Estate Planning | Begin the Begin

Five New Year’s Resolutions for Your Estate Plan

January 12, 2017

Happy New Year! Very often the New Year brings all sorts of ‘changes’ for individuals, particularly after having spent any time with family members and friends over the holiday season. Here is a quick list of five resolutions to consider for your estate plan.

Is it time to update your plan? If a plan is in place, when was the last time you reviewed it? Is it simply a binder of documents you received several year ago when you finished the estate planning process and you haven’t looked at since? Have circumstances changed that are not captured in the documents? Who are the fiduciaries (i.e., executor, trustee, healthcare power of attorney, financial power of attorney, guardian, etc.) listed? Are the fiduciaries still capable of serving? Does the plan do what you want it to do? There have been a lot of changes to estate tax laws in recent years, is your plan from before 2013? In some cases, does ‘updating’ your plan, actually mean finishing the process? Or does it mean starting the process so that your theoretical plan is memorialized?
Are there beneficiary designations? When was the last time you checked beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts (i.e., 401(k), IRAs, 403(b), 457, etc.) and annuities? What about any payable on death (POD) or transfer on death (TOD) designations you have on bank accounts or brokerage accounts…do those designations reflect your wishes? For government employees, are beneficiary designations up-to-date on your Federal, state or local benefits?
Families come in all shapes and sizes -Family Fiduciaries. Are you named as a fiduciary in any family member’s or friend’s plan? Have you touched base with that person recently to see how they are doing both health-wise and financially? Do you understand what your role is as the fiduciary? Do you know the family member’s or friend’s goals and objectives? Are you able to still serve, that is, are you distracted by a health event or financial crisis and perhaps you should not take the role? Have you considered options for a care manager if you are caring for an elderly family member or friend? How about looking at assisted living or skilled nursing or home health aides, if the circumstances warrant such considerations?
Are you charitably inclined? Do you have a charitable giving plan for this year? For future years? For at your death? Have you researched your options including direct giving, donor advised funds, private foundations and/or charitable trusts? Is there a planned gift that you would like to consider? Is now the time to investigate annual giving?
Succession planning occurs at many levels. Who will be in charge of any business whether it is a limited liability company, partnership or corporation? Are shareholders’ agreements and operating agreements up-to-date? And beyond a business interest, who will be in charge of your pets? Are there monies set aside for their care? What about digital assets? Have you ensured a smooth transition of online accounts to a successor? What about your tangible personal property? Is there an inventory? Appraisals? Designated recipients?

True, there are a lot of questions and not a lot of answers here, but that is the planning process. One has to begin with the questions to reach the answers. Working with a professional advisor can both provide you with the guidance needed to navigate these questions and ensure that you complete the process. #planyourjourney #lifeplanning #legacyplanning #estateplanning @bgnthebgn

A New Year Means New Exemptions from Estate Tax

January 5, 2017

Welcome to the New Year! As with any new year, there are usually changes to a variety of important numbers for estate planning and elder law purposes. This year the applicable exclusion amount from Federal estate tax is set at $5.49 million per person. The lifetime exclusion from gift tax is also $5.49 million per person and the exemption from generation skipping transfer tax is $5.49 million. The annual exclusion from gift tax remains at $14,000. The annual exclusion for gifts to non-U.S. citizen spouses increased to $149,000.

For local jurisdictions that have estate tax, the District of Columbia increased its estate tax exemption from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. Maryland’s exemption from estate tax has increased to $3,000,000. Virginia continues to have no state level estate or inheritance tax.

In the elder law field, the Medicaid spousal impoverishment numbers were released increasing the minimum community spouse resource allowance (CSRA) to $24,180 and the maximum CSRA to $120,900. The maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance is now $3,022.50 while the minimum remains at $2,002.50. The minimum home equity limit is now $560,000 and the maximum is $840,000, but be aware that local jurisdictions may apply these limits differently.

