Presently, estate tax matters predominantly impact the wealthiest 1% of the population, but all individuals should consider income tax concerns, particularly the basis, when crafting estate plans. Changes in tax legislation within the past decade mean estate plans and trusts created under previous laws may not effectively address these income and tax basis considerations anymore.
However, the positive shift in estate tax laws in San Jose doesn’t diminish the importance of tax planning in estate planning. Rather, it redirects attention from estate tax planning to income tax planning, particularly emphasizing “basis” planning. San Jose, a technology and financial hub houses a lot of experienced tax professionals who can help you in this.
- Analyzing Individual Assets is Crucial for Basis Planning
Assess each asset’s potential future appreciation and the projected timeframe for its disposal. Additionally, understand that income tax rates upon asset sale can differ depending on the asset type. Likewise, the regulations governing the determination of your or your heirs’ basis in an asset may differ depending on the asset type. Consequently, there is no universal rule of thumb applicable to everyone or every asset regarding basis planning. Instead, each asset must be individually assessed based on your specific circumstances.
- Lifetime Gifts of Depreciated Property
If you possess an asset whose value has declined since acquisition and you don’t foresee selling it while alive, consider gifting the asset during your lifetime to maintain a higher basis. This enables the recipient to inherit your basis, potentially reducing taxable income upon the asset’s eventual sale if it appreciates in value. Conversely, if you retain the asset until your passing, and it’s inherited by the recipient from your estate, their basis will be restricted to the asset’s fair market value at the time of your demise. This means that if the asset appreciates and is later sold, the recipient’s taxable income will exceed what it would have been if you had gifted the asset to them during your lifetime.
In this regard, considering professional tax services in San Jose, CA is recommended for their tailored strategies and expertise in navigating complex tax matters.
- Reviewing Assets Held in Trust
It’s typical for married couples to establish an estate plan wherein, upon the first spouse’s demise, a trust is set up for the surviving spouse. These trusts, often known as “credit shelter trusts” or “family trusts,” are typically designed in a manner where assets held within the trust upon the surviving spouse’s death are excluded from their taxable estate. In previous tax laws, when the estate tax exemption was lower, such trusts frequently resulted in significant estate tax savings.
Tax professionals in San Jose can provide tailored strategies in this regard.
