Month: September 2017

Limits and Tax Treatment of Political Contributions

Limits and Tax Treatment - Patti Spencer

Are My Political Contributions Limited? Can I Deduct Them On My Taxes? Campaigns and Parties. Contributions to political parties and campaigns, generally, must be disclosed to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) which publishes the information. Contribution amounts are often limited, and the contributions are not tax-deductible. For example, contributions by individuals of more than $200… Read More

There’s No Such Thing as a Simple Will

There's No Such Thing as a Simple Will - Patti Spencer

“For every human problem, there is a neat, simple solution and it is always wrong.” H. L. Mencken “I  want a simple will.”  Estate planning attorneys often hear this from clients. What do they mean? Simple to them means short and inexpensive. Short is not always better. If you need open heart surgery do you… Read More

Spousal Consent or Who Owns your Retirement Plan?

Spousal Consent - Patti Spencer

In general, property law is state law. There are a few exceptions and one of them is Spousal Consent to change a beneficiary on qualified plans. Many employees are surprised to find out that they must name their spouse as primary beneficiary of their retirement benefits unless the spouse consents to their naming another beneficiary.… Read More