Brian Sheahen
House Ways and Means Proposed Tax Reform

On Monday September 13, the House Ways and Means introduced proposed tax changes for debate this week in an initial bill. The tax changes would be significant for many taxpayers and is intended to finance a broader $3.5 Trillion domestic investment plan. The changes proposed in the House bill will almost certainly evolve and deviate to a degree from how they are originally drafted, if it even ever becomes law. At the moment, these are purely provisions as part of the House Ways and Means initial bill proposal and should not be relied on as specific tax law or guidance.

House Ways and Means Proposed Tax Reform
Financial Planning, Executive Compensation, Equity Compensation Plans, Investments, Personal Finance, Trust & Estate, Wealth Transfer
Brian Sheahen
What Should I Do With My Concentrated Stock ...

Many of our clients first come to us with concentrated stock positions that they have obtained either through their employment, equity compensation, sale of a business, a well-timed trade, from family, or through some other means. They all share a common theme of idiosyncratic (non-systematic) risk which is inherent in owning a concentrated position. The specific risks however, and potential rewards, can be unique to each situation. They also all have unique wealth and tax considerations that need to be independently addressed. The facts of each unique situation, along with the stock owner’s financial goals and profile will guide the appropriate course of action in response to the common question of “What next?”.

What Should I Do With My Concentrated Stock Position?
Trust & Estate, Wealth Transfer
Brian Sheahen
GRATitude

The Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) is a classic wealth transfer planning tool, but in order to properly implement this technique the grantor must feel compelled to make the transfer.  In families with means that may look to implement this technique it can be helpful to begin having conversations about the family wealth well in advance of actually implementing such a strategy.  Appropriately involving family can help create a sense of awareness, responsibility and eventually gratitude for the wealth that could be coming their way. 

GRATitude
Tax, Investments
Brian Sheahen
Amid Market Volatility - Beware of Wash Sales

Volatility is the price investors must pay in the search for higher future returns in capital markets. To many savvy investors with taxable investment accounts, the declines we saw in February and March (and quite possibly going forward still for some time) may have actually presented opportunities. One such opportunity has been to capture valuable tax losses from their investments. However, these same investors need to be especially careful to navigate the wash sale rules of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1091, or their tax loss strategy may have all been for nothing.

Amid Market Volatility - Beware of Wash Sales
Behavioral Finance, Investments, Risk Management
Brian Sheahen
Diversification - Winning While Losing

COVID-19 and the resulting global pandemic has tested our global community, economy and markets. Investors with a diversified portfolio may have faced the following emotions of “I lost money” as the market first fell, followed by “I didn’t make as much” as the market has recently recovered (but for how long?). Yet, over a 20-year period, a diversified portfolio has still provided a higher total return, while assuming much less risk than the S&P 500. In the end, diversification wins, even when it feels like losing.

Diversification - Winning While Losing
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Diversification - Winning While Losing

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Diversification - Winning While Losing

COVID-19 and the resulting global pandemic has tested our global community, economy and markets. Investors with a diversified portfolio may have faced the following emotions of “I lost money” as the market first fell, followed by “I didn’t make as much” as the market has recently recovered (but for how long?). Yet, over a 20-year period, a diversified portfolio has still provided a higher total return, while assuming much less risk than the S&P 500. In the end, diversification wins, even when it feels like losing.

Recent Market Volatility & Maintaining Perspective

Recent Market Volatility & Maintaining Perspective

The Coronavirus has been the primary culprit for a recent market sell-off, with U.S. & global risk assets declining sharply this past week. The recent sell-off in global equity markets has firmly placed the broader stock market into an official correction. Another similar week will place global equity markets well into a bear market.

What is there to do about it? Understand the market environment, maintain perspective, practice discipline, and focus on what you can control.

What is a Charitable Remainder Trust?

What is a Charitable Remainder Trust?

A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is a unique type of charitable split-interest trust that may allow a taxpayer to defer income tax, receive a charitable deduction, and benefit a charity - all while retaining an income stream for a set term (or life). Taxpayers that have highly appreciated assets looking for an exit strategy that can be both income and estate tax efficient may want to consider a CRT.

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Income in Respect of a Decedent

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Income in Respect of a Decedent

The concept of Income in Respect of a Decedent (IRD) is an often overlooked tax and financial planning consideration that can impact certain estates, heirs and beneficiaries. Proper understanding of this concept and the associated rules can allow for effective planning, leading not only to compliance with the tax code, but large savings.