Congress Reverses Recent Changes to the Kiddie Tax

Written By: Andy Jones A major bipartisan bill, signed into law by President Trump in December, includes significant tax changes for people with assets in a special needs trust for a minor. The changes center on the so-called “kiddie tax,” which...

Attention Seniors: Make Sure You Are Counted in the 2020 Census

The 2020 census is starting soon, and seniors need to be counted. This may be more of a challenge this year because for the first time, the census will be completed largely online. The U.S Constitution mandates that the federal government conduct a census every 10...

How Secure Is Social Security?

For years people have been worried about Social Security’s future, but what is the actual outlook? According to the federal government, unless Congress acts to intervene, Social Security shortfalls are expected beginning in 2035. Social Security retirement benefits...

The Top 10 Elder Law Decisions of 2019

During 2019, many legislative decisions affecting the aging and special needs populations have come down from courts across the United States. Below, in chronological order, is ElderLawAnswers’ annual roundup of the top 10 elder law decisions for the past year,...

Accounting for Gifts and Loans to Children in Your Estate Plan

No parents want their children to fight among themselves after they are gone. Sadly, conflicts often arise, especially when a parent has gifted or loaned money to one child and not others. However, a few key words in your estate plan can minimize the potential for...

How Likely Are You to Need Long-Term Care?

Planning for retirement and deciding whether to buy long-term care insurance would be a lot easier if you knew your odds of needing long-term care, as well as at what age and for how long. Unfortunately, there’s no definite answer. On the other hand, some...

Free Tax Preparation Help Is Available to Most Seniors

Seniors and retirees should know that they may be able to use online tax preparation software free of charge. Most low- and middle-income Americans qualify for the free help, but do not take advantage of it. And all seniors are eligible for free counseling assistance...