Understanding the Section 1015 Trust: Assets Not Included in the Taxable Estate
A Section 1015 Trust is a strategic estate planning tool used to transfer wealth outside of an individual’s taxable estate. Unlike a Section 1014 Trust, which allows assets to receive a step-up in basis at death, a Section 1015 Trust does not—meaning heirs inherit the original cost basis of the assets. While the lack of […]
Capital Gains Tax Strategies to Lower Your Tax Bill
Capital gains taxes can take a significant bite out of investment profits, but with careful planning, investors and business owners can reduce or defer these taxes. Here are some of the most effective strategies for managing capital gains taxes: 1. Borrow Against Your Asset Instead of Selling One of the most powerful tax strategies for […]
Self-Canceling Installment Notes (SCINs): A Powerful Wealth Transfer Strategy
Self-Canceling Installment Notes (SCINs): A Powerful Wealth Transfer Strategy Todd Phillips Mar 4, 2025 3 min read For business owners and real estate investors looking to transfer wealth without triggering capital gains tax or adding assets to their taxable estate, Self-Canceling Installment Notes (SCINs) offer a powerful solution. When paired with an irrevocable trust, SCINs can […]
GRIT, GRAT, GRUT – what does it all mean?
When it comes to estate planning, there is no shortage of acronyms. Here is a quick list to help you short through the alphabet: GRAT – Grantor Retained Annuity Trust: A trust that allows the grantor to transfer assets to beneficiaries while retaining fixed annuity payments for a set period, often used to minimize estate taxes. […]