Overview of Death and Taxes

The bad news is, of course, is that your life savings may be subject to taxation upon your death. This takes valuable resources away from your loved ones. And the real news is that the value of the average American's estate is worth not much more than the value of a small house, a couple of used cars and a few thousand in savings. All the more reason to plan carefully for yourself and your heirs, no matter what the value of your estate.

Here are some of the things to consider:

• Is Your Estate Subject To Federal Tax?
  You might think the chances of your having to worry about estate taxes are nil--there's simply no way you'll have more than a $1 million to leave. Think again.
• Your Estate Might Be Worth More Than You Think
  Examine a schedule identifying the amounts you can leave in your estate without triggering federal estate taxes.
• What Types Of Tax Might Your Estate Have To Pay?
  Depending on where you live and how much your estate totals, the wealth you leave behind may be subject to three different types of taxes. You can learn more about them here.
• Reducing Estate Taxes
  Learn how to leave more of your estate to the people you love, rather than to the government you live under.
• Planning Who Pays Your Estate Taxes
  Find out how to ensure that your estate will have the money it needs to meet all of its obligations, even if you can't avoid all estate taxes.