estate planning

How the Social Security wage base will affect your payroll taxes in 2026
How the Social Security wage base will affect your payroll taxes in 2026 266 266 Lindsay Yeager

The 2026 Social Security wage base has been released. What’s the tax impact on employees and the self-employed? Let’s take a look.

FICA tax 101

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) imposes two payroll taxes on wages and self-employment income — one for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance, commonly known as the Social Security tax, and the other for Hospital Insurance, commonly known as the Medicare tax.

The FICA tax rate is 15.3%, which includes 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. If you’re an employee, FICA tax is split evenly between your employer and you. If you’re self-employed, you pay the full 15.3% — but the “employer” half is deductible.

Above the Threshold? No Social Security Tax Owed

All wages and self-employment income are generally subject to Medicare tax. But the Social Security tax applies to such income only up to the Social Security wage base. The Social Security Administration has announced that the wage base will be $184,500 for 2026 (up from $176,100 for 2025). Wages and self-employment income above this threshold aren’t subject to Social Security tax.

No Employer Share, But Withholding Still Required

Another payroll tax that higher-income taxpayers must be aware of is the additional 0.9% Medicare tax. It applies to FICA wages and self-employment income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 for joint filers and $125,000 for separate filers). There’s no employer portion for this tax, but employers are required to withhold it once they pay an employee wages for the year exceeding $200,000 — regardless of the employee’s filing status. (You can claim a credit on your income tax return for withholding in excess of your actual additional Medicare tax liability.)

What will you owe in 2026?

For 2026, if you’re an employee, you’ll owe:

  • 6.2% Social Security tax on the first $184,500 of wages, for a maximum tax of $11,439 (6.2% × $184,500), plus
  • 1.45% Medicare tax on wages up to the applicable additional Medicare tax threshold, plus
  • 2.35% Medicare tax (1.45% regular Medicare tax plus 0.9% additional Medicare tax) on all wages in excess of the applicable additional Medicare tax threshold.

Self-Employed in 2026? Know Your Payroll Tax Obligations

For 2026, if you’re self-employed, you’ll owe:

  • 12.4% Social Security tax on the first $184,500 of self-employment income (half of which will be deductible), for a maximum tax of $22,878 (12.4% × $184,500), plus
  • 2.9% Medicare tax on self-employment income up to the applicable additional Medicare tax threshold (half of which will be deductible), plus
  • 3.8% Medicare tax (2.9% regular Medicare tax plus 0.9% additional Medicare tax) on all self-employment income in excess of the applicable additional Medicare tax threshold. (Half of the 2.9% portion will be deductible; none of the 0.9% portion will be deductible.)

The payroll tax deduction for the self-employed can be especially beneficial because it reduces adjusted gross income (AGI) and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). AGI and MAGI can trigger certain additional taxes and the phaseouts of many tax breaks.

Have questions?

Payroll taxes get more complicated in some situations. For example, what if you have two jobs? Payroll taxes will be withheld by both employers. Can you ask your employers to stop withholding Social Security tax once, on a combined basis, you’ve reached the wage base threshold? No, each employer must continue to withhold Social Security tax until your wages with that employer exceed the wage base. Fortunately, when you file your income tax return, you’ll get a credit for any excess withheld.

If you have more questions about payroll taxes, such as what happens if you have wages from a job and self-employment income, please contact a Smolin Representative. We can help you ensure you’re complying with tax law while not overpaying.

Does your family know how to access your estate planning documents?
Does your family know how to access your estate planning documents? 266 266 Lindsay Yeager

Making sure your family will be able to locate your estate planning documents when needed is one of the most important parts of the estate planning process. Your carefully prepared will, trust or power of attorney will be useless if no one knows where to find it.

When loved ones are grieving or faced with urgent financial and medical decisions, not being able to locate key documents can create unnecessary stress, confusion and even legal complications. Here are some tips on how and where to store your estate planning documents.

Your Signed, Original Will

There’s a common misconception that a photocopy of your signed last will and testament is sufficient. In fact, when it comes time to implement your plan, your family and representatives will need your signed original will. Typically, upon a person’s death, the original document must be filed with the county clerk and, if probate is required, with the probate court as well.

What happens if your original will isn’t found? It doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t be given effect, but it can be a major — and costly — obstacle.

The High Stakes of a Missing Will

In many states, if your original can’t be produced, there’s a presumption that you destroyed it with the intent to revoke it. Your family may be able to obtain a court order admitting a signed photocopy, especially if all interested parties agree that it reflects your wishes. But this can be a costly, time-consuming process. And if the copy isn’t accepted, the probate court will administer your estate as if you died without a will.

