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AN OPEN LETTER FROM PHILIP J. BRYCE

Let’s talk about what’s currently going on with Estate Planning, Asset Protection, IRS/Taxes, and Elder/Veter-
an Planning.

ESTATE PLANNING. Rumor has it that about 90 percent of us are walking around without a valid testamen-

tary instrument—either a Testamentary Trust or Will. And for those who have them, many would not qualify as

current. he big, bad monster that used to scare clients into our oice has efectively died. I am talking about the
estate tax. Unless you are worth more than $5.43 million by yourself—or $10.86 million with your spouse—then

you don’t have to worry about having to pay tax.
However, the real reason to do your estate planning still exists: How do you leave your things to loved ones

without hurting them?
he answer is, “very carefully.” A lot of thought must go into this planning, and though you might know all of

the answers, you might not know all of the questions. hat is why you need a specialist. Trusts need to be formed

to hold assets until they are needed. I irmly believe in lifetime spendthrift trusts, where you can get the money
anytime you would like and where no one can make you go get it and give it to them. Additionally, the new focus

in Estate Planning is how to capitalize on the free step-up in basis that may be available to your estate. Only a
tax expert can help you with that.

ASSET PROTECTION. Asset Protection is the new focus for those who wish to plan their futures, instead
of letting life happen to them. Tennessee is surprisingly a “shining star” in this area. In 2007, Tennessee enacted a

DAPT—Domestic Asset Protection Trust, TCA Title 35 Chapter 16, known as the TIST Trust. his trust was
recently ranked third in the nation. his is a trust that almost everyone should have to protect their homes and

other assets and investments. here is also a new Tenants by the Entirety Trust Act which is designed to put your

homes in. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to use this trust (although the TIST trust is more
comprehensive). Protecting your assets is a no-brainer.

IRS/TAXES. If you owe the IRS a lot of money, there is yet new hope for you. I have saved my clients millions

of dollars by primarily utilizing a procedure called an “Ofer in Compromise,” a formula that at our oice is at an
efective 75 percent discount. his game is not for amateurs, so make sure your advisor knows what he is doing.

Using an out of town advisor makes little sense as it doesn’t aford you the option of talking face to face with

them. It makes more sense to have an advisor close to home with plenty of experience in this arena.

ELDER/VETERAN’S PLANNING. I now ask everyone if they are a veteran or if their parents are veterans
because the pension available to them is fantastic. Most people don’t know where to get straight answers. We

do many Irrevocable Veteran’s Asset Protection trusts that qualify veterans for the Aid and Attendance Pension

Beneits, which additionally helps them in their Medicaid Planning. Many people complain to me that if they
had only known, they would have done this long ago and not missed out on this “free money.” Remember, the

look-back period is ive years, so the sooner you plan to utilize all of the current strategies available, the better.

his letter does not purport to cover all of the planning opportunities that are out there. Others may be right
for you. If you have any questions or would like to know more, contact me for a consultation. I also have materials

that I share for free with people to help them understand certain strategies. Remember the old saying, “If you fail

to plan, you plan to fail”.

Call Jeannie Reed at 865-690-5566 or e-mail phil@brycelawoices.com.
Visit our website at www.BryceLawOices.com

Phil Bryce has more than 30 years of experience as a professional advisor (CPA, now inactive, and Attorney) in the ields

of Estate Planning, Asset Protection, and IRS representation. He additionally is a Department of Veteran’s Afairs Accredited
Attorney. Phil has been voted numerous times as one of Knoxville Top Lawyers in Cityview magazine and was listed in 2013
.
as one of the Top Lawyers in Tennessee in the Legal Network