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You've worked hard your entire life. You wanted to create a lasting legacy for your heirs. Your family is what you value most. Those long nights that you didn't get to spend time with all of them because you were working were for one purpose. To make sure that you are able to protect them once you're gone. As you've built up this financial fortress it would be a shame that the majority of it could be gone. If you want to ensure that your money goes where you want and not for taxes you need to get adequate inheritance tax advice that will provide for your family after you aren't around.
Most people assume that the systems that they've put in place will be sufficient. Sometimes things don't always go the way you planned. But there is no way to know since it will only activate once you die. If you are leaving funds to more than one child or family member make sure that you have a discussion with them so that they understand exactly what your plans are. This will help to alleviate fighting and confusion. They will know exactly what you want and won't have to guess what you might have thought or said. There will be no need for interpretation.
Tax rules are constantly changing. If you created a will or trust a decade ago you need to make sure that the laws haven't changed against you. You want to make sure that the money lasts for a few generations not one lifetime. Your recepients will not be able to undo what you created if the new tax law is at a 60% tax rate. The best way to avoid the tax would be to transfer the weatlth prior to your death. This would generate the highest inheritance and would create the greatest peace of mind for you.
There are many examples where nothing was done at all. This is the worst thing that you can do. Not only was the money held in probate as there was no will, but after taxes and lawyers' fees there wasn't really anything left to pass along. You don't want this to be you. Make sure that you have a system in place whatever you decide and get adequate inheritance tax advice to protect your legacy. |