To avoid these issues, store your original will in a safe place and tell your family how to access it.

Storage options include:

  • Leaving your original will with your accountant or attorney, or
  • Storing your original will at home (or at the home of a family member) in a waterproof, fire-resistant safe, lockbox or file cabinet.

Accessing Your Will: The Hidden Risks of Safe Deposit Boxes

What about safe deposit boxes? Although this can be an option, you should check state law and bank policy to be sure that your family will be able to gain access without a court order. In many states, it can be difficult for loved ones to open your safe deposit box, even with a valid power of attorney. It may be preferable, therefore, to keep your original will at home or with a trusted advisor or family member.

If you do opt for a safe deposit box, it may be a good idea to open one jointly with your spouse or another family member. That way, the joint owner can immediately access the box in the event of your death or incapacity.

Other documents

Original trust documents should be kept in the same place as your original will. It’s also a good idea to make several copies. Unlike a will, it’s possible to use a photocopy of a trust. Plus, it’s useful to provide a copy to the person who’ll become trustee and to keep a copy to consult periodically to ensure that the trust continues to meet your needs.

For powers of attorney, living wills or health care directives, originals should be stored safely. But it’s also critical for these documents to be readily accessible in the event you become incapacitated.

Duplicate Originals: A Simple Step Toward Peace of Mind

Consider giving copies or duplicate originals to the people authorized to make decisions on your behalf. Also consider providing copies or duplicate originals of health care documents to your physicians to keep with your medical records.

Clear communication is key

Clearly communicating the location of your estate planning documents can help ensure your wishes are carried out promptly and accurately. Let your family, executor or trustee know where originals are stored and how to access them. Contact a Smolin Representative for help ensuring your estate plan will achieve your goals.

  • Noelle Merwin
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Don’t forget to include a residuary clause in your will
Don’t forget to include a residuary clause in your will 266 266 Noelle Merwin

When creating a will, most people focus on the big-ticket items — including who gets the house, the car and specific family heirlooms. But one element that’s often overlooked is the residuary clause. This clause determines what happens to the remainder of your estate — the assets not specifically mentioned in your will. Without one, even a carefully planned estate can end up in legal limbo, causing unnecessary stress, expense and conflict for your loved ones.

Defining a residuary clause

A residuary clause is the part of your will that distributes the “residue” of your estate. This residue includes any assets left after specific bequests, debts, taxes and administrative costs have been paid. It might include forgotten bank accounts, newly acquired property or investments you didn’t specifically name in your will.

For example, if your will leaves your car to your son and your jewelry to your daughter but doesn’t mention your savings account, the funds in that account would fall into your estate’s residue. The residuary clause ensures those funds are distributed according to your wishes — often to a named individual, group of heirs or charitable organization.

Omitting a residuary clause

Failing to include a residuary clause can create serious problems. When assets aren’t covered by specific instructions in a will, they’re considered “intestate property.” This means those assets will be distributed according to state intestacy laws rather than your personal wishes. In some cases, this could result in distant relatives inheriting part of your estate or assets going to individuals you never intended to benefit.

Without a residuary clause, your executor or family members may also need to seek court intervention to determine how to handle the leftover property. This adds time, legal costs and emotional strain to an already difficult process.

Moreover, the absence of a residuary clause can lead to family disputes. When the law, rather than your will, determines who gets what, heirs may disagree over how to interpret your intentions. A simple clause could prevent these misunderstandings and preserve family harmony.

Adding flexibility to your plan

A key advantage of a residuary clause is added flexibility. Life circumstances change — new assets are acquired, accounts are opened or closed, and property values fluctuate.

If your will doesn’t specifically list every asset (and most don’t), a residuary clause acts as a safety net to ensure nothing is left out. It can even account for unexpected windfalls or proceeds from insurance or lawsuits that arise after your passing.

Providing extra peace of mind

Including a residuary clause in your will is one of the simplest ways to make sure your entire estate is handled according to your wishes. It helps avoid gaps in your estate plan, minimizes legal complications and ensures your executor can distribute your assets smoothly. Contact Smolin Representative for additional details. Ask your estate planning attorney to add a residuary clause to your will.

  • Noelle Merwin
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Stop procrastinating and get to work on your estate plan
Stop procrastinating and get to work on your estate plan 1200 1200 Noelle Merwin

For many people, creating an estate plan falls into the category of important but not urgent. As a result, it can get postponed indefinitely. If you find yourself in this situation, understanding the reasons behind this procrastination can help you recognize and overcome the barriers that are preventing you from taking the first steps toward creating an estate plan.

