people in North Carolina are among the half of all baby boomers and 70 percent of all Americans who do not have an estate plan. All adults need an estate plan regardless of their age or income level.
Tax law changes for trusts and estates
North Carolina residents who are planning for the future may be interested to learn about the ways in which recent tax reforms affect trusts and estates. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed in December 2017, has a number of implications for estate planning. In the first place, the law created a $10,000 limit for deductions on state and local income taxes. While there has been some confusion about whether this applies to individuals only, it does pertain to income for trusts and estates beginning in the 2018 tax year.
Trust accounts and FDIC insurance limits
Many people in North Carolina use trusts as estate planning tools. These types of accounts can provide significant benefits in terms of estate tax planning and give funders a measure of control over how their assets can be used in the future. In order to ensure the security of these accounts, trust creators should understand the associated insurance limits provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Tax code changes impact life insurance trusts
There are an estimated 1,800 estates that will be subject to federal estate taxes after the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation increased the federal estate tax exemption to $11.2 million and $22.4 million for married couples. North Carolina residents could benefit from reviewing their estate plan in the aftermath of such a change to the tax code. It may be especially beneficial for those who have irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs).
