Lessen the Tax Burden of your Estate with a Properly Drafted Will

If you plan properly and have your plan reviewed periodically, you may lower or eliminate the tax burden on your estate and leave more to your beneficiaries.

Before you make a will, you should also know how estate and income taxes affect you and your assets. The federal and New York tax laws change often as a result of various tax reform acts. So you may not be up-to- date with these complex and frequently changing laws.

Also, you may be unaware that you can choose which of your beneficiaries pay the estate taxes. If you do not choose how your estate taxes will be allocated, the tax burden will be allocated among your beneficiaries according to statutory rules that may not be in accordance with your wishes. An attorney can help you draft a will and create an estate plan that addresses these issues. If you plan properly and have your plan reviewed periodically by an attorney, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the tax burden on your estate and leave more to your beneficiaries. You may and should discuss the question of a fee with your attorney in advance. The cost of drawing a will depends on the amount of time your attorney spends on the matter, the complexity of your assets, and your dispositive wishes. In small estates, when a will contains no complicated provisions and need not address any unusual problems, the fees may be very modest. Remember, the advice of an expert may prove invaluable. Making a will is one of the wisest and potentially most important investments of your life. This information, which is based on New York law, is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should attempt to interpret or apply any law without the aid of an attorney. This is particularly true of trusts and estates law. You should consult an attorney before making decisions in this area. For questions or help preparing your Will call me at 212-268-8200 for a free consultation.