Our Services

What We Strive to Do for People Like You.

We think of ourselves as your professional consultant. We are here for the long haul to help execute a financial program that is developed, coordinated and implemented with other key advisors for your estate. We strive to help you:

  • Save Time and Money
  • Reduce Taxable Income
  • Protect and Increase Wealth 
  • Plan for Retirement
  • Protect Your Assets

Estate Planning

During the past twenty years Peter Jepson has analyzed the estates of many prominent people throughout the United States. It is his intent to minimize estate taxes which may be incurred within 9 months of his clients' deaths. The top federal estate tax rate is 45% in 2009 and can create many problems to contend with for the heirs.

In 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) was passed. Gradual estate tax relief and exemption increases will lead to complete repeal in year 2010. If, however, there is no change to current law, the estate tax will be reinstated in 2011 (Sunset Provision). Please consult your tax professional for further details about estate and gift taxes and the Sun Provisions of EGTRRA.

My overall objective is to demonstrate to my clients if they have sufficient funds to live on without ever running out of money.

Secondly, we provide an analysis of the possible estate taxes due under 2009 tax law, and suggest possible technique options to minimize the transfer costs at death. By addressing wills and trust arrangements with our clients and their legal counsel, probate and estate costs may be reduced. Only for estates over $2,000,000 (single) or $4,000,000 (joint married) in 2007 and 2008, is an estate tax of 45% due on death. This will change to $3,500,000 (single) or $7,000,000 (joint married) in 2009 and unlimited exemptions in 2010 (no estate tax is due). However, in 2011, the estate tax is due on all estates over $1,000,000 (single) or $2,000,000 (joint married) at a higher 55% tax rate. These changes require we provide our clients with a great deal of planning flexibility. The use of a gifting program can be used to transfer assets to heirs today. An irrevocable trust funded with life insurance and cash or securities may be the alternative to provide estate tax liquidity and tax savings upon death. The idea of gifting $13,000 from each spouse to children and grandchildren is a very popular technique utilized by many of clients. Legal counsel should always be consulted prior to implementation of any of these ideas however.

Other techniques include Charitable Remainder Trusts, Personal Residence Trusts, Family Limited Partnerships, Charitable Lead Trusts, and Generation Skipping Trusts.

Peter Jepson, Peter D. Jepson & Associates, and AXA Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Please be advised that this document is not intended as legal or tax advice. Accordingly, any tax information provided in this document is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The tax information was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed and you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. 

PPG47786b (1/09)