PA Trusts & Estate Blog

Filing your 2018 Income Tax Return – Lots of Changes

Filing Your 2018 Income Tax - Patti Spencer

If you haven’t already, it’s time to file your 2018 income tax return, but be prepared, there are lots of changes this tax season. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law on December 22, 2018.  Listed below are the major changes that will affect your individual tax return.  New Forms IRS Forms 1040, 1040A… Read More

What Does a Surviving Spouse Inherit?

What Does a Surviving Spouse Inherit - Patti Spencer

The question of what a surviving spouse inherits from a deceased spouse is a complicated one. At common law, a wife was not an heir, although she might be entitled to support. Many people are surprised to hear that a surviving spouse does not simply inherit everything from the deceased spouse. That can be a… Read More

How Does the New Tax Law Affect You?

How Does the New Tax Law Affect You - Patti Spencer

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017 (TCJA) changes are effective for 2018. The 500 page law makes lots of changes but the net effect across the board is a very small benefit to low and middle income taxpayers, and more benefits for the very wealthy. The new law keeps the seven income tax brackets but… Read More

Courts Weight Adult’s Children’s Responsibilities in Parents’ Care Costs

Court Weight Adult'sChildren - Patti Spencer

Can an Adult Child be Held Responsible for a Parent’s Nursing Home Costs? On May 7, 2012 the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued an opinion in the case of Healthcare Retirement Corporation of America v. Pittas. The court found a son liable for his mother’s $93,000 nursing home bill under Pennsylvania’s Filial Responsibility Law. This high-profile… Read More

Pulpit Freedom on Sunday vs. IRS on Tax-exempt Status

Pulpit Freedom - Patti Spencer

The Alliance Defending Freedom is pushing a project it calls “Pulpit Freedom Sunday.” The event has taken place every year since 2008. On October 7, which is designated “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”, pastors across the country are encouraged to “preach sermons that will talk about the candidates running for office” and then “make a specific recommendation.”… Read More

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