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Educational Alerts
Educational Alerts are written on topics that effect various aspects of estate planning and the laws that govern it. They are usually published and posted to this site at the end of each month. Occasionally newsworthy events will initiate the release of additional alerts at the time the news breaks. The purpose of an Estate Planning Update is to bring important information to the financial advisors in the community. Our hope is that this information better equips you to assist your clients.

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E. Scott Lee, PLLC releases important estate planning and related articles on a regular basis. Please take a moment to register to receive full access to our Educational Alerts and FYIs.  CLICK TO REGISTER  - OR - Enter the password that was given to you:

Turbulent Economic Times Can Lead to Estate Planning Opportunities
This article examines several ways to take advantage of the current economic conditions, from an estate planning perspective. Historically low interest rates combined with depressed asset values make many strategies more effective. The article explains how these challenging economic times can work to your client's benefit.

IRS Issues Favorable Grantor Retained Annuity Trust Ruling
This alert examines the use of Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts or "GRATs." Specifically, the article examines a recent private letter ruling which approved the use of a "substitution of assets" clause in the trust. GRATs can be an effective way to freeze the transfer tax value of assets and get appreciation of the assets out of the taxable estate without using gift tax exemption.

Recent Law Changes of Note to Financial Professionals
This Alert examines changes the recent expansion of FDIC insurance coverage and how it applies to accounts in revocable trusts. The Alert also examines how the extension of the allowance of the IRA "charitable rollover" can help your client achieve their philanthropic and tax goals.

News of Financial Crisis Brings Concerns Regarding Protection of Financial Accounts
Our alert of a few months months ago examined protection under FDIC. This alert examines protection for brokerage accounts under the SIPC and ways to expand that protection.

New Case Demonstrates the Importance of Professionally Drafted Buy-Sell Agreement
This article looks at a business arrangement between two friends and the importance of a well-drafted buy/sell agreement between them.

Recent News of Bank Failures Gives Rise in Concern Regarding Security of Bank Deposits -- Ownership of Bank Accounts in a Revocable Living Trust Can Help
Several financial institutions have failed recently. Trusts can provide expanded FDIC protection for bank accounts. This Alert explains how to calculate FDIC protection.

Tax Court Unanimously Validates Formula Clause
The Alert examines a powerful planning tool, valuation clauses, the use of which was recently approved by the Tax Court.

Estate Planning Update
The Alert examines legislation pending in Congress which would extend 2009's $3.5 million applicable exclusion. The Alert goes on to discuss how the Service is handling estate and gift tax audits.

To download the referenced report Description and Analysis of Alternative Wealth Transfer Tax System, use the link below.

Description and Analysis of Alternative Wealth Transfer Tax System Report: http://www.house.gov/jct/x-22-08.pdf

Tax Court Issues Favorable Family Limited Partnership Ruling!
In a recent decision, the Tax Court sided with the taxpayer in a case involving a Family Limited Liability Company and a transfer near death.

Two Rulings of Interest on Retirement Assets PLR 200807025 and PLR 200811028
This Alert examines several private letter rulings in which the Service examines the complicated area of beneficiary designations for qualified plans and IRAs.

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