Multiple reasons for procrastination

A primary reason people delay estate planning is emotional discomfort. Thinking about your death or a disability or becoming incapacitated is unpleasant. Simply put, it can be difficult to confront your mortality or make difficult decisions about who should inherit your assets or serve as guardian of your minor children.

Another reason for delay is that estate planning can seem daunting, especially when people assume it involves complicated legal jargon, multiple professionals and a mountain of paperwork. For those with blended families, business interests or complex financial situations, the process may feel even more overwhelming. Without clear guidance, many people don’t know where to start, so they don’t start at all.

There’s also the mistaken belief that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy or elderly. Younger individuals or those with modest assets may think they don’t need a plan yet. Additionally, procrastination bias — the tendency to prioritize immediate concerns over future needs — often pushes estate planning to the bottom of the to-do list.

Reasons to motivate yourself

Not having an estate plan in place, especially the basics of a will and health care directives, can have dire tax consequences in the event of an unexpected death or incapacitation. Without a will, your assets will be divided according to state law, regardless of your wishes. This can cause family disputes and lead to legal actions. It can also result in tax liabilities that could have been easily avoided.

There are a few relatively simple documents that can comprise an estate plan. For example, a living will can spell out instructions for end-of-life decisions. A power of attorney can appoint someone to handle your affairs if you’re incapacitated. And a living trust can be used to transfer assets without going through probate.

The bottom line

Procrastinating on estate planning carries real risks — not just for you, but also for your loved ones. Without a proper plan, state laws will determine how your assets will be distributed, often in ways that may not align with your wishes. Contact your Smolin representative for help taking the first steps toward forming your estate plan.

 

21 Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know

21 Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
21 Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know 850 500 smolinlupinco

Whether you’re making your first estate plan or need to update an existing one, it helps to speak the language. While most people are familiar with common terms like “trust” or “will,” the meanings of other estate planning terms may feel less clear. 

Keep this glossary of key terms handy to help you navigate the estate process with more confidence

  1. Administrator 

An individual or fiduciary appointed by a court to manage an estate if no executor or personal representative has been appointed or the appointee is unable or unwilling to serve.

  1. Ascertainable standard

This legal standard, typically relating to an individual’s health, education, maintenance, and support, is used to determine what distributions are permitted from a trust.

  1. Attorney-in-fact

The individual named under a power of attorney as the agent to handle the financial and/or health affairs of another person.

  1. Codicil 

A legally binding document that makes minor modifications to an existing will without requiring a complete rewrite of the document.

  1. Community property

A form of ownership in certain states in which property acquired during a marriage is presumed to be jointly owned regardless of who paid for it.

  1. Credit shelter trust

A type of trust established to bypass the surviving spouse’s estate to take full advantage of each spouse’s federal estate tax exemption. It’s also known as a bypass trust or A-B trust.

  1. Fiduciary

An individual or entity, such as an executor or trustee, who is designated to manage assets or funds for beneficiaries and is legally required to exercise an established standard of care.

  1. Grantor trust

A trust in which the grantor retains certain control so that it’s disregarded for income tax purposes and the trust’s assets are included in the grantor’s taxable estate.

  1. Inter vivos 

This is the legal phrase used to describe various actions (such as transfers to a trust) made by an individual during his or her lifetime.

  1. Intestacy

When a person dies without a legally valid will, a situation called “intestate,” the deceased’s estate is distributed in accordance with the applicable state’s intestacy laws.

  1. Joint tenancy

An ownership right in which two or more individuals (such as a married couple) own assets, often with rights of survivorship.

  1. No-contest clause

A provision in a will or trust that ensures that an individual who pursues a legal challenge to assets will forfeit his or her inheritance or interest.

  1. Pour-over will

A type of will that is used upon death to pass ownership of assets that weren’t transferred to a revocable trust.

  1. Power of appointment

The power granted to an individual under a trust that authorizes him or her to distribute assets on the termination of his or her interest in the trust or on certain other circumstances.

  1. Power of attorney (POA)

A legal document authorizing someone to act as attorney-in-fact for another person, relating to financial and/or health matters. A “durable” POA continues if the person is incapacitated.

  1. Probate

The legal process of settling an estate in which the validity of the will is proven, the deceased’s assets are identified and distributed, and debts and taxes are paid.

  1. Qualified disclaimer

The formal refusal by a beneficiary to accept an inheritance or gift or to allow the inheritance or gift to pass to the successor beneficiary.

