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Preserving Government Benefits for Your Special Needs Child: A Smarter Way to Plan
Robin Burner Daleo • 25 October 2023
Question:
My husband and I are getting ready to prepare our wills for the first time. We are in our late fifties and have three children; our youngest son is disabled and receives government benefits in the form of Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. A friend of mine recently told me that me that we would have to disinherit him to prevent him from losing his government benefits. We really hate the idea of disinheriting any of our children, is there another way to handle this?
Answer:
You do not have to disinherit your son to ensure that he does not lose his government benefits. There are many misconceptions regarding Estate Planning for families with Special Needs children. The most common of those misconceptions is that the only way to ensure that a disabled child will continue to benefit from State administered programs is to disinherit him.
As you know, government benefits are designed to provide basic necessaries such as food, shelter and clothing. With proper planning, a Special Needs Trust can be used as a vehicle to pass assets to a disabled beneficiary while protecting his government benefits. Because the assets are held in trust, they can be used to enhance the quality of life of the beneficiary without making him ineligible for needs based benefits such as Medicaid or SSI.
A Special Needs Trust can be created, either in a Last Will & Testament or in a separate stand-alone document. When properly drafted, a Special Needs Trust permits a disabled person to inherit, while still maintaining their much needed government benefits. However, rather than permitting the disabled individual to inherit outright, the monies are directed to a trust which is managed by a chosen trustee. The trustee is charged with administering the trust and the assets held in the trust. Trust assets can be used to supplement, not supplant, the benefits that your child is receiving. For example, the money in the trust could be used to pay for comfort items such as clothing, entertainment, computers, home appliances and any number of quality of life enhancing expenses. Trust money can also be used to cover expenses that government benefits do not cover such as additional medical or dental needs, special equipment, or special dietary needs. An added benefit to creating a SNT during your lifetime (as opposed to in your Last Will and Testament) is that your extended family may make gifts to the trust, either during their lifetime or when creating their own estate plan.
For those with disabled beneficiaries, the importance of early planning is immeasurable. Failure to plan could result in a direct inheritance causing a beneficiary to be ineligible for crucial government benefits. It is especially important to consult an attorney who is well-versed in the area of Special Needs planning so as to ensure that your estate plan takes into account the unique needs of your child. As you know, every child and every disability is different and the trust that you draft for your child should reflect their special and unique circumstance.
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Why Everyone Needs A Will One of the most common questions we hear as estate planning attorneys is “do I need a Will ?” Some people think if they do not have a house or a large estate, or a complicated distribution, they may not need a Will. The reality is almost everyone should have a Will. This article will discuss some of the most important reasons why you should consider adding a Will to your estate plan. Thankfully, if you pass away without a Will, it does not mean your family will not receive your assets. The laws of intestacy create a list of presumed beneficiaries for those that die without a Will. For a married person with no children, the law provides that the surviving spouse inherits everything. For a married person with children, the law provides that the spouse receives the first $50,000 and half the remaining estate, with the other half of the estate going to the children, in equal shares. For unmarried individuals, the estate would be distributed to their parents, if surviving, or to their siblings, if the parents are not surviving. The list goes on to more remote relatives. However, relying on the laws of intestacy ignores the desires of those who may want to deviate from what the law presumes you would want. Additionally, just as the law presumes the individuals who would inherit your estate , the law also creates an order of priority as to who would serve as the fiduciary of the estate. This is known as the Administrator of the estate. For unmarried individuals with children, the law states that any child can serve, creating a potential for conflict if multiple children want to serve and disagree with how to manage the administration of the estate. The laws of intestacy do not offer any planning for disabled or underage beneficiaries, or those who may have creditor issues. If you pass away and one of your heirs is a disabled person receiving means-based government benefits, they may lose their benefits as a result of inheriting from your estate. Similarly, if a child under the age of 18 inherits from your estate, they are unable to hold property without an adult being appointed as a guardian. Once they reach the age of majority, the guardian must turn over the remaining assets regardless of their maturity level, or ability to manage the assets. This can have disastrous results. The laws of intestacy also do not provide for the opportunity for any estate tax planning. If your estate is valued at larger than the current New York estate tax exemption, there are planning opportunities available in your Will to leave more assets tax free to the remainder beneficiaries after your spouse. However, without a Will this opportunity is lost. Executing a Will avoids these issues. You can clearly state who should manage your estate, known as an Executor, and who the intended beneficiaries are with customized provisions. You can also provide language that ensures that whoever you name as the executor need not purchase a bond offering savings to the estate and incorporate estate tax planning. Lastly, you can provide provisions for what should happen in the event that a beneficiary is disabled, has creditor issues or underage. You can also nominate your choice of guardian or trustee for these individuals. While having a Will prepared by an attorney comes with a cost, the long-term benefits of having a well thought out estate plan are immeasurable.
When considering your estate planning it is important to consider any beneficiaries who may have special needs or disabilities.
