Estate Planning

Not having an estate plan could cost your heirs anywhere from a third to more than half of your estate.

Our CPAmerica member firms’ professionals can help you navigate the sometimes difficult channels of estate planning. They can work with you to structure your plan to reduce taxes and ensure that your personal objectives and those of your beneficiaries are met.

A good estate plan will address not only the transfer of money from the estate to your heirs, but also many other issues. A member firm can help you answer the following important questions:

Has someone agreed to care for your children in the event of your death?
Do you have a source of liquid funds in the event of a significant disability or death?
Do you have a will?
Do you have an executor?
Do you have a living trust?
Who will handle your affairs if you are incapacitated?
Have you designated medical and financial powers of attorney?
Who will make decisions about your medical care if you are unable to act for yourself?
What will happen to your business if you become disabled or die?
Are you certain your estate assets will end up in the right hands?
Are you sure your beneficiary designations provide the lowest transfer tax?
Have you considered lifetime gifts?

Your estate plan should be updated every three to five years, particularly if there have been changes in your circumstances such as marriage, divorce, birth or death of a family member or an increase or decrease in family income. Call the CPAmerica member firm in your area to help you protect those you love.