If you have questions regarding the new limits and how they may impact your estate planning, your should consult your professional advisor. #estateplanning #taxplanning #elderlaw @bgnthebgn

The Future of Valuation Discounting…

December 29, 2016

Earlier this month, a long awaited hearing was held on the proposed regulations that would reduce the availability of valuation discounting when transferring closely held business interests. Close to forty individuals testified at the IRS hearing and all but one individual opposed the proposed regulations. Among several of the reasons why critics opposed the regulations included the following: (a) the potential for a ‘deemed put right’; (b) the creation of a three-year look back period; (c) the forced use of the ‘investment value’ standard for determining fair market value versus the ‘willing buyer – willing seller’ standard; and (d) the use of family attribution rules that could extend the reach of the proposed regulations. An attorney-advisor from the Treasury Office of Tax Legislative Council tried to assuage some of the concerns and even commented that it would be surprising if the regulations were finalized given the new administration.

What does the hearing mean for planning? It means that planning is still very much up in the air. For some, there has been a push to complete transactions by the end of year before the regulations are finalized. For others, any potential transactions are now on hold. Either way, the issue is not dead, but may be tabled until the next election and individuals and their advisors would be wise to monitor the situation to avoid getting caught without having planned. #valuationdiscounts #2704regulations #businessvaluations #estateplanning #businessplanning @bgnthebgn

Five Considerations for Year-End Charitable Giving

December 22, 2016

As the year draws to an end, many of you look to make your charitable donations or are advising individuals regarding their charitable donations. Of course, there are a variety of ways in which one can make such a charitable gift. The IRS recently published IR-2016-154, which is part of a series of articles providing taxpayers with relevant information so they can be ready for the next tax season. In this recent article, the IRS reminded taxpayers of certain aspects of charitable giving in an effort to help taxpayers avoid problems come tax time. I have summarized these helpful tips below.

For starters, individuals can only receive a tax deduction if the charity to which they donate is an ‘eligible organization.’ The IRS has a website, Select Check, that is a searchable online database of ‘eligible organizations’ that can be used to verify the status of an organization.

Next, charitable donations can only be deducted if the taxpayer itemizes their deductions. For some this can be a hassle because that means maintaining accurate records and receipts. If the gift is larger than $250 to the charity, then a written acknowledgement is required. The IRS has provided Publication 56 on charitable contributions to help explain what records are necessary.

Additionally, if an individual is looking to donate tangible personal property like clothing or household items, those items have to be in ‘good used or better’ condition. Household goods include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances and linens. The taxpayer must obtain a detailed receipt in which the donated items are described for donations worth $250 or more. Items in which a deduction of more than $500 is claimed usually have to include a qualified appraisal.

Another factor to keep in mind is if the taxpayer receives any ‘benefit’ in the form of merchandise, meals, tickets or other items. The value of such ‘benefit’ will reduce the available deduction amount. For example, a contributor membership to the Kennedy Center is valued at $120, but only $80 of that amount is eligible to be deducted.

One alternative to keeping lots of records and receipts from every organization is the creation of a donor advised fund. An individual can make a single larger contribution to his or her donor advised fund and from that donor advised fund specific charitable donations can be made. There are a variety of terms and conditions to follow, but the single contribution means that is what is reported on one’s tax returns. Here is just one person’s rationale behind the creation of a donor advised fund that also allowed her to get more involved with her community.

Ultimately, any gift is welcomed by the charity and you should feel free to reach out to the charity or your professional advisor if you have questions or need assistance in making year-end charitable donations. @CFNOVA @bgnthebgn #donoradvisedfunds #taxplanning #charitablegiving

Notice of Observation Status – Update on Implementation

December 8, 2016

money-2 In August 2015, Congress passed the Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility Act (the “Notice Act“). The Notice Act requires hospitals to give individuals who are receiving observation services as an outpatient for more than 24 hours, oral and written notification of observation status within 36 hours of the beginning of such services. This notice is critical for individuals on Medicare because Medicare will only cover nursing home care following a hospitalization if the individual is classified as an inpatient for three (3) days prior to needing nursing home care. If the individual is not classified as an inpatient, Medicare will not cover the hospitalization or subsequent care, such as rehabilitation or skilled nursing, which can be financially devastating to a family.

