Why You Should Plan For An Inheritance

Why You Should Plan For An Inheritance Brett Fingerhut

Those fortunate enough to receive an inheritance should consider important factors, such as estate taxes and liability protection. Otherwise, they may struggle to preserve their wealth.

Beneficiaries need a game plan to protect their inheritance, so they can one day leave behind a legacy to their heirs. When devising a plan, there are specific risks to mitigate.

TAXES CAN HURT Estate tax and tax rates are subject to change, making it important to know what the current thresholds are and how they impact one’s family.

There is no getting around paying taxes, but it is helpful to know how much the net inheritance will be after taxes. This will allow beneficiaries to plan for the future and help them select investment vehicles. Also, if the owner of the estate has a lot of money tied up in an IRA account, it makes sense to have that account roll down to their beneficiaries. This will prevent the liquidation of the retirement account, in most instances.

FAMILY DISPUTES

Siblings and other heirs can potentially fight over their inheritance money, which is a bad situation for families to be in. Feelings can get hurt, and grudges may ensue because someone feels they’ve been slighted or treated unfairly. Having a will in place is important for everyone involved in the inheritance and estate planning process. Beneficiaries will not be surprised at the moment they’re entitled to an inheritance if all stakeholders have read the will associated with the estate.

LIABILITY PROTECTION If one inherits a large sum of money, they can potentially become a target for lawsuits and fraudsters that want to take their wealth. Having trusts and other instruments to mitigate risks, and limit liability is wise and takes research. Speaking with a qualified attorney about estate planning and what to do with an inheritance is a process that can take multiple sessions to figure out. The sooner beneficiaries get started, the better.

Receiving an inheritance is a positive thing that can change the dynamics of one’s life. There are important steps to take before any portion of an estate passes into one’s hands, to avoid excessive taxes, family squabbles and loss of wealth. With a solid plan in place, beneficiaries can avoid inheritance pitfalls and expand their estates.

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