In This Issue

Use Of Qualified Disclaimers In Conjunction With Revocable Trusts
By Colleen Cowles
Using qualified disclaimers builds flexibility into an estate plan at a time where it is very difficult to anticipate what the tax laws will look like at the time of death. This article explains the requirements of qualified disclaimers, potential issues, and what should be considered when the disclaimer is executed after a death occurs.

Legislative Update
Pension Funding Relief Bill Signed into Law; Tax Court Disregards FLP and Private Annuity Discounts in Decedent's Estate; IRS Extends Full Deductibility of Bundled Investment Advisory Fees; Court Finds Decedent's Children Liable for Estate Taxes; Applicable Federal Rates for January 2009.

Cowles Tech Tips
Cowles checklists, available for free from Cowles Members Only, are designed to let you make the most of the important time you spend communicating and sharing your expertise with your clients. No need to spend valuable client time entering data into software--use the time with your clients to decide on the details of their estate plans, efficiently recording the decisions on a checklist as you discuss them. The final plan documents and correspondence can be produced by others in your office using the checklists you have created.

THE ESTATE PLANNER AS A WORD DOCUMENT
Access The Estate Planner as a Microsoft Word document.