Will I save estate taxes with a living trust, compared with a will?
No. It is a common misconception that estate tax savings can be achieved with a living trust, but not with a Will. While use of a living trust will avoid probate proceedings, avoiding probate does not mean avoiding estate taxes. The assets in a living trust are part of a person's gross estate for estate tax purposes, just the same as probate assets. However, both the will and living trust, when properly written and with advice on the proper ownership of assets during lifetime, may include estate tax avoidance techniques that may save substantial tax dollars for the benefit of the family.

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1. Will a living trust save income taxes?
2. Can I preserve assets in a living trust and still qualify for Medicaid?
3. Will having a living trust avoid challenges by my beneficiaries or heirs?
4. Will I save estate taxes with a living trust, compared with a will?
5. Will a living trust protect my assets against creditors?
6. Will a living trust help me while I am living?
7. How are trusts classified?