Tax Tip of the Week | No. 460 | The Biggest Estate Plan Mistake - It's Not What You Think
Tax Tip of the Week | May 16, 2018 | No. 460 | The Biggest Estate Plan Mistake - It's Not What You Think
Only about half of the adults aged 50 to 64 surveyed say they have a will that outlines how their monies and estate assets are to be divided following death. Only about two-thirds of those adults 65 and over say they have such paperwork. If you don’t have a valid will at death your assets will pass by what is known as “intestate succession” to your heirs according to state law. All fifty states have these statutes in place. So in summary, if you don’t have a will, the state will make one for you.Ever hide some money and forget where you hid it? I have. It is such a pleasant surprise when I stumble across it. Presuming I ever do. Sure many people have wills drawn-up and some elaborate estate planning performed. However, if you are the only one who knows its whereabouts, is someone ever going to find it following your demise? Some people put these documents in a safe deposit box but never tell anyone where the key is. Or, your attorney has your will and estate planning in their vault. But, does anyone have a clue who your attorney is? If no one knows where your will is, then for all intents and purposes you do not have one; other than the one the state is going to do for you. I would be surprised if you like how the state distributes your assets.Some financial persons advise putting together a two page or so letter along with a list as a hand-out for at least your immediate family and then review and discuss it with them. The letter will outline how the estate plan works and where your necessary documents are located. At the end of the day, your survivors will be more grateful than you know.Credit given to Glen Ruffenach of the Wall Street Journal for some ideas, concepts and excerpts. (Monday, February 5, 2018)Thank you for all of your questions, comments and suggestions for future topics. As always, they are much appreciated. We may be reached in Dayton at 937-436-3133 and in Xenia at 937-372-3504. Or visit our website.This week's author – Mark Bradstreet, CPA--until next week.