Estate Planning Alert

I just put this Estate Planning Alert on my firm’s website homepage, but thought it would also be appropriate for this blog:

As of January 1, 2010, there is no more federal estate tax. The estate tax has been replaced with a complex modified carryover basis regime. In 2011, the estate tax is scheduled to return, with a $1,000,000 exemption and 55% rate (plus an additional 16% for North Carolina residents). Due to these changing laws, it is imperative that everyone with an estate of $1 million or more do proper planning to ensure that income and estate taxes will be minimized. Be aware that the face value of life insurance is included in calculating one’s estate, so even many young couples have estates in excess of $1 million. Do not let your family pay tax unnecessarily.  Consult an estate planning specialist today.