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New Estate Tax Exemption Law for Massachusetts

Massachusetts enacted a transformative $1 billion tax relief package on October 4, 2023. This comprehensive legislation, designed to alleviate financial burdens for families, businesses, and individuals statewide, brings about profound changes in existing estate plans, particularly focusing on the implications of the estate tax. The new law has significantly elevated the Massachusetts asset threshold subject to the estate tax, rising from $1 million to $2 million. Simultaneously, it eliminates the notorious “estate tax cliff,” meaning that effective for estates of decedents passing away after January 1, 2023, only assets surpassing the $2 million threshold are subject to the state-level estate

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Trusts 101: Exploring Different Types and Their Benefits 

When it comes to securing your family’s financial future, understanding the role of trusts is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the basics of trusts, exploring different types and the myriad benefits they offer for estate planning. Understanding Trusts A trust is a legal entity that holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. It serves as an effective tool in estate planning, offering flexibility, control, and privacy. The key players in a trust include the grantor (the person creating the trust), the trustee (responsible for managing the trust), and the beneficiary (the individual or entity entitled to

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Estate Tax Planning: Minimizing the Tax Burden

Estate tax planning plays a crucial role in safeguarding your assets and minimizing the tax burden that your heirs might face. Understanding the essentials of estate tax planning in Massachusetts can help reduce the impact of estate taxes. Understanding Estate Taxes in Massachusetts Estate taxes, often referred to as “death taxes,” are levied on the value of your estate when you pass away. In Massachusetts, the estate tax is calculated based on the federal taxable estate, but the state has its own set of rules and exemptions. It’s vital to have a clear understanding of Massachusetts estate tax laws to

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Inherited Retirement Accounts: Minimizing Tax Consequences

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which went into effect in 2020, changed how beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must withdraw these funds. The Act’s passage made it more difficult for individuals to pass their retirement savings on to their heirs without tax liability. The 10-Year Rule Generally speaking, beneficiaries of retirement plan accounts and Individual Retirement Accounts are subject to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. Most people who inherit this type of retirement account now must withdraw all the funds from that account within 10 years. Exceptions to this include the following: Spouse of the

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What Is a Gun Trust?: Estate Planning Q&A

According to Pew Research, 30 percent of adults in the United States report owning a firearm. Gun sales have risen in recent years, particularly during the Coronavirus pandemic. While many reported having weapons for protection and hunting, 6 percent owned guns that were family heirlooms. If you own a firearm of monetary or sentimental value, you may wonder how to transfer ownership to your loved ones after you die. In addition to creating a will, you may want to make special arrangements for your weapon. A gun trust, also known as a firearm trust or NFA trust, is a legal entity

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Long-Term Care Planning and Asset Protection: Safeguarding Your Future

As experienced estate planning lawyers in Massachusetts, we understand the importance of safeguarding your assets and ensuring your future well-being. In this article, we will provide you with valuable insights into the complexities of long-term care planning and how it can be an integral part of your overall estate plan. The Rising Importance of Long-Term Care Planning The need for long-term care can arise unexpectedly due to various factors, such as aging, illness, or accidents. In Massachusetts, as in many other states, the cost of long-term care services, including nursing homes and in-home care, can be staggering. Without proper planning,

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The Power of Trusts
A guide to trusts for asset protection, estate tax avoidance, and legacy management

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