Implementation of the Notice Act was to have taken effect in August of this year, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) indicated that the final rules associated with the Notice Act would be effective October 1st. However, the written notice does not become effective until 90 days following approval of the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice by the Office of Management and Budget and such written notice does not yet have approval. What this all means is that the Notice Act has not yet been fully implemented and may not be until early next year. In the interim, the Center for Medicare Advocacy has created an infographic to help individuals understand observation status and what it means as it relates to the cost of their care so that families can be engaged in the process. #AskAboutObservation #elderlaw #observationstatus @bgnthebgn

FLASH UPDATE: The Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice and instructions are now available online. The standardized form is giving individuals notice of their ‘observation status.’ Hospitals and critical access hospitals are required to start using this Notice no later than March 8, 2017.

Special Needs Trust Fairness Act – Update

December 1, 2016

open-book An update for those interacting with seniors and disabled individuals as it relates to the creation of special needs trusts. In September, the House of Representatives passed the Special Needs Trust Fairness and Medicaid Improvement Act (the “SNT Fairness Act“), which the Senate had passed last year. The SNT Fairness Act fixes an omission in Section 1917(d)(4)(A) of the Social Security Act where the disabled individual was not listed as someone who could create a first-party or self-settled special needs trust. Under the SNT Fairness Act, the disabled individual will have the authority to create such a special needs trust thereby eliminating the need, in certain circumstances, for court intervention. Unfortunately, the earlier House and Senate bills had some differing provisions and the bills could not be signed into law. Recently the House passed a major health care package known as the 21st Century Cures Act that includes the SNT Fairness Act (buried at Sec. 5007 of the close to 1000 page bill). The SNT Fairness Act will apply to trusts created on or after enactment. Provided the Senate passes this health care package, it is expected that the SNT Fairness Act will be signed into law giving disabled individuals more control in managing their assets and benefits. #SNTFairnessAct #SpecialNeeds #estateplanning

FLASH UPDATE: Senate has passed H.R. 34 in which the SNT Fairness Act was included. The President signed the bill on December 13th.

Injunction Granted Against CMS’ Rule Prohibiting Arbitration Clauses and D.C. Death with Dignity Act Passes

November 17, 2016

law-books An update regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) new rule banning the use of binding pre-dispute arbitration agreement by nursing homes that accept Medicare and Medicaid patients. As was expected, the nursing home industry has fought back and filed suit in the Northern District of Mississippi. In a 40 page Order, a Federal District Court Judge has granted the preliminary injunction requested by the American Health Care Association and several nursing homes. In the opinion, the Judge recognized the position many families find themselves in cases of abuse and neglect when dealing with the nursing home, but indicated that CMS may have overstepped its authority in issuing the rule, and therefore, enjoined CMS from enforcing the rule until the courts could resolve the issue or Congress passed legislation. Therefore, nursing homes will continue to be able to include such provisions in their contracts. Furthermore, with the election in the rear view mirror, only time will tell what will become of this rule. #elderlaw #elderabuse #nursinghome #arbitrationbanned

Also, a brief update that the Death with Dignity Act in the District of Columbia has cleared the last hurdle before going to Mayor Muriel Bowser. The vote of the D.C. Council was again 11-2 and was passed with an amendment requiring some level of annual reporting by the Department of Health. The Act is expected to become law, but Congress still has oversight and the Act may still be overturned. However, at this juncture D.C. joins Oregon, Washington, Vermont, California and Colorado in passing such legislation. As has been expressed before, the passage of this Act is a reminder to get your plan in place. #endoflife #estateplanning #advancedirective #livingwill @deathwdignity @bgnthebgn

District of Columbia Passes Death with Dignity Act

November 10, 2016

flowers-4 As had been previously discussed, the District of Columbia was considering passing its form of the Death with Dignity Act (the “Act”) that is modeled after the Oregon law. The D.C. Council, in a 11 to 2 decision, voted in favor of the bill. A final vote must be held before the end of the year. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has the ability to veto the bill, but in recent comments she indicated that she would not veto the bill and it would become law. Given D.C.’s status of not being a state, Congress will still have the ability to review and overturn the bill should it become law.

