IRS Warns of Tax Traps

High net worth individuals with whom we work are often the targets of tax scams.

Read More

RMD Penalty Waived – Again

In IRS Notice 2024-19 the Service once again has waived the penalty for the failure to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from an inherited IRA when the IRA owner was over his/her required beginning date (RBD) at the time of death.

Read More

ILIT Reviews

Reviewing a life insurance policy held in an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is a complex, and often thankless, task for the trustee of that Trust.

Read More

The “Mailbox Rule” and Delivery to the IRS

Communicating with the IRS is never fun. Relying on the mail to effect those communications comes with other risks, including the IRS’s position that it never received the communication.

Read More

The Settlor’s Role in Nonjudicial Settlement Agreements

Attorneys and trust officers are now becoming more familiar with the possible use of a nonjudicial settlement agreement to expedite the administration of a Trust or to resolve minor disputes.

Read More

Planning for 2026?

To sound like a ‘broken record,’ now is a good time to start to talk to individuals about using their bonus applicable exemption amount before it disappears in 2026.

Read More

Liquidating Artwork? Consider Charitable Trusts

Due to the high capital gains taxes faced by art collectors when they sell artwork, deferring capital gains taxes should be seriously considered using a charitable trust.

Read More

Tortious Interference with an Inheritance or Gift – Apparently Not in Michigan

It is not clear if a plaintiff’s cause of action for the tortious interference with an inheritance, expectancy, or a gift is viable in Michigan Courts.

Read More

ESG Investing Update

In the past year or so, the pendulum seems to be swinging away from ESG investing, but questions remain with regard to a trustee’s fiduciary duties, especially when the trustee is pressed by trust beneficiaries to pursue an ESG investment strategy.

Read More

Why – Directed Trusts

Read More