An estate plan is a common way that people designate the division of their estate after their passing. However, estate taxes and government regulations may affect the inheritance your heirs receive.
There are a few methods that you may enact to protect the transfer of your assets for the sake of your children and generations to come. Check out the different ways you can effectively secure and transfer assets to the next generation.
Annual gifts
Annual gifting is one of the most common ways that individuals secure assets for their heirs. You may gift each heir up to $14,000 per year, and this amount does not require a gift tax return.
GRATs
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts allow you to essentially leave free gifts for your heirs. You select assets that have future growth potential and set their future growth outside of the estate. The difference of the growth of the asset minus the interest rate is what remains outside of the estate. This not only helps you to grow a trust for your heirs, but it also reduces the size of your estate, therefore reducing taxes.
ILITs
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust allows you to create life insurance policies through trusts outside of your taxable estate. Each year, you gift payments to the trust to cover the plan, and once you pass, the trust pays the death benefits to the beneficiaries. This is another option to reduce taxes and limit the amount of taxes paid out of the beneficiaries’ award.
Depending on your particular situation, one of these options may help secure assets for your bloodline. Whatever route you choose, make sure that it has the proper construction in accordance with Georgia law and that you carefully select a trustee who will ensure that your wishes are met. If you need more clarity, it may also be beneficial to discuss your options with a knowledgeable attorney.
