By Hoffman Estate Law

Did You Know That We Have Tax Experts Who Have Earned The Right To Represent You Before The IRS?

An enrolled agent is a person who is credentialed by the IRS and has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards.

In order to become an EA, they have to pass a rigorous examination process, a thorough ethical review and must maintain continuing tax law education. Due to their ability to work with the IRS and represent taxpayers, they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help with tax issues and compliance.

EAs can provide tax advice for annual tax planning and preparation as well as handle any tax problems that may arise with the IRS, including IRS or state audit and/or appeals. This may include helping the taxpayer to negotiate potential tax settlements, establish payment arrangements and/or assist with a reduction of certain penalties the taxpayer may be eligible for with the IRS and/or state.

To learn more you can reach Tabitha Relota here. Tabitha is a Tax Accountant and Enrolled Agent.

By Hoffman Estate Law

Which assets of a deceased person require probate?

Probate is the legal process where a court validates a will, appoints an executor/personal representative, and oversees the administration and distribution of a deceased person's estate. 

Assets that require probating are those held in the deceased person’s name, only, at the time of their passing – i.e. assets that are not jointly-held or do not have a beneficiary designation (unless the beneficiary is the Estate of the decedent).

Life insurance policies (that are not payable to the Estate of the decedent), transfer-on-death accounts/payable-on-death accounts, jointly-held real property or bank accounts, for example, do not require probate.

If you have questions about Probate matters or the Probate process, please contact Partner Hunter Moreland or Juli Findling, our Senior Paralegal Probate specialist.