Blog - "Altman Speaks"

When It Comes to Estate Planning Documents, Words Matter. Every. Single. One.

Estate planning is all about drafting legal documents that factor in a clients' unique goals, familial situation, and assets. Each and every word in these documents carries a tremendous amount of power, and therefore responsibility. The words written in Wills and Trusts are often enforced or litigated years or decades later, many times after the […]

Preparing for Tax Policy Changes in 2021

2020, a year we will never forget, is behind us, and we are already three weeks into 2021. As we approach the inauguration of a new president and hope and pray for the division in this country to abate, I want to remind everyone that we anticipate significant tax policy changes for 2021. The election and fiscal stimulus […]

Tech Entrepreneur Worth an Estimated $1 Billion Dies Without a Will

Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh died in house fire last month. The tech entrepreneur was 46 years old, worth a reported $1 billion, and didn't have a will. We've heard this story before. Wealthy public figures like Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Sonny Bono all died without having wills in place, despite their massive estates. And […]

Congress Agrees to Covid Relief Package

Lawmakers have agreed to a $900 billion Covid-19 relief package intended to help businesses and individuals and provide money to deliver vaccines. Some of the key components of the proposed legislation: This legislation would extend aid by providing another round of stimulus checks. Adults earning less than $75,000 will receive a $600 check, and couples who […]

Happy Holidays from the Altman Team

This year, in lieu of our traditional holiday gifts, the Altman team has chosen to make donations to a few of the charities that hold a special place in our hearts. Now, more than ever, these organizations need support as they strive to continue providing for our communities, despite the added challenges brought on by […]

Are Payments of a Loved One's Health Insurance Premiums or School Tuition Subject to Federal Gift or Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes?

During the holiday season, we receive an influx of questions from clients regarding gifting. Estate planning is an excellent tool for giving to our loved ones and charitable organizations, not only after we're gone, but while we are alive and well. Gifts can take many forms beyond the traditional sense. One such example is the […]

New FINRA Rule Limits Financial Advisor's Ability to Serve as Trustee or Fiduciary for Client

Clients often ask me if they can appoint their financial advisor/planner to be their Trustee, Power of Attorney, or Personal Representative (Executor). My response is that it may be a conflict of interest. Moreover, some firms prohibit their financial advisors from serving in these roles, so I tell clients to check with their financial advisor […]

URGENT Tax & Estate Planning Opportunities to Consider Before the End of 2020!

Most of us can’t wait for this nasty year to come to a close. As we look ahead to the New Year, however, it is important to remember that, given the results of the 2020 election, the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 enacted by the Trump Administration will likely expire. This year, 2020, […]

Happy Thanksgiving from the Altman Team

The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is a time when we traditionally come together with family and friends around the dinner table to give thanks for our many blessings. This year, however, many family traditions have been interrupted. Visits to see parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins may be on hold. Charitable organizations face logistical challenges […]

Tax Considerations & Estate Planning Opportunities to Consider Before the End of 2020 (Part 2 of 2)

As indicated in Part 1 of our series, Tax Considerations & Estate Planning Opportunities to Consider Before the End of 2020, President-Elect Joe Biden's plans include higher tax rates that will affect wealthy individuals and businesses. His proposed tax policy includes the removal of the favorable tax exemptions included in the Tax Cuts and Job […]

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Recent Posts

Estate Planning Isn’t Just for Boomers: A Guide for Millennials and Gen Z

Gary Altman named Trust and Estates Attorney for Bethesda Magazine's Top Attorneys 2021

Estate Planning is Still Possible (and Critical) Despite the Tax Uncertainty

Tis’ the Season for Estate Planning

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The Art of Gifting: Deciding What Strategy is Best for You

Veterans Day 2021

Tax Changes: Where Do We Stand Right Now?

Proposal to Tax Billionaires for Unrealized Appreciation

Tax Law Changes Could Mean More Americans Will Pay Estate Taxes

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