No matter our financial status, we all need to consider estate planning. If for nothing, a properly planned and executed estate could save our family’s prolonged litigations after our death.
It can also provide families with some financial security and peace of mind. The sad thing is that most people don’t consider this for reasons unknown. Currently, around 30 percent of US citizens have an estate plan, but the other 70 percent will leave their loved ones scrambling.
What Is An Estate?
An estate is the assets and capital we wish to leave behind for the family or whomever in simple financial terms. It includes insurance policies, real estate, bank accounts, lands, bonds, and other investments.
Estate Planning
To ensure our estate goes to the right people, we need to plan it. How do you want your properties distributed or shared after your death? Estate planning is therefore designating your assets to particular individuals.
It stipulates what goes to members of the family, other persons, or organization. This is very important because whoever inherits this is supposed to continue the legacy. It is also a way to cut down the income tax, estate tax, and other taxes on the beneficiaries.
Importance of Estate Planning
Prevents Family Disputes
There are several instances of family clashes after the demise of a benefactor. When a wealthy person dies, the probability of the family being at each other’s neck is very high, especially if there is no clear estate plan.
The result ends in long, drawn-out court battles and family members arguing for extended periods of time of your assets. You can prevent such feuds by planning your estate today.
Secures Beneficiaries
Planning our estate protects the beneficiaries from misunderstandings and unexpected takeovers. Whomever you designate your assets to with the help of a competent law firm like Filippi Law, P.C., means your heirs are protected.
Without a comprehensive estate plan that meets the California estate laws, the court would decide who gets what from your estate regardless of your wishes.
Prevents Beneficiaries From Paying Unnecessary Taxes
Estate taxes can scare many people and causes a lot of unnecessary stress among families. However, having an estate plan in place can help reduce the tax burdens on your beneficiaries and ensure the process goes smoothly.
It can save them from paying your high taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. The US lifetime tax exemption on inheritance is currently set at $12.06 million. However, this can change along with other federal and state estate taxes.
What Are Estate Taxes?
An estate tax is an amount levied on the properties of a deceased. In short, the government is taxing you for transferring your properties to other people. However, there can be exemptions.
The estate’s value must exceed the exclusion list set by your state to attract taxes. The tax component is based on the estate’s fair market value at a particular time. Therefore, if you own land, a house, or any other property in Sacramento, you should include them in your estate plan.
Note: The tax component would be based on the property’s current value and not how much you acquired it.
California Estate Tax
Residents in California attest to the fact that they are one of the most heavily taxed people in the country. However, the good news is that California does not have its own estate tax regime. But you may still have to pay some taxes on your inheritance depending on its value as set by federal laws.
Besides the state laws, the Federal Government has an estate tax. The difference is that federal taxes are levied on huge inheritance and apply everywhere. This means that any inheritance in California that exceeds certain thresholds may be subject to federal laws.
How California Estate Tax Works
For now, California has no estate or gift tax, but you may have to pay federal taxes on those gifts or inheritances. Currently, $16,000 is the annual federal gift tax exclusion per recipient.
It is refreshing to know that the federal death tax is for assets valued at $12.06 million and above for each person. Couples can maximize this tax exemption with proper estate planning.
Estates above the mentioned exemption amount attract 18% to 40% in taxes, meaning you’ll have no tax burden when the estate is below the set value.
Here is how the taxing system works in California:
- Some portions of estates held in a trust may be taxed after the death of the trust creators if the trust brings income. If the trust is a retail business that generates income, that income may be taxable.
- Even though California residents enjoy a tax-free inheritance, transactions on such assets and other components attract taxes. For example, estates like pension and retirement accounts are taxable.
- Unlike what happens in other states, you enjoy tax-free Social Security benefits in California.
- The state’s property tax is around 1.25%, which is quite manageable compared to other states.
- Trust property you sell may be subject to capital gains tax.
In California, estate planning can help you escape the huge taxes even if your inheritance exceeds the 2022 tax exemptions. You need to understand the laws very well to take advantage of them.
As mentioned, California State has no estate tax. This is because the state’s death tax was repealed in 1982. However, portions of the inheritance may be subject to taxes so please consult with an attorney or CPA to ensure you are properly prepared.
Filippi Law Firm, P.C. can assist with all your California estate planning needs and share tips to avoid burdensome taxes. Hiring an attorney can help you take advantage of the various loopholes and benefits within the tax system.
Conclusion
Having an estate plan in place at the time of your death can allow your loved ones and other beneficiaries to move on with their lives without the stress of dealing with probate courts.
Contact us today to see how we can help you with your estate planning.
