Use of asset transfer letters within the Cowles Trust Plus system significantly streamlines the process of changing names on clients' accounts from themselves as individuals to themselves as trustees of their trust. This minimizes law firm overhead, enhances client service, reduces potential liability, and promotes referrals.

IRS Concludes Decedent's Power Over Property Held in Trust Not General Power of Appointment; Court Finds Executor's Communications with IRS Regarding Estate Tax Calculation Constitute Informal Claim for Refund; IRS Reminds Taxpayers to Report Foreign Gifts; IRS Releases 2009 Standard Mileage Rates; Applicable Federal Rates for December 2008.

The end of the year is an excellent time to promote a review of a client's estate planning documents, with an eye to updating the plan for changes in goals, finances, family situations, or applicable law. Cowles provides a number of tools to aid you in the process, including letters, worksheets, booklet and other tools.