About Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits

Natalie Choate’s classic book Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits, now in its sixth edition (2006), has been an indispensable reference for estate planners since 1996.

The 6th edition is shipping now. IT IS UP TO DATE FOR THE NEW PENSION PROTECTION ACT OF 2006, ENACTED AUGUST 17, 2006.

What’s new in this edition?

Totally new topics covered in this edition: CHANGES MADE BY THE PENSION PROTECTION ACT OF 2006, INCLUDING CHARITABLE IRA ROLLOVER, POST-DEATH ROLLOVERS BY NONSPOUSE BENEFICIARIES; Designated Roth accounts (“Roth 401(k)s”), ¶ 5.7, pp. 258–270; Investors’ concerns, ¶ 8.1, pp. 394–396; IRAs and Prohibited Transactions, ¶ 8.6–¶ 8.7, pp. 422– 452; minimum distribution rules for Defined Benefit plans, ¶ 10.2–¶ 10.3, pp. 502–523; plus two new Conduit Trust forms, and sample letter transferring an IRA out of a trust or estate.

Many sections have been completely revised: Chapter 1 (Minimum Distribution Rules), to make it easier to use; Chapter 2 (Income taxes) expanded coverage of basis recovery and of NUA; Chapter 6 (Trusts) had to be revised for new developments in MRD trust rules; also trust accounting and income taxes expanded, plus new specific planning suggestions for trusts for minors, disabled beneficiaries, spouse, “dynasty” trust. All other Chapters were updated for new laws, cases, rulings, etc. especially Rev. Rul. 2005-36 (disclaimers) and 2006-26 (marital deduction).

The book covers every aspect of retirement benefits that estate planning and money management professionals need to know: how the “minimum distribution rules” work (during life and after death), and how they affect planning decisions (Chapter 1); how plan distributions are taxed or not taxed, including special income tax deals your client may qualify for (Chapter 2); and all aspects of “Roth” retirement plans (Chapter 5).

Miss Choate explains spousal rollovers, federal spousal rights in retirement plans, and special marital deduction rules applicable to retirement benefits (Chapter 3); the unique tax rules that apply to life insurance held in a retirement plan (Chapter 8). No other resource has as much detail on disclaimers of retirement benefits (Chapter 4), trusts as beneficiaries of retirement plans (Chapter 6), pre-age 59½ distributions (Chapter 9), or charitable giving with retirement benefits (Chapter 7). You will also find full details on the “little questions” you face in dealing with clients’ retirement benefits: the income tax withholding rules, “grandfather rules” that may enrich your client, the “IRD deduction,” rollover rules, and how to compute the penalty for missing a minimum distribution. Case studies, forms, and tables complete this 550-page book.

As a former ERISA lawyer and full time estate planner, Natalie Choate is uniquely qualified to explain these complex assets in language estate planners can understand. Find out why America’s top estate planners keep this book always within arms’ reach.

Click here to order your copy of Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits.