Are you looking into last will and testament gifts? Estate planning can be complicated.

Do you know about a living trust, residuary gifts, and how to designate a beneficiary? What about specific bequests?

And what about taxes? They are universally hated. And unavoidable. But did you know there is a way to reduce your taxes by gifting your estate to heirs while you are alive?

Making a lasting impact beyond your lifetime is possible through a legacy gift or a charitable donation in your last will and testament. Not only does this allow you to support a cause or organization you care about, but it also provides numerous benefits for you and your beneficiaries.

From tax advantages to building a legacy and supporting your beliefs, leaving a gift in your will can simplify the process of making a donation and offer flexible options to best align with your values.

Experience the rewards of leaving a lasting impact and potentially reducing the tax burden on your estate. Consider the possibilities of a legacy gift today.

Which is better inheritance or a gift?

The choice between inheritance and gift is a personal matter that varies based on a person’s unique circumstances and objectives. Both options come with their own benefits and drawbacks and serve different purposes.

Inheritance involves the transfer of property or assets from one generation to another upon the death of a relative. It offers financial stability and security for the inheritor and is considered a form of wealth transfer. However, it may also come with tax implications, as some assets may be subject to estate taxes.

On the other hand, a gift is a voluntary transfer of property or assets from one person to another during the giver’s lifetime. It presents an opportunity for the giver to express their generosity and provide immediate support to the recipient. Additionally, gifting can be used to reduce the size of one’s estate, potentially reducing the tax burden on the estate.

The better option between inheritance and gift varies based on the person’s financial situation and objectives. If the primary aim is to provide future generations with financial stability and security, inheritance may be the way to go. But, if the goal is to show generosity and offer immediate support, a gift may be more fitting. You should seek the advice of a financial advisor or a law firm to determine the best approach.

Both inheritance and gift come with their own advantages, serving different purposes. The decision lies with the individual to decide which is best for their specific circumstances and goals.

Paying probate fees

When you die, your heirs pay probate fees on your estate.

That includes real estate you own in Ontario or hold in someone else’s name, bank accounts, vehicles, including boats or motorcycles, and investments like stocks or bonds.

Your estate will also owe taxes. This will be on goods like furniture and your business interests. It will also be on intangibles like copyrights or franchises and insurance payouts to your estate.

They don’t have to be specific beneficiaries. This is a good reason to name a person and not just “estate” on all of your documents.

If you want to hire a lawyer to help with last will and testament gifts, contact us. we will connect you with an estate lawyer for a free consultation.

Specific Gifts In Last Will And Testament

Last Will And Testament Gifts

In Ontario, this “estate administration tax” works out to approximately 1.25% of the total value of your estate. That equals $5 per $1,000 for the first $50,000 of assets and $15 per $1,000 for assets over $50,000.

No taxes are due for estates under $1,000. Even a modest $200,000 estate could cost $2,500 in probate fees.

Wouldn’t you rather see that go to your heirs? Since Ontario has no gift or inheritance taxes, you could increase the value of your estate by gifting assets beforehand.

Your heirs could even save money on executor’s fees. Fewer assets to dispose of can mean lower fees owed to the person handling your will.

Consider joint ownership of the real estate. Transferring your home to a child could allow you to live in the home, but keep it out of your estate.

Include a “right of survivorship” in the agreement so it is clear you intend for the home to pass to your survivor(s).

The clearer your agreement is, the easier it is to transfer assets after death. Your heirs will only need a copy of your death certificate to finalize the deal.

Last Will And Testament Gifts Bank Accounts

You can even register investments jointly with your children, allowing you to hold investments outside of your estate.

Those same stocks, bonds, and mutual funds worth $1 million could attract $14,500 in probate fees if left in your will.

Gifting your estate can be complex as there are always some possible tax implications. Canada Revenue Agency may tax you for a capital gain if assets increased in value between the time you bought and gifted them.

Also, be aware your heirs could lose some or all of your assets if they divorce or go bankrupt. That could affect you if your family supports you financially. Or you live in a home or cottage you have already given someone else.

A financial planner can help you minimize your risk. Ask us for a referral.

Disagreements between family members can get unpleasant. Talk to all of your children or heirs about what your plans are. Maybe you want your children to sell the home you gifted them and share the proceeds after your death.

Put that in the agreement. If you give one child cash, make sure it is clearly documented that it is a gift.

That way if the matter goes to court, your heirs at least have some proof of your intentions. Having witnesses can prevent accusations your arm was twisted.

Designate A Beneficiary

Giving away assets while you are alive can also reduce your income taxes. And you will have the pleasure of seeing your children enjoy your assets, financial or otherwise.

Therefore, just be sure you keep enough income to live out your own retirement in comfort!

Let’s say you do leave your children your assets after you retire. How much will you need to live monthly? The answer depends on your lifestyle and housing, health, or other needs. The average living costs for retired Canadians are around $2,400 to $3,000 monthly.

With any private pensions you may have and Canadian Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Guaranteed Income Security payments, even after gifting much of your estate to your heirs, you can probably live a financially content life.

Think your life insurance is just cash to give your heirs when you die? Think again. You can make permanent life insurance and do double duty.

Also, since the policy is tax-free, it’s a win-win for you and your family.

As you can see, gifting your estate is complex.

Residuary Gifts

Extend or change your insurance. You probably already know that term life insurance saves you money. But it can technically expire before you do. Depending on your policy, that could be in 10 to 40 years. Sure, you could apply for a new term policy, if you are in good health.

But if your health has changed, here are some other options:

extending your term policy year by year; or
converting to universal life.

Last Will And Testament Gifts Estate Planning

While you can usually extend a term policy annually until you reach 95, it will cost you more.

And go up yearly, as you age. If your policy allows it, consider converting to universal life. No new application and no medical exam are required.

Compare the cost of extending your term policy to converting to universal life to see which works best for you.

Pay estate costs with life insurance. Further, once you convert to universal life, consider making your estate the beneficiary. The insurance money will go to pay your estate costs, so they don’t come out of the other assets you leave your family.

Specific Gifts In The Legal Document

Use life insurance for funeral expenses. You can even preplan and prepay your funeral using insurance. You choose the funeral you want. Your family is spared the emotional and financial burden of planning and paying for it.

Funerals can cost upwards of $10,000. Your family could get hit with extra charges if too much time elapses between when you buy a funeral pre-planning package and die. Just like everything else, the funeral home’s costs go up regularly.

You can make it easier all around by buying your own funeral life insurance policy. This is instead of letting a funeral home put your fees into a trust account or life insurance policy they own.

Therefore, being financially savvy now can make all the difference for you and your loved ones.

We hope you found this guide on last will and testament gifts useful.

Maximizing the Impact of Your Last Will: Tips for Gift-Giving

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