A Blue Wave?
The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in the deepest downturn in global economic activity in the post-war era, but almost certainly the shortest recession. US stocks have rebounded over 50% since the March 23rd lows and the S&P 500 is now up over 5% through three quarters. Historically, the 4th quarter is the strongest quarter of the year, but there are some potential headwinds going into year-end. The largest concerns that we are hearing from clients surround the election and what it will mean for their investments. Please click here to continue reading our 3rd Quarter Newsletter.
Election 2020: Estate Planning Opportunities
In 2018, as part of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, the gift and estate tax exemption doubled to historic levels – from $5.6 million to $11.2 million. After indexing for inflation, this year the exemption is $11.58 million, $23.16 million for a married couple, and it is currently scheduled to remain at this level through 2025.
Whether it’s due to the $4 trillion of COVID-19-fueled fiscal challenges, or a Blue Wave in November that will give Biden the power to pass sweeping tax reform, many high net worth individuals are cautious that a reduction in the exemption could be coming sooner than 2025 resulting in significant estate tax exposure for their family. Click here to read more and for a chart comparison of the major tax policy differences between the two candidates.
The CARES Act
Yesterday evening, the Senate passed an updated version of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Stimulus Phase III). The bill is intended to be a third round of federal government support for individuals and businesses and is the product of negotiations between Democrats and Republicans for a bipartisan response to the crisis. Please note that at this time it has not been enacted into law but is expected to be by Friday, March 27th.
We are fielding a number of questions from our business owner clients, who have already been significantly impacted by COVID-19, regarding their options for access to short- and long-term liquidity to minimize business disruption. If this applies to you, please feel free to read ahead to the “business” section of this letter.
Click here to read key provisions for individuals and businesses
The SECURE ACT
Attached we have highlighted the key provisions
The final weeks of 2019 brought the second major piece of tax legislation in the past 24 months, as the SECURE Act (The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act), which was passed in the House over the summer, finally made its way through the Senate and was signed into law by the President. The legislation may have significant repercussions for individuals engaged in retirement and estate planning.
Charitable Gifting from an IRA
Since 2006, IRA owners who are at least 70 1/2 can make a Qualified Charitable (QCD) of up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to a charity without having to include the distribution in taxable income. As a result of the late-2017 tax law passed by Congress, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the OCD strategy has become even more valuable to taxpayers.