No Rendering of Advice
To ensure compliance with IRS requirements, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this website (including any attachments or directed links) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
Please be assured that this notice does not reflect any decrease in the quality of services or the amount of thought we put into our client interactions.
Any advice in this communication is limited to the conclusions specifically set forth herein and is based on the completeness and accuracy of the stated facts, assumptions and/or representations included. In rendering our advice, we may consider tax authorities that are subject to change, retroactively and/or prospectively, and any such changes could affect the validity of our advice. We will not update our advice for subsequent changes or modifications to the law and regulations, or to the judicial and administrative interpretations thereof.
For more information on Circular 230, please click here.
No Rendering of Advice
The information contained within this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant. Presentation of the information via the Internet is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. Internet subscribers, users and online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this website is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.
Accuracy of Information
While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we do not warrant that any information contained in or made available through this website is accurate, complete, reliable, current or error-free. We assume no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of this website or such other materials or communications. If you wish to contact the webmaster of this website, please call CPA Websites Solutions at 802-655-1519.
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We have moved! Please visit us at our new location at 134 Sipe Avenue, Hummelstown, PA 17036.
Reminders & Updates
2025 Standard Mileage Rates
| Purpose | Rates per Mile |
| Business | 70 cents |
| Medical/Moving | 21 cents |
| Charitable | 14 cents |
2024 Standard Mileage Rates
| Purpose | Rates per Mile |
| Business | 67 cents |
| Medical/Moving | 21 cents |
| Charitable | 14 cents |
Check It Out!
Check out the article in PICPA CPA Now by Greg Kashella, published November 2021, Enhanced Financial Statement Disclosures for Small Businesses.
Check out the article in the Central Penn Business Journal, Women Who Lead, March 2019 article featuring our partner Jori Culp
Tax-Related Identity Theft
The IRS combats tax-related identity theft with aggressive strategies of prevention, detection and victim assistance. To find out more about tax-related identity theft call our office or visit https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-protection for information and guidance.
Remember that the IRS will never contact you by electronic means. This includes emails, phone calls, text messages, or social media channels. If you are ever in doubt whether contact by someone claiming to be from the IRS is legitimate, call our office first for verification.
Weekly Tax Brief
Do you believe you don’t need to worry about estate planning because of the current federal estate tax exemption ($13.99 million per individual or $27.98 million for married couples in 2025)? Well, think again. Even with this substantial exemption, creating a living trust can offer significant benefits, especially if your goal is to avoid probate and maintain privacy.
Here are some answers to questions you may have about this estate planning tool.
What’s a living trust?
A living trust — also known as a revocable trust, grantor trust or family trust — is a legal entity that holds ownership of your assets during your lifetime and distributes them according to your instructions after your death. Unlike a will, a living trust allows your estate to bypass probate, which is the often lengthy and public court process of settling an estate.
How does a living trust work?
You begin by creating a trust document and transferring ownership of specific assets to the trust. These may include:
- Your primary residence,
- Vacation properties, and
- Valuable personal items like antiques.
You’ll name a trustee to manage and distribute the assets after your death. You can serve as the trustee while you’re alive and legally competent. After that, you may appoint a successor trustee — such as a trusted family member, friend, attorney, CPA or financial institution.
Because a living trust is revocable, you can amend or cancel it at any time during your lifetime.
What are the tax implications?
For federal income tax purposes, the IRS doesn’t treat the living trust as separate from you while you’re alive. You’ll continue to report all income and deductions from the trust’s assets on your personal tax return.
However, under state law, the trust is recognized as a separate entity. When structured properly, this allows your estate to bypass probate, helping to ensure a more private and efficient distribution of your assets.
Upon your death, assets in the trust are generally included in your estate for federal estate tax purposes. However, any assets passed to a surviving spouse who’s a U.S. citizen qualify for the unlimited marital deduction, which exempts them from estate tax.
It’s also important to note that the current high federal estate tax exemption is set to expire at the end of 2025, unless Congress extends it. Under “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives, the federal gift and estate tax exemption would be increased to $15 million per individual in 2026. This amount would be permanent but annually adjusted for inflation. The bill is now being considered by the Senate. Keep in mind that the pending legislation could change.
Are there any common pitfalls to avoid?
While a living trust is a powerful tool, it’s only effective when properly executed. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Outdated beneficiary designations. The beneficiaries named on retirement accounts, life insurance policies and brokerage accounts override your trust. Make sure your designations align with your overall estate plan.
- Jointly owned property. Real estate held as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” automatically passes to the surviving co-owner, regardless of what your trust says.
- Failing to transfer assets. Simply creating a trust isn’t enough. You must formally transfer ownership of assets to the trust. Failing to do so means those assets may still be subject to probate.
When is more planning needed?
Although a living trust helps avoid probate, it doesn’t reduce estate or inheritance taxes. If your assets exceed the current exemption or if state estate taxes apply, additional strategies (such as irrevocable trusts, charitable giving or gifting) may be necessary.
Not a one-size-fits-all solution
A living trust is an estate planning tool that can simplify the transfer of your assets, protect your privacy and avoid probate. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. To make the most of your estate plan and stay ahead of changing tax laws, consult with us or an estate planning attorney.
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