Landowners often have a deep appreciation for their ranch, farm, forest, wetland or other property – and have concerns about the long-term welfare of the land. A conversation easement can help protect the land while life insurance can replace lost market value for the estate.

Wealth transfer strategies help ensure your client’s estate will be distributed the way they choose. Yet some of their beneficiaries may be uninterested in the asset, or ill-suited to own it. The solution may be to create an estate equalization plan using life insurance.

Currently, an estate is not subject to the federal estate tax until it exceeds $13.61 million (double for married taxpayers). In 2026, the current exemption will sunset, effectively cutting the amount in half. This piece looks at four options to protect your client's legacy before that happens.

In the past, advisors recommended moving assets outside the taxable estate through an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) when faced with estate tax uncertainty even though this can result in a loss of control to those assets while alive. But, where ILITs fall short, Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) shine.

With a spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT), one spouse makes a gift to an irrevocable trust using the gift tax exemption. The SLAT names the other spouse as a current beneficiary, which allows the trustee to distribute funds to the beneficiary spouse during their life.

The lifetime gift and estate tax exemption is set to be cut in half in 2026. It might seem like there's ample time to create a plan, but there is a practical deadline ahead of the statutory deadline. Here's what you need to know to avoid the rush.

Taxes get complicated. Retirement plans. Medicare. Social security. Estate and gift taxes. Health savings rates. Tax rate schedules. Mileage rates. This tax reference guide contains all the information you need to keep at your fingertips while planning with your clients.

Taxes get complicated. Retirement plans. Medicare. Social security. Estate and gift taxes. Health savings rates. Tax rate schedules. This tax reference pocket guide is easy to keep with you, with the information you need to keep at your fingertips while planning with your clients.

Consider this your 101 on the role and basic components of a buy-sell agreement. This overview discusses forms of arrangements including a cross purchase plan, entity purchase plan and wait and see plan. You'll also learn about valuation, restrictions, transfers and more.

If you are uncertain whether or not IRC Sections 101(j) and 6039I apply to a particular life insurance policy, or if you are uncertain what must be done to assure the death benefits are received tax-free, fill out this worksheet and let us help you get the facts.

Business-owner clients seek your advice on a wide range of issues including buy-sell, key person protection, employee retention, and exit/succession planning. If these issues lie outside your core areas of expertise, this worksheet will help you spark meaningful conversations.

It's possible to avoid the taxation of employer-owned life insurance. The general rule is that death benefits paid from a life insurance policy subject to IRC Sec. 101(j) are taxable when received. In order to avoid taxation, clients must qualify for one of several exceptions.