The Countdown Begins: Preparing for the TCJA Sunset in Estate Tax As the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) approaches sunset at the end of 2025, significant changes loom, particularly in estate tax planning . This pivotal shift, which will reduce the estate tax exemption limits, requires meticulous preparation to safeguard one's assets. This comprehensive guide delves into the implications of the TCJA sunset on estate tax and outlines strategies to navigate these changes effectively. Understanding the TCJA Sunset The TCJA, enacted in 2017, introduced substantial changes to the U.S. tax code, including a temporary increase in estate tax exemption limits. These enhancements, however, are set to expire on December 31, 2025, unless Congress takes action to extend them. Post-sunset, the estate tax exemption limits will revert to pre-TCJA levels, significantly impacting estate tax planning strategies. Why the TCJA Sunset Matters The impending reduction in estate tax exemption limits is a critical concern for individuals with substantial estates. Currently, the exemption limit stands at approximately $12.92 million per individual, but it is expected to decrease to around $5.49 million (adjusted for inflation) once the TCJA sunsets. This change could expose many estates to federal estate taxes, necessitating proactive planning to minimize tax liabilities. Key Components of Estate Tax Planning To effectively prepare for the TCJA sunset, several essential components of estate tax planning must be considered: 1. Reviewing Current Estate Plans A thorough review of your existing estate plan is imperative. Assess how the reduced exemption limits will impact your estate and identify areas that require adjustments. Consult with an estate planning attorney to ensure your plan is aligned with the forthcoming changes. 2. Gifting Strategies One of the most effective strategies for mitigating estate taxes is gifting. Consider using the current high exemption limits to transfer assets to beneficiaries now, thereby reducing the taxable portion of your estate. 3. Trust Structures Incorporating trust structures, such as irrevocable trusts, can provide significant tax advantages. Trusts can help manage and protect assets, ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing estate tax exposure. 4. Life Insurance Policies Life insurance policies can serve as a valuable tool in estate tax planning. Policies held within an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can provide liquidity to cover estate taxes, ensuring that other assets are preserved for your heirs. Exemption Limits and Their Implications The reduction in estate tax exemption limits post-TCJA sunset will have profound implications for estate planning: 1. Increased Tax Liability With lower exemption limits, a greater portion of estates will be subject to federal estate taxes. This increase in tax liability necessitates strategic planning to minimize the financial impact on your heirs. 2. Estate Valuation Accurate estate valuation becomes crucial under the new limits. Ensuring that all assets are appropriately valued and documented can prevent potential disputes and additional tax burdens. 3. Planning Flexibility The changing landscape underscores the importance of flexibility in estate planning. Adopting strategies that can be adjusted as tax laws evolve will provide greater security and peace of mind. Navigating the TCJA Sunset: Practical Steps Proactively preparing for the TCJA sunset involves a series of practical steps: 1. Consultation with Professionals Engage with estate planning professionals, including attorneys and financial advisors, to review and update your estate plan. Their expertise can help navigate the complexities of the changing tax environment. 2. Lifetime Gifts Utilize the current high exemption limits to make lifetime gifts. This strategy not only reduces the taxable portion of your estate but also allows you to witness the benefits of your gifts during your lifetime. 3. Charitable Giving Incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan. Donations to qualified charities can reduce your estate's taxable value while supporting causes important to you. 4. Trust Reassessment Reassess your existing trust structures and consider establishing new ones if necessary. Trusts can offer significant tax benefits and provide a controlled mechanism for asset distribution. Legal Considerations in Estate Tax Planning Navigating the legal intricacies of estate tax planning requires careful attention: 1. Updating Legal Documents Ensure all legal documents, including wills and trusts, are updated to reflect the impending changes in exemption limits. Regular reviews will help maintain alignment with your estate planning goals. 2. Compliance with Tax Laws Stay informed about federal and state tax laws that may impact your estate. Compliance is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure the smooth execution of your estate plan. 3. Privacy and Confidentiality Maintain privacy and confidentiality in your estate planning documents. Sensitive information should be protected to prevent unauthorized access and potential disputes. Challenges in Estate Tax Planning Despite thorough planning, several challenges may arise in estate tax planning: 1. Legislative Uncertainty Legislative changes could add uncertainty to estate tax planning. Staying informed and flexible in your approach can help mitigate this risk. 2. Asset Liquidity Ensuring sufficient liquidity to cover estate taxes is a common challenge. Life insurance policies and strategic asset management can provide the necessary funds without liquidating essential assets. 3. Family Dynamics Family dynamics and potential disputes can complicate estate planning. Clear communication and detailed documentation can help prevent conflicts and ensure your wishes are honored. Best Practices for Effective Estate Tax Planning Adopting best practices can enhance the effectiveness of your estate tax planning: 1. Early Planning Begin planning early to take full advantage of current exemption limits and gifting strategies. Early planning allows for a more comprehensive and practical approach. 2. Regular Reviews Conduct regular reviews of your estate plan to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and the changing tax landscape. Periodic updates can address new assets, changes in family circumstances, and legislative adjustments. 3. Professional Guidance Seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of estate tax planning. Attorneys, financial advisors, and tax professionals can provide invaluable insights and tailored strategies. The TCJA sunset presents a critical juncture in estate tax planning, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard your assets and minimize tax liabilities. You can navigate these changes by understanding the implications of reduced exemption limits and implementing strategic planning. Prepare for the TCJA sunset and protect your estate. Contact The Law Offices of Robin Burner Daleo for expert guidance in estate tax planning and exemption limit strategies. Ensure your assets are safeguarded, and your estate plan is robust. Schedule a consultation now! FAQs What is the TCJA sunset? The TCJA sunset refers to the expiration of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2025, including the temporary increase in estate tax exemption limits. Post-sunset, these limits will revert to pre-TCJA levels, affecting estate tax planning strategies. How will the TCJA sunset affect estate tax exemption limits? The TCJA sunset will significantly reduce estate tax exemption limits, from the current level of approximately $12.92 million per individual to around $5.49 million (adjusted for inflation). This reduction will increase the portion of estates subject to federal estate taxes. What strategies can help mitigate estate taxes? Strategies to mitigate estate taxes include utilizing lifetime gifts, establishing trust structures, incorporating charitable giving, and leveraging life insurance policies. Early planning and professional guidance are crucial to effectively implementing these strategies. Why is flexibility necessary in estate tax planning? Flexibility is essential in estate tax planning to adapt to changing tax laws and family circumstances. Adopting strategies that can be adjusted over time provides greater security and ensures your estate plan remains effective.
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