  1. Qualified terminable interest property (QTIP)

Property in a trust or life estate that qualifies for the marital deduction because the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary during his or her lifetime. The assets of the QTIP trust are therefore included in the estate of the surviving spouse, that is, the spouse who is the beneficiary of the trust, not the estate of the spouse who created the trust.

  1. Spendthrift clause

A clause in a will or trust restricting the ability of a beneficiary (such as a child under a specified age) to transfer or distribute assets.

  1. Tenancy by the entirety

An ownership right between two spouses in which property automatically passes to the surviving spouse on the death of the first spouse.

  1. Tenancy in common

An ownership right in which each person possesses rights and ownership of an undivided interest in the property.

Questions? Smolin can help. 

This brief roundup isn’t an extensive list of estate planning terms. If you have questions about these terms or others that aren’t listed here, reach out to us! We’re happy to provide additional context for any estate planning concepts you need more clarity on.

Estate Planning Don’t Forget the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax

Estate Planning? Don’t Forget the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax
Estate Planning? Don’t Forget the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax 850 500 smolinlupinco

Would you like to include grandchildren, great grandchildren, or nonrelatives who are significantly younger than you in your estate plan? If so, you’ve got more to consider than gift and estate taxes. The generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax may also apply.

GST Tax Basics

One of the harshest taxes in the Internal Revenue Code, the GST tax is a flat 40% tax on asset transfers that “skip persons”. For example, the tax may apply if you plan to leave assets to grandchildren or other family members who are more than one generation below you. (For non-family members, the tax applies when the heir in question is more than 37 ½ years younger than you.)   

Because this tax is calculated in addition to estate and gift taxes, it can significantly impact the amount of wealth you’re able to leave to future generations. 

GST Tax Exemption Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

A generous GST tax exemption may fortunately offer some relief. For persons dying after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, the Tax Cuts and Jobs act adjusts the GST tax exemption amount to an inflation-adjusted $10 million. That totals $13.61 million for 2024.

Unless congress takes action before this time frame ends, the exemption will shrink back to an inflation-adjusted $5 million starting on January 1, 2026.

Of course, taking advantage of this exemption requires careful planning.

For an exemption to apply in some cases, it’s necessary to allocate the exemption to particular assets on a timely filed gift tax return. This is called an affirmative election.

In some cases, the exemption may be allocated automatically unless you opt out. If you prefer to allocate your exemption elsewhere, this can lead to unwanted results.

Reviewing each transfer for potential GST tax liability is a great way to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your exemption is allocated as advantageously as possible.

What transfers are taxable under the GST?

In addition to direct gifts that skip persons, GST tax applies to two types of trust-related transfers: 

  1. Taxable terminations

Trust assets pass to your grandchildren when your child dies and the trust terminates.

  1. Taxable distributions

Trust income or principal is distributed to a skip person.

Note: Gifts covered by the annual gift tax exclusion aren’t currently subject to the GST tax. 

Protections offered by automatic allocation rules

While the automatic allocation rules can be unfavorable if you prefer to allocate your exemption elsewhere, they’re ultimately intended to protect you against unintentional loss of GST tax exemptions.

For instance, your unused GST tax exemption may be automatically applied to a gift to a grandchild or other “skip person” that exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ﹘without the need to make an allocation on a gift tax return. 

The rules’ impact on “GST trusts” are complex. In general, a trust is considered a GST trust if it will likely benefit skip persons or your grandchildren in the future.

In most cases, these automatic allocation rules work favorably and ensure your GST tax exemption is applied where it’s most needed. However, they can also lead to unintended﹘and potentially expensive﹘results in other cases.   

Questions? Smolin can help

For many people, the GST tax might not be top of mind right now. After all, the exemption amount is currently high enough that it doesn’t impact most families’ estate plans. 

However, the GST tax exemption rate is expected to decrease significantly after 2025 without action from congress. 

By choosing to contact your accountant to plan for this tax now, you can avoid unexpected costs and protect the wealth you want to leave to your younger relatives in the future. 

Stressed About Long-Term Care Expenses Here’s What You Should Consider.

Stressed About Long-Term Care Expenses? Here’s What You Should Consider
Stressed About Long-Term Care Expenses? Here’s What You Should Consider 850 500 smolinlupinco

Most people will need some form of long-term care (LTC) at some point in their lives, whether it’s a nursing home or assisted living facility stay.  But the cost of unanticipated long-term care is steep.

LTC expenses generally aren’t covered by traditional health insurance policies like Social Security or Medicare. A preemptive funding plan can help ensure your LTC doesn’t deplete your savings or assets.

