At Russo Law Group, P.C., our attorneys understand that coping with the death of a loved one is a difficult process without having to face the legal issues associated with administering an estate. We are here to assist you through these steps as painlessly as possible.
Executors are responsible for:
- Gathering the Estate:The executor must identify and locate all of the decedent’s assets, such as bank accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds, real estate, pensions, life insurance policies, death benefits, and safe deposit boxes (these must be opened and inventoried).
- Valuation of Assets:Property such as cash, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies, real estate, and interest in a closely held corporation or partnership must be valued.
- Payments of Debts and Administration Expenses:The executor is responsible for paying expenses, such as taxes, medical bills, funeral costs, and other debts of the decedent.
- Distribution of Assets:The executor distributes the estate according to the will, and if none, then according to the laws of New York State.
- Payment of Individual Income Taxes:The executor must ascertain whether the decedent is required to file federal and New York State income tax returns.
- Payment of Estate Taxes:The executor may have to file federal and New York State estate tax returns and arrange for payment.
- Payment of Estate Income Taxes: The executor may have to file federal and New York State fiduciary income tax returns and arrange for payment.
Estate Taxes in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City, NY
- Tax Rates: The maximum federal estate tax rate in 2023 is 40%. New York has its own Estate Tax.
- Exclusion Amount: Each individual is entitled to a federal and New York State estate tax exclusion amount. The federal estate tax exclusion is $12.92 million in 2023. The New York State Estate Tax exclusion is $6,580,000 in 2023.
- Unlimited Marital Deduction: An unlimited amount of property may be left to a surviving spouse without incurring any federal or New York State estate and gift taxes.
Our Law Firm Will:
- Inform the executor about the estate administration process.
- Advise the executor about their duties and prepare and file appropriate court documents.
- Prepare and file appropriate tax returns and ensure that tax payments are made on a timely basis.
- Minimize taxes and ensure the proper disposition of estate assets.
- Resolve family disputes.
- Analyze the interrelation of estate income, individual income, and fiduciary income taxes.
- Implement estate planning for beneficiaries, such as a surviving spouse.
If you have questions or concerns about trust & estate administration issues in Long Island and New York City communities, please don’t hesitate to contact the trust & estate administration attorneys with Russo Law Group, P.C. While we have several office locations, we can also visit your home and offer virtual meetings for convenience.