Approaching the year-end marks a strategic opportunity to fine-tune your financial and estate plans. Reflect on your wealth goals, align them with your future commitments, and make the most of effective year-end planning. Whether considering philanthropy, business transitions, or uncertain wealth goals, strategic planning now can optimize your financial outlook.
Year-End Gift and Estate Tax Planning:
- Gift/Estate Tax Exemption: Utilize the lifetime exemption of $12.92 million ($25.84 million for couples) to protect transfers from estate and gift tax. Act before potential decreases in 2026.
- Lifetime Gifting: Strategically make gifts during your lifetime to reduce future asset appreciation in the taxable estate. Leverage valuation discounts for effective gifting.
- Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs): Benefit from SLATs, allowing a safety net for one spouse while maximizing tax advantages.
Year-End Income Tax Planning:
- Tax Loss Harvesting: Offset capital gains with losses, reducing taxable income. Up to $3,000 in losses can offset ordinary income, with excess losses carried forward.
- Roth IRA Conversion: Consider converting to a Roth IRA for tax-free withdrawals in the future, especially during market downturns.
- Charitable Planning: Maximize tax benefits with end-of-year charitable contributions. Donate appreciated securities and explore Donor-Advised Funds for tax efficiency.
Year-End RMDs and Contribution Limit Planning:
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Opt for a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to direct up to $100,000 to a charity, reducing taxable income.
- Contribution Limits: Stay within contribution limits for employer-sponsored and IRA plans. Plan ahead for the April 15, 2024 deadline.
Year-End Planning in a High-Interest-Rate Environment:
- Impact on Estate Planning: Higher interest rates affect estate planning tools like Applicable Federal Rates (AFRs) and the 7520 rate.
- Estate Planning Techniques: Leverage valuation changes for split-interest gifts like QPRTs, CRTs, and GRATs in high-rate environments.
- Planning Opportunities: Despite challenges, discuss planning opportunities with a wealth planner to optimize year-end strategies.
Checklist for Year-End Tax and Estate Planning:
- Maximizing Wealth Transfer: Strategically use estate tax exemptions, ensure compliance, and communicate estate decisions clearly.
- Strong Philanthropic Inclination: Maximize cash contributions, utilize IRA funds for giving, and involve the next generation in philanthropy.
- Selling/Holding a Business: Gift business interests, consider donations to charities, and establish clear succession plans.
- Uncertain Excess Wealth Goals: Collaborate with a wealth planner for values-based planning and consider versatile trust structures.
Year-end planning is pivotal for financial health and a smooth asset transition. Proactive planning today can yield substantial benefits tomorrow. Ready to optimize your year-end strategy? Connect with us now!