Here are some of your options.

Self-funding

If your nest egg is large enough, paying for LTC expenses out-of-pocket may be possible. This approach avoids the high cost of LTC insurance premiums. In addition, if you’re fortunate enough to avoid the need for LTC, you’ll enjoy a savings windfall that you can use for yourself or your family. 

The risk here is that your LTC expenses will be significantly larger than what you anticipated, and it completely erodes your savings.

Any type of asset or investment can be used to self-fund LTC expenses, including:

  • Savings accounts
  • Pension or other retirement funds
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Mutual funds
  • Annuities

Another option is to tap your home equity by selling your house, taking out a home equity loan or line of credit, or obtaining a reverse mortgage.

Both Roth IRAs and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are particularly effective for funding LTC expenses. Roth IRAs aren’t subject to minimum distribution requirements, so you can let the funds grow tax-free until they’re needed. 

HSAs, coupled with a high-deductible health insurance plan, allow you to invest pre-tax dollars that you can later use to pay for qualified unreimbursed medical expenses, including LTC. Unused funds may be carried over from year to year, which makes an HSA a powerful savings vehicle.

LTC insurance

LTC insurance policies—which are expensive—cover LTC services that traditional health insurance policies typically don’t cover. 

It can be a challenge to determine if LTC insurance is the best option for you. The right time for you to buy coverage depends on your health, family medical history, and other factors. 

The younger you are, the lower the premiums, but you’ll be paying for insurance coverage when you’re not likely to need it. Many people purchase these policies in their early to mid-60s. Keep in mind that once you reach your mid-70s, LTC coverage may no longer be available to you, or it may become prohibitively expensive.

Hybrid insurance

Hybrid policies combine LTC coverage with traditional life insurance. Often, these policies take the form of a permanent life insurance policy with an LTC rider that provides tax-free accelerated death benefits in the event of certain diagnoses or medical conditions.

Compared to stand-alone LTC policies, hybrid insurance provides less stringent underwriting requirements and guaranteed premiums that won’t increase over time. The downside, of course, is that the more you use LTC benefits, the fewer death benefits available to your heirs.

Potential tax breaks

If you buy LTC insurance, you may be able to deduct a portion of the premiums on your tax return.

If you have questions regarding LTC funding or the tax implications, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Questions? Smolin can help. 

If you’re concerned about planning for long-term care, don’t put it off any longer. We’re here to help! Contact your Smolin accountant to learn more about your options for LTC expenses so you can rest easy.

Owning Assets Jointly Child Estate Planning

Is owning assets jointly with your child an effective estate planning strategy? 
Is owning assets jointly with your child an effective estate planning strategy?  850 500 smolinlupinco

Are you considering sharing ownership of an asset jointly with your child (or another heir) in an effort to save time on estate planning? Though appealing, this approach should be executed with caution. This is because it can open the door to unwelcome consequences that might ultimately undermine your efforts.

There are some advantages to owning an asset, such as a car, brokerage account, or piece of real estate, with your child as “joint tenants with right of survivorship.” The asset will automatically pass to your child without going through probate, for example. 

Still, it may also lead to costly headaches down the line, such as the following,

Preventable transfer tax liability

When your child is added to the title of property you already own, they could become liable for a gift tax on half of the property’s value. When it’s time for them to inherit the property, half of the property’s value will be included in your taxable estate.

Higher income taxes

As a joint owner of your property, your child won’t be eligible to benefit from the stepped-up basis as if the asset were transferred at death. Instead, they could face a higher capital gains tax. 

Risk of claims by creditors

Does your child have significant debt, such as student debt or credit card debt? Joint ownership means that the property could be exposed to claims from your child’s creditors.

Shared use before inheritance

By making your child an owner of certain assets, such as bank or brokerage accounts, you legally authorize them to use those assets without your knowledge or consent. You won’t be able to sell or borrow against the property without your child’s written consent, either.

Unexpected circumstances

If your child predeceases you unexpectedly, the asset will be in your name alone. You’ll need to revisit your estate plan to create a new plan for them. 

Less control 

If you believe your child is too young to manage your property immediately, making them a joint owner can be a risky move. When you pass, they’ll receive the asset immediately, whether or not they have the financial maturity—or ability—to manage it.   

Questions? Smolin can help.

Even if joint ownership isn’t the best strategy for your estate planning needs, it may still be possible to save time and money on the estate planning process with a well-designed trust. Contact the friendly team at Smolin to learn more about the estate planning measures available to you. 

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