The new rules announced on 9th October 2007 by Alistair Darling allow couples to combine their inheritance tax allowances. Yet it has always been possible for couples to do this providing they had the right wills in place. There are estimates that this reform is going to cost the Government up to £1 billion in lost revenues.
Isn’t it a scandal that prior to pressure arising from recent opinion polls, the Government was happy to collect this much tax from that section of the population that was ill-informed and poorly advised, whilst others with equal wealth could quite legitimately avoid paying up to £120,000 (£300,000 at 40%) in tax.
The chancellor is to be applauded for applying this to widows and widowers (it would have been cruelly unfair not to). Those who have planned efficiently will be unaffected, but a widow with a £600,000 house and only a £300,000 exemption will save £120,000.
The inheritance tax threshold is to rise to £350,000 per person in April 2010, giving couples a combined allowance of £700,000.
What planning is available to those with estates worth in excess of the exemptions outlined above?
Give assets away
If you can afford to do it, you may give away assets, providing you survive seven years after the gift the gift is exempt. Be aware that giving away an asset rather than cash may well create a capital gain and a different kind of tax liability.
If you can afford it you can also make gifts out of income, and this is immediately exempt from inheritance tax.
Invest in Business Property
There are investments which are exempt from inheritance tax. These include investments in AIM listed companies, agricultural or business assets. A residential property used for holiday lettings may qualify as a business. Professional advice should be taken before investing.
Domicile
Those taking up residence abroad should be aware that non resident does not remove your estate from UK inheritance tax. To do this one would need to become non-domiciled, which is harder to achieve. It means severing ties with the UK, taking up permanent home in another country and demonstrating an intention to remain there.
Persons not born in the UK or those born in the UK but whose father was born elsewhere should take advice. They may not be UK domiciled, and many planning opportunities then are available.
Discounted Gift Plan
These products are offered by Life Insurance companies and are suited to those looking to:
* move some of the investment out of their estate immediately,
* receive fixed regular payments now with any remainder passing to their beneficiaries when they die.
The value of the estate is reduced from the start of the plan and if you survive seven years the investment is fully removed from the estate. You can receive a regular payment from the plan and then any remaining amount is paid to the beneficiaries on death.
The trust creates two separate rights:
* your right to regular payments of a specified amount out of the capital of the trust fund for life (or until the trust fund is exhausted).
* the trustee's right to whatever is left in the trust fund at the time of your death.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Inheritance-Tax-Planning/323543
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Guide To Work Accident Claims
Loss of earnings and medical care costs can be claimed through the standard policy of Employers Liability Insurance. This fund is there to ensure that employers are covered in the event of any employee having an accident at work.
This policy is one that all employers have to have by law to protect their workers, just as each employer has to undertake an adequate risk assessment of their workplace before any body can be employed there. The right personal injury solicitor will be able to win you compensation through this insurance policy if you can present a strong work claim.
Since half of accidents happen at work, it is recognised that whether these are serious injuries or slight mishaps, each incident has to be recorded officially. This can take the form of the workplaces accident book in the case of small accidents to informing the HSE incident centre should a serious injury, over three day injury or fatality occur.
Making sure that any occurrence is documented in the correct manner is the first step to ensuring any later accident at work claim you may wish to make against your employer. If you have recently sustained a serious injury at work your employer should contact the HSE incident centre online to alert them of an accident for theirs and your own peace of mind in case of any future accident at work claim you may wish to bring.
Some employers and owners of premises don't realise that they are legally obliged to document any serious work related accident, this applies even if the person involved in the accident are self employed.
Once your problem has been recorded officially, you should then go about gathering medical evidence to demonstrate the seriousness of your injury/disease. Medical records may take the form of hospital visits, or visits to your GP, but if you feel the injury you have sustained is serious, for example in the event of a three or more day injury, it is essential that you seek medical advice with regards to the long term effect your injury or disease may have. These records are the foundation for any accident at work claim you make, as your solicitor will be able to understand how your condition has affected your life, e.g. loss of earnings.
Though many workers are reluctant to take employers to court for fear of repercussions, especially in the event of the employer having been negligent, it is important to remember that your job is protected by law and that any threats toward its stability in the instance of a litigation case being brought is also a serious breach of responsibility, meaning the employer is liable under both criminal and civil law.
Every employer has a duty of care toward its employees and this responsibility applies as much to psychological as well as physical injuries. If as an employee you have suffered any kind of abuse or bullying you are just as entitled to make a claim against your employer, as both instances are covered under employment law for your protection.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Guide-To-Work-Accident-Claims/323531
This policy is one that all employers have to have by law to protect their workers, just as each employer has to undertake an adequate risk assessment of their workplace before any body can be employed there. The right personal injury solicitor will be able to win you compensation through this insurance policy if you can present a strong work claim.
Since half of accidents happen at work, it is recognised that whether these are serious injuries or slight mishaps, each incident has to be recorded officially. This can take the form of the workplaces accident book in the case of small accidents to informing the HSE incident centre should a serious injury, over three day injury or fatality occur.
