Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM

Do it now

By N. Todd Angkatavanich & Sean M. Aylward

It has been 18 months since the collapse of Lehman Brothers and just over a year since the stock market touched its lows. Although the stock market has recovered a portion of the decline, values across most asset categories remain at significantly reduced levels when compared to pre-recession values. Despite the recent rally, uncertainty exists with respect to the strength of the recovery, both domestically and abroad. The unemployment rate remains high and the effect of the large federal deficits on the continued success of the recovery remains unclear. As a result, clients have adopted a cautious approach to business and wealth transfer planning. Many clients have stayed on the sidelines and have not considered, or have considered but not implemented, wealth transfer strategies during this period of economic uncertainty.

But a cautious approach may not be the best strategy. Rather, the current economic climate, with its combination of depressed asset values and low government hurdle rates, together with the likelihood of government action to restrict and/or eliminate certain planning techniques, makes this an ideal time to implement various wealth transfer strategies. To achieve the greatest tax benefits and to most efficiently leverage available exemption amounts, it is important that these transactions be considered and implemented prior to asset appreciation or gain recognition events — such as the sale or liquidation of assets. By exploring these wealth transfer strategies with your clients, you can seize the opportunity to help your clients take advantage of these unique circumstances.

Topics of Interest

Estate Tax	Donor Advised Funds
GSTs	Family Offices
Private Foundations	Life Insurance
2010 Tax Act News	Industry Trends Surveys

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Topics of Interest

Estate Tax	Donor Advised Funds
GSTs	Family Offices
Private Foundations	Life Insurance
2010 Tax Act News	Industry Trends Surveys

E-Newsletter Signup

2011 Trust Glossary

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50 Years Ago This Month

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50 years ago, in May 1962, we featured articles such as: "Future of Canadian Trusteeship" by Arthur H. Mingay", "Training Trust Employees" by Ian M. Marr, "What is a Trust Officer?" by Eric J. Brown, and "Selling Services" by Donald I. Webb.

Conrad Teitell's Guide to Tax Benefits For Charitable Gifts

Click here to view the most up to date guide (September 2011)

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