Tax-Deferred Plan
A retirement savings plan (like an IRA, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, or Keogh) that qualifies for special income tax treatment. The contributions made to the plan and subsequent appreciation of the assets are not taxed until they are withdrawn at a later time — ideally, at retirement, when your income and tax rate are lower.
Taxable Gift
Generally, a gift of more than $13,000 in one year to someone other than your spouse. The value of the taxable gift is applied to your federal gift tax exemption. After you have used up your exemption, additional gifts will be taxed, usually at the highest estate tax rate in effect. In 2012, the gift tax exemption is the same as the federal estate tax exemption and the tax rate is 35%. If Congress does not act before the end of 2012, on January 1, 2013 the exemption will be $1 million and the tax rate will be 55%.
Tenants-in-Common
A form of joint ownership in which two or more persons own the same property. At the death of a tenant-in-common, his/her share transfers to his/her heirs.
Tenants-by-the Entirety
A form of joint ownership in some states between husband and wife. When one spouse dies, his/her share of the asset automatically transfers to the surviving spouse.
Testamentary Trust
A trust in a will. Can only go into effect at death. Does not avoid probate.
Testate
One who dies with a valid will.
Title
Document proving ownership of an asset.
Transfer Tax
Tax on assets when they are transferred to another. The estate tax, gift tax and generation skipping transfer tax are all transfer taxes.
Trust
An entity that holds assets for the benefit of certain other persons or entities.
Trust Company
An institution that specializes in managing trusts. Also called a corporate trustee.
Trustee
Person or institution who manages and distributes another’s assets according to the instructions in the trust document.
Trustor
See “Grantor.”
Totten Trust
A “pay-on-death” account. A bank account that will transfer to the beneficiary who was named when the account was established. The terms “transfer on death” (“TOD”), “in trust for” (“ITF”), “as trustee for” (“ATF”), and “pay on death” (“POD”) often appear in the title.
Unified Credit
The amount each person is allowed to deduct from federal estate taxes owed after death. In 2012, the credit is $1,772,800. This is the amount of estate taxes that would be due on $5,120,000 in net assets. After applying this credit, the result is that $5,120,000 is “exempt” from estate taxes in 2012.
Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA)
Law enacted in many states that lets you leave assets to a minor by appointing a custodian. In most states, the minor receives the assets at legal age.
Unfunded
Your living trust is unfunded if you have not transferred assets into it.
Warranty Deed
Document that allows you to transfer title to real estate. With a warranty deed, the person guarantees that the title being transferred is clear (free of any encumbrances). If the title is defective, the person making the transfer is liable. Compare to quitclaim deed.
Will
A written document with instructions for disposing of assets after death. A will can only be enforced through the probate court.