Identify a team of trusted professionals
Tax laws can be complicated, so you might want to consult with professionals who are familiar with assets that transfer at death. These professionals may include an attorney, an accountant, and a financial and/or insurance professional.
Consider tax consequences
While you might not owe income taxes on the assets you inherit, your income tax liability may eventually increase, particularly if the assets you inherit generate taxable income. For instance, distributions you receive from inherited tax-qualified plans such as 401(k)s or IRAs will likely increase your taxable income.
Also, your inheritance may increase the size of your estate to the point where it may be subject to state and/or federal transfer (estate) taxes at your death. You might need to consider ways to help reduce these potential taxes.
How you receive your inheritance makes a difference
Your inheritance may be received through a trust, in which case you’ll receive distributions according to the terms of the trust. You might not have total control over your inheritance as you would if you inherited the assets outright. If you inherit assets through a trust, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the trust document and the terms under which you are to receive trust distributions.
Develop a financial plan
Consider your future needs and how long you want your wealth to last. It’s a good idea to take some time after inheriting money to formulate a financial plan. You’ll want to consider your current lifestyle and your future needs, then formulate a financial strategy to meet short- and long-term goals.
Evaluate your estate plan
Depending on the value of your inheritance, it may be appropriate to re-evaluate your estate plan. Estate planning involves conserving your money and putting it to work so that it best fulfills your goals. It also means helping reduce your exposure to potential taxes and possibly creating a comfortable financial future for your family and other intended beneficiaries.
Rudy Rodriguez is insurance licensed in the states of GA and FL. Stuart Jones is insurance licensed in the states of AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, MS, NY, SD, TN, TX and VA. Kinship Wealth Partners offers advisory Services through EPG Wealth Management LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Securities offered through Arkadios Capital, a broker/dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Kinship Wealth Partners, EPG Wealth Management LLC, and Arkadios Capital are not affiliated through any ownership. Certain individuals associated with or employed by Kinship Wealth Partners, may be registered with EPG Wealth Management LLC and/or Arkadios Capital. Past performance does not guarantee or is indicative of future results. This summary of statistics, price, and quotes has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not necessarily complete and cannot be guaranteed. All securities may lose value, may not be insured by any federal agency and are subject to availability and price changes. Market risk is a consideration if sold prior to maturity. Information and opinions herein are for general informational use only and subject to change without notice. This material does not constitute an offer to sell, solicitation of an offer to buy, recommendation to buy, or representation as the suitability or appropriateness of any security, financial product, or instrument, unless explicitly stated as such. Link to SIPC https://www.sipc.org/ Link to FINRA https://brokercheck.finra.org/ Privacy Policy SIPC FINRA ADV Brochure