November 2024

IRS Announces 2025 Gift and Estate Tax Exemptions

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released its tax inflation adjustment figures for tax year 2025.

Inheritance Tax: What States Have It and When It Applies

Inheritance tax is a state-level tax that beneficiaries pay when they receive assets from an estate after somebody has passed away.

Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Initial Steps You Can Take

Here are some steps you can take to get started with the estate planning process, even before you meet with an attorney to work on any legal documents.

Who Holds Your Will and Other Estate Planning Documents?

Once you've taken the step to create a will and get your estate plan in order, you need to figure out what to do with the will itself.

Your Social Security Benefits for 2025: COLA Update

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) figures for 2025.

How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits

The federal government provides Social Security retirement benefits, a form of financial assistance, to individuals who have reached retirement age and have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes during their working years.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program: A 2024 Update

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is one of four types of Medicare Savings Programs. This fall, a new rule will ensure that many more people gain access to this valuable program.

I Don't Need SSI or Medicaid. Why Get a Special Needs Trust?

There are many benefits to having a special needs trust that go far beyond the ability to maintain eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. For example, although Social Security Disability Insurance does not have asset or income requirements, this does not mean that SSDI beneficiaries should not have special needs trusts.