New Year Financial Planning Checklist

New Year Financial Planning Checklist

The beginning of a new year can serve as a fresh start with financial resolutions and monetary goals. Here’s a checklist to help ensure your 2025 financial plan stays on track incorporating regulatory changes and updates to your spending, saving, investing and giving in the new year.  

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State Estate Taxes: A Hidden Tax Burden 

State Estate Taxes: A Hidden Tax Burden 

While federal estate taxes often grab headlines, many overlook the significant impact of state estate taxes. These state-level taxes can substantially reduce the value of inherited assets, affecting the beneficiaries and the decedent’s legacy. 

Illinois, where Clearwater Capital Partners is based, is one of 12 states with an estate tax. It is a uniquely difficult tax to avoid and requires careful planning to minimize. 

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Estate & Wealth Transfer Strategy Considerations

Estate & Wealth Transfer Strategy Considerations

The current Federal Estate Tax exemption is approximately $24 million for a married couple (half for an Individual) inclusive of portability. Readers should note: no legislative action is needed to effectively cut the exclusion amount in half at the end of 2025. Meaning, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 automatically reverts without the need for Congressional vote.

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Webinar - Understanding Senator Sanders' Proposed Estate Tax Policy

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In 2020, Presidential Candidate Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders teamed up for the Biden-Sanders Unity Task Force with Recommendations for Combating the Climate Crisis and pursuing Environmental Justice. This 110-page document outlined many platform considerations, including their like-mindedness on Estate Taxes.

On Thursday, March 25th Senator Bernie Sanders officially released his proposed estate and gift tax reform legislation. This 18 page bill contains major changes to current legislation that would have serious implications for many of the families that work with Clearwater Capital.

The effective date of multiple sections of the proposed legislation is upon enactment; therefore, now is the time to consider how these changes may affect you and future generations.