CAN I AVOID THE GIFT TAX BY LOANING MONEY AT NO INTEREST AND THEN FORGIVING THE LOAN?

You must put the terms in writing, include a repayment schedule and charge a fair market interest rate. If you forgive the loan at any point, then it is considered a gift. If you or a family member need assistance with estate gift tax call me at (716) 333-5144.

DO I HAVE TO PAY A TAX ON GIFTS THAT I HAVE THAT ARE OVER $13,000 PER YEAR?

There is not a limit on gifts you can give to charity or your spouse without owing tax subject to several exceptions. The $13,000 a year is per person ($26,000 if you are married). You can give $13,000 to as many people as you wish each year tax-free. Even if you exceed your annual exclusion […]

DO I HAVE TO PAY TAX ON GIFTS THAT I RECEIVE?

No, the person who gives the gift may owe gift tax. Gifts from your employer may be taxable as income. Also, if you receive property that appreciated in value since the donor purchased it, you get the giver’s cost basis. If you receive over $100,000 in gifts from one or more foreign individuals, you must […]

WHAT IS AN ESTATE TAX CLOSING LETTER?

A closing letter is provided by the New York State Tax Department to certify no tax is due or to serve as a final receipt for the tax due. It is received after all processing is completed and should be kept as a permanent record. Most closing letters will take about 4-6 months from the […]

THE ATTORNEY/CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IN ELDER LAW

An Elder Law Attorney’s professional obligation lies with the client – not the client’s family. This means if relatives seek legal services from the same attorney, professional ethical standards relating to potential conflicts of interest must be met. When an older individual lacks the capacity to become a client, the lawyer may be able to […]

Arranging for Long Term Care

Don’t wait until a crisis occurs to plan. Advanced long‐term care planning is crucial. Many middle class New York seniors are faced with the prospect of a double disaster –first they may lose their health, and second, they may lose their lifetime savings to the catastrophic costs of long‐term care. Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC assists lower […]

WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES FOR WHICH YOU NEED TO PLAN?

How to have sufficient resources and income at retirement to support your preferred lifestyle. Where to live during retirement. Which estate and financial strategies, such as long‐term care insurance, to pursue for potential health and long‐term care needs, in order to reduce estate taxes and avoid probate. How to set up and guide substitute decision‐makers […]

HOW DO NEW YORK ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS DIFFER FROM OTHER ATTORNEYS?

Elder Law attorneys bring a different perspective to the delivery of services to their clients. They use a multi‐disciplinary approach to help seniors, people with disabilities and their families in a caring, compassionate way to preserve dignity for such individuals. Elder Law attorneys look at what is best for the aging client from all points of view in an […]

WHAT IS ELDER LAW?

Elder Law concentrates on legal representation, legal counseling, and assistance to seniors, people with disabilities and families with a variety of legal issues, from estate planning to long term care issues, with an emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for the individual. Elder Law attorneys use a multidisciplinary approach, addressing medical, financial, legal, […]