Description.

Estate Conservation

Activities coordinated to provide for the orderly and cost-effective distribution of an individual’s assets at the time of his or her death. Estate conservation often includes the use of wills and trusts.

Estate Tax

Upon the death of a decedent, federal and state governments impose taxes on the value of the estate left to others (with limitations).

Executive Bonus Plan

The employer pays for a benefit that is owned by the executive. The bonus could take the form of cash, automobiles, life insurance, or other items of value to the executive.

Federal Income Tax Bracket

The range of taxable income that is taxable at a certain rate. The brackets for tax years 2018 and 2019 are 10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent, and 37 percent.

Fixed Income

Income from investments, such as CDs, Social Security benefits, pension benefits, some annuities, or most bonds, that is the same every month.

Fundamental Analysis

An approach to the stock market in which specific factors – such as the price-to-earnings ratio, yield, or return on equity – are used to determine what stock may be favorable for investment.

Gift Taxes

A federal tax levied on the transfer of property as a gift. This tax is paid by the donor. For 2018 and 2019, the first $15,000 a year from a donor to each recipient is exempt from tax. Most states also impose a gift tax. The gift tax exemption is indexed for inflation.

Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

Contributions to a traditional IRA are deductible from earned income in the calculation of federal and state income taxes if the taxpayer meets certain requirements. The earnings accumulate tax deferred until withdrawn, and then the entire withdrawal is taxed as ordinary income. Individuals not eligible to make deductible contributions may make nondeductible contributions, the earnings…