Approved IAR CE Courses

This course examines how a business can use a micro captive as an alternative risk finance solution for Enterprise Risk Management and Safe Harbor risks. It discusses the tax and accounting implications of captives, the type of fortuitous risks that can be included, domicile options available, and how reinsurance is applied.

This course provides an overview of 831(b) microcaptives as an alternative risk financing mechanism within an enterprise risk management strategy. Participants will examine qualification requirements, insurance principles, regulatory considerations, common business risks, and compliance best practices associated with 831(b) plans.

As we wrap up the season of giving, it is time to plan for another year of client gifting. Gifting can be a major goal for a client's life and legacy, but this process can often lead to unexpected tax liabilities and reporting obligations. Advisors can add immense value by helping clients avoid common pitfalls associated with gifting and strategizing methods to structure gifts for tax efficiency. In this webinar, David Haughton, JD, CPWA' walks through 3 common methods of gifting (direct gifts, gifts in trusts, and gifts to 529 plans) along with their respective benefits, common pitfalls, tax implications, and gift tax reporting requirements. Furthermore, David contextualizes core gifting concepts, such as completed gifts, fair market valuations, Crummey powers, and basis planning, in common client circumstances, highlighting how advisors can think through how to fulfill a client's gifting goals while also thinking more broadly about the practical implications of each gifting strategy.

The current litigation explosion has created tremendous interest in asset protection. Not only does this area have financial and estate aspects, but it also directly impacts tax planning. This mini-course is designed to survey opportunities for asset protection that can arise during tax planning and to determine how to properly report such transactions.

The various ideas, methods, and techniques to optimize the overall compensation package for key employees and principals are examined in this mini-course. Generally, businesses may deduct employees' pay including wages, salaries, and other perks. Certain fringe benefits that can provide an unusually tax-favored manner of supplementing compensation are described and evaluated. In addition, equity participation is explored through stock sales, repurchase agreements, incentive stock options, ESOTs, stock options, and bonuses. Finally, deferred compensation arrangements are investigated. The goal of this mini-course is to provide participants with a working knowledge of the types of compensation necessary to structure a compensation package minimizing tax liabilities and cost.

Tax Minimization Strategies in Estate Planning provides a comprehensive overview of key techniques to reduce estate tax exposure and maximize tax efficiency. Participants will explore strategies such as valuation discounts for minority interests, lifetime exemption planning, and managing income tax considerations, including the impact of step-up in basis rules. The course also covers tax-efficient retirement account distributions, Roth conversions, and planning for highly appreciated assets. Additionally, attendees will gain insights into navigating state-level estate and inheritance taxes, state-specific planning approaches, and leveraging life insurance to offset tax liabilities and ensure estate liquidity. This course is essential for professionals seeking to optimize estate planning strategies for their clients.

This course, presented by Paul Hood, provides an in-depth analysis of the potential tax law changes following the 2024 election and their impact on financial planning strategies. The session covers key issues such as the Byrd Rule's effect on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the likelihood of legislative modifications before provisions sunset in 2026, and how political dynamics influence tax policy decisions. Participants will gain insights into strategic tax planning, including considerations for estate and gift taxes, charitable contributions, grantor trusts, and asset protection strategies. The course emphasizes risk assessment for clients, highlighting prudent approaches to managing uncertainty in light of evolving tax laws. Through detailed discussions on various planning techniques, professionals will be better equipped to advise clients on actions to take'or avoid'as they prepare for future legislative changes.