



In Part I of this series on taxes, we discussed federal taxes, and in Part II, we discussed state taxes. For Part III, we will discuss local taxes in California and generally. In California, local taxes are typically handled through the county tax assessor/collector. We will specifically discuss property taxes and taxes on the transfers of property. Local Taxes: Property…


Estate planning is not just for seniors. Ideally, as soon as you turn eighteen you should have some version of an estate plan because your parents are no longer automatically able to make decisions or act on your behalf. There are several reasons to create a power of attorney for finances once you turn eighteen. For example, the military helps…
If Proposition 19 is passed, does that mean I have to make changes to my estate planning documents? Listen to this short interview with Dayna Wilson of Keller Williams Real Estate and Kirsten Howe of Absolute Trust Counsel to find out. [Ad] Calling all neighbors in the Walnut Creek area and beyond! At Absolute Trust Counsel, we understand how unique…

Alicia stared at the statement that had been arrived in the mail. “This can’t be right,” she mumbled. “There is no way Dad’s Medicare premiums have doubled. And why has his monthly Social Security check been reduced?” She picked up her coffee mug and sipped. “I need to call someone.” She scanned the notice for a phone number and dialed.…
Many people set up estate plans because they are concerned with having to pay estate or “death” taxes. Currently, if someone dies in 2020, their estate is taxed by the Federal government for every dollar their estate is over $11,580,000. California does not currently impose any estate taxes. But what happens if you own property in another state? What if…