The Act allows a terminally ill individual who has received a prognosis of less than six months to request and receive medication that would end life. The individual must make two oral requests separated by at least 15 days to his or her physician. A written request must also be made before the second oral request is made and at least 48 hours must pass before the medication is received. The written request must be witnessed by two individuals who can attest that the decision to end life is voluntary. One of the witnesses has to be entirely independent, that is, not related or subordinate in some fashion. The individual has to be able to take the medication on their own without any help from medical professionals, caretakers, home healthcare aides, family or friends. Finally, the individual must be a resident of the District of Columbia. If the bill survives the second vote by the D.C. Council and Congressional review, D.C. will join Oregon, Washington, Vermont and California in enacting a death with dignity law. #endoflife #estateplanning #advancedirective #livingwill @deathwidignity @bgnthebgn

2017 Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions

November 3, 2016

money-2 The IRS recently announced the estate and gift exemption levels for 2017 and they continue to increase as per legislation passed in January 2013. The applicable exclusion amount from Federal estate tax will increase to $5.49 million per person allowing a married couple to shelter $10.98 million from Federal estate tax, the rate for which is currently set at 40%. The lifetime exemption from gift tax remains coupled with the exemption from Federal estate tax, and therefore, this exemption will also increase to $5.49 million per person. The annual gift exclusion amount will remain at $14,000 per person. Virginia continues to not impose a state level estate tax. Maryland’s exemption from estate tax will increase to $3 million while the District of Columbia’s exemption will remain at $1 million until certain revenue surplus targets are met, which may not be until 2018, at which point the exemption will increase to $2 million. As a reminder, proposed regulations issued in August will significantly reduce the availability of valuation discounting on certain transfers of interests held in closely held or family owned businesses, and therefore, taking advantage of 2016 exemption levels is critical for some individuals, business owners and families.

For seniors and those with disabilities, a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Social Security Income (“SSI”) will increase monthly benefits by 0.3%. In addition, the cap on the amount of earnings subject to payroll tax will increase to $127,200. Finally, the tax brackets, standard deductions, Pease and PEP limitations, kiddie tax and other credit and deduction levels for 2017 were announced. #estateplanning #estatetax #gifttax #annualgift #exemptionlimits #COLA2017 @bgnthebgn

The ABLE Act and Nursing Home Arbitration Provisions – Update

October 27, 2016

A photo by Jonathan Simcoe. unsplash.com/photos/HFug8fv_1jw An earlier article discussed the ABLE Act that was signed into law in 2014, which permits disabled individuals to create savings accounts and set aside monies for their needs without disqualifying them from public benefits. Three different pieces of legislation were then proposed in the House to modify some of the provisions of the ABLE Act. Corresponding legislation was introduced in the Senate and referred to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. The Senate Finance Committee has approved two of the bills, but the third bill, which would raise the age of eligibility to 46 from 26, was not discussed. Many groups are upset that the ABLE Age Adjustment Act was omitted and may oppose all of the bills in an effort to have the age limitation bill revisited. The bills still need to wind their way through the procedural process, but certainly there are various negotiations occurring behind the scenes and hopefully resolution is on the horizon. In the meantime, implementation of the ABLE Act is in full force around the country. #specialneeds #ABLEact #estateplanning @bgnthebgn

In addition, as was predicted, a battle has erupted between the nursing home industry and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) over the final rule issued by CMS that bans the use of binding pre-dispute arbitration agreements by nursing homes that accept Medicare and Medicaid patients. The American Health Care Association along with four long-term care providers filed suit against the Health and Human Services Secretary and CMS arguing that the agencies overstepped their authority in issuing the rule. They are seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the rule from going into effect on November 28th. Many will follow this case closely as the final rule, as issued, will have quite the impact on the nursing home industry, the patients and their families if it takes effect. Thus, stay tuned for further updates as the lawsuit moves forward. #elderlaw #elderabuse #nursinghome #arbitrationbanned @bgnthebgn