Estate and inheritance planning is an essential part of managing your assets. Whether you are only starting out or are already retired, it’s wise to be aware of the facts and statistics related to estates and inheritances. It helps to understand the current trends in estate planning, and how such plans can be structured for maximum benefit. By understanding the latest information available, you can make better decisions about how to plan for your future, and that of your family.
We will take you through some estate and inheritance facts and statistics that everyone should review before making any estate planning resolutions
Understanding Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of making arrangements for your estate in the event of your death. It can also be used to manage your affairs when you become incapacitated.
There are several things to consider when it comes to estate planning, including:
- Who will inherit your assets?
- How will your debts be paid off?
- What are your funeral wishes?
- Do you have any specific instructions for caring for minor children or pets?
- What are your wishes regarding organ donation?
- Do you want to set up a trust?
Estate planning is important. It helps manage your finances and ensures that your wishes are followed after you pass away. Taking the time to create a plan using a reliable estate planning software is important. With the right estate planning solution, you can easily transfer wealth to family members without having to go through the lengthy and sometimes expensive probate court process. Estate planning software allows you to easily create an estate plan with the necessary documents and keep them all in one place. As a result, you can reduce unnecessary stress, confusion, and heartache in the future, and avoid the extra costs you might incur for not having an estate plan to protect your family’s future. Without an estate plan, specifically a will, your property will be distributed according to state rules, and the courts will decide who gets custody of your children.
What Is An Inheritance?
An inheritance is a financial gift given to someone after the death of a loved one. The inheritance can be in multiple forms, like cash, stocks, property, or other assets. Inheritances are typically given to family members, but can also be given to friends or charities. Inheritances are subject to federal and state taxes, so it is vital to consult with a tax advisor before deciding what to do with an inheritance. There are also legal restrictions on how an inheritance can be used. So, it’s important to consult with an attorney before deciding what to do with an inheritance plan.
How To Gift the Property
You should keep some things in mind when it comes to gifting property. First, you’ll need to determine the property’s fair market value. You can do this by appraising the property or hiring a real estate agent to provide you with a comparative market analysis. Once you have determined the property’s fair market value, you can then gift it to your intended recipient.
There are a few different ways to gift property.
- You can give it outright, which means the recipient receives the full ownership of the property, and can do with it as they please.
- You can also place restrictions on how the property can be used, such as limiting its use to only residential purposes or designating it as a historical landmark that cannot be modified or demolished.
- If you’re gifting property to someone who is not a family member, consider setting up a trust. This can allow you to retain some control over how the property is used, and ensure that it is used for its intended purpose. Trusts can be complex, so be sure to consult with an attorney before setting one up.
Finally, remember that gifting property may have tax implications. Ensure to consult with a tax advisor before making any gifts, as they can help you minimize potential tax liability.
How To Avoid Probate
Regarding estate planning, one of the key considerations is how to avoid probate. Probate is a legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. Usually, it can be a time-consuming and expensive undertaking.
There are a number of ways to avoid probate, including:
- Use a Trust.
- Make use of beneficiary designations.
- Give gifts during your lifetime.
- Keep assets jointly-owned.
- Create a living revocable trust.
- Transfer the property’s ownership to a death deed or beneficiary deed.
- Utilize payable on death bank accounts, transfer to death securities, and other similar accounts or instruments.
- Use small estate affidavits when permissible under state law.
The Estate Taxes in the United States to Consider
When it comes to estate taxes, the United States has a complicated history. Estate taxes were enacted in 1797, but were repealed two years later. They were reinstated in 1816, and remained in place until 1865, when they were repealed. It wasn’t until 1898 that estate taxes came back to the U.S., where they have remained ever since.
The modern estate tax system in the United States is a progressive tax, which means the tax rate increases with the value of the estate. The current estate tax rates are as follows:
- No estate tax is owed for estates valued at $10,000 or less.
- For estates between $10,000 and $20,000, the tax rate is 5%.
- For estates between $20,000 and $40,000, the tax rate is 10%.
- For estates between $40,000 and $60,000, the tax rate is 15%.
- For estates valued between $60,000 and $80,000, the tax rate is 20%.
- For estates valued between $80,000 and $100,000, the tax rate is 25%.
- For estates valued between $150,000 and $250,000, the tax rate is 32%.
- The property between $250,000 to $500,000 will have tax rates of 34%.
- Moreover, for the ones between $500,000 to $750,000 the tax rates will be 37%.
- 39% tax rate would be on the ones that lie between $750,000 to $1 million.
- Finally, the estates above $1 million have the tax rates of 40%.
The Must-Know Estate Planning Statistics
Estate planning is a process that everyone should go through, yet many people avoid it. Here are some must-read estate planning statistics that may help motivate you to get started:
- According to a recent survey, 68% of Americans do not have a will or living trust. This means that if something happened to them, their loved ones would have to figure out how to divide their assets without any guidance from the deceased.
- Out of those who do have a will or living trust, 20% say they haven’t updated it in over 10 years. This is problematic because life circumstances change, and what made sense 10 years ago may not make sense now.
- 50% of American adults do not have life insurance. This is a big mistake because life insurance can provide great financial security for your loved ones after your death.
- 67% of millennials say they are likely to use an inheritance to pay off debt. This is understandable given the large amount of student loan debt many young adults carry these days. However, it’s important to remember that debt isn’t the only thing you can use your inheritance for – you can also use it to achieve financial goals, like buying a home or starting a business.
- Only 8% of people say they have a detailed plan for how to pass on their digital assets. With the rise of online accounts and digital photos and videos, it’s important to ensure your loved ones know how to access these valuable items after you’re gone.
- 42% of persons earning $40,000 to $80,000 per year think they don’t have time to prepare a will, and 32% believe they need more assets to leave behind before they can leave a will.
- 71% of Americans believe that making an estate plan will make them better parents or partners.
These estate planning statistics illustrate why it’s so important to plan ahead. It helps you to see some of the important aspects to consider with the estate and inheritance plan. If you haven’t already done this, now is the time to create or update your will and other documents. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
The Role of Trusts in Estate Planning
Regarding estate planning, trusts can be an important tool. A trust is a legal entity that can hold property on behalf of another person or entity. Trusts can be used for a variety of purposes, including asset protection and tax planning.
There are multiple types of trusts, but some of the most common ones include:
- Revocable living trusts
- Irrevocable trusts
Revocable living trusts can be changed or revoked by the grantor at any time. On the contrary, irrevocable trusts cannot be changed once they are created. Trusts are important in estate planning because they help protect assets from creditors and tax liabilities. They can also help ensure that assets are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes. In some cases, trusts can also help minimize estate taxes.
Conclusion
Estate and inheritance planning is a multi-faceted process that requires careful consideration. It is important to review the facts and statistics related to this topic to ensure you are making informed decisions in regard to planning your estate. With the help of an estate planning software, you can develop an effective estate and inheritance strategy. One that meets all of your needs while protecting your assets for future generations. Taking the time now to review these facts and figures can make a huge difference in the success of any estate or inheritance plans you create.