Making sure that any occurrence is documented in the correct manner is the first step to ensuring any later accident at work claim you may wish to make against your employer. If you have recently sustained a serious injury at work your employer should contact the HSE incident centre online to alert them of an accident for theirs and your own peace of mind in case of any future accident at work claim you may wish to bring.
Some employers and owners of premises don't realise that they are legally obliged to document any serious work related accident, this applies even if the person involved in the accident are self employed.
Once your problem has been recorded officially, you should then go about gathering medical evidence to demonstrate the seriousness of your injury/disease. Medical records may take the form of hospital visits, or visits to your GP, but if you feel the injury you have sustained is serious, for example in the event of a three or more day injury, it is essential that you seek medical advice with regards to the long term effect your injury or disease may have. These records are the foundation for any accident at work claim you make, as your solicitor will be able to understand how your condition has affected your life, e.g. loss of earnings.
Though many workers are reluctant to take employers to court for fear of repercussions, especially in the event of the employer having been negligent, it is important to remember that your job is protected by law and that any threats toward its stability in the instance of a litigation case being brought is also a serious breach of responsibility, meaning the employer is liable under both criminal and civil law.
Every employer has a duty of care toward its employees and this responsibility applies as much to psychological as well as physical injuries. If as an employee you have suffered any kind of abuse or bullying you are just as entitled to make a claim against your employer, as both instances are covered under employment law for your protection.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Guide-To-Work-Accident-Claims/323531
The Essential Guide: What You Need To Know To Make A Successful Cycling Accident Claim.
Statistics in England suggest that over 15,000 cyclists are killed or injured every year on our roads; though it is thought the number of accidents are higher with many going unreported. It is true that fewer than 10 of cycling accident claims seem to have been generated in urban areas near one of these trouble spots.
The main factors to account for in any cycling accident claims case are:
* Were you hit by another vehicle?
* Did the driver stop to give their details?
* Did the accident come about as a result of a defect in the road for example potholes?
In any of the above instances, one of the most important factors in bringing about a successful cycling accident claim is to report the accident to the police as quickly as possible. Once registered this acknowledgement of an occurrence can always be referred back to in court.
This is especially true of hit and run cases where there are strict limits on the time in which these accidents must be reported. It is best to visit your local station within 48 hours of any mishap in order to cover yourself for all eventualities.
You should also visit your doctor as soon as possible if you do not have to visit the hospital as a result of your injuries. Once again this official logging of the accident and injuries sustained will stand you in better stead in court for a successful cycling accident claim.
In the event of an accident being caused by a road defect, it is advisable to take as many photographs of the site of the accident as quickly as possible. This is because once a compliant has been made your local council will go about fixing the problem as soon as possible to prevent any further mishaps. Scale and date the accident by including a newspaper from the day in the photograph.
Your local council are responsible for making regular checks of the roads and it can be hard to prove that these checks weren't made if you don't have supporting evidence to demonstrate the fault. It is also important to remember that if you were hit by a driver of a vehicle who did not stop to give their details, you will still be able to recover compensation through a cycling accident claim, by getting in touch with the Motor Insurers Bureau. The Motors Insurers Bureau have a fund for compensation for victims of hit and run, and a resource to compensate for accidents caused by uninsured drivers.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Essential-Guide--What-You-Need-To-Know-To-M
The main factors to account for in any cycling accident claims case are:
* Were you hit by another vehicle?
* Did the driver stop to give their details?
* Did the accident come about as a result of a defect in the road for example potholes?
In any of the above instances, one of the most important factors in bringing about a successful cycling accident claim is to report the accident to the police as quickly as possible. Once registered this acknowledgement of an occurrence can always be referred back to in court.
This is especially true of hit and run cases where there are strict limits on the time in which these accidents must be reported. It is best to visit your local station within 48 hours of any mishap in order to cover yourself for all eventualities.
You should also visit your doctor as soon as possible if you do not have to visit the hospital as a result of your injuries. Once again this official logging of the accident and injuries sustained will stand you in better stead in court for a successful cycling accident claim.
In the event of an accident being caused by a road defect, it is advisable to take as many photographs of the site of the accident as quickly as possible. This is because once a compliant has been made your local council will go about fixing the problem as soon as possible to prevent any further mishaps. Scale and date the accident by including a newspaper from the day in the photograph.
Your local council are responsible for making regular checks of the roads and it can be hard to prove that these checks weren't made if you don't have supporting evidence to demonstrate the fault. It is also important to remember that if you were hit by a driver of a vehicle who did not stop to give their details, you will still be able to recover compensation through a cycling accident claim, by getting in touch with the Motor Insurers Bureau. The Motors Insurers Bureau have a fund for compensation for victims of hit and run, and a resource to compensate for accidents caused by uninsured drivers.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Essential-Guide--What-You-Need-To-Know-To-M
Car Accidents In La County: Causes And After-accident Reminders
In the populous county of Los Angeles, California, among the primary causes of motor vehicle accidents is negligence. Usually, the vehicle mostly involve in such accidents are cars which are usually handled by negligent drivers.
Once a driver become engaged in other activities that distracts him/her from focusing attention on the road, this is when accidents happen. Several kinds of distractions could cause a driver to lose focus on driving:
a. talking to car passengers
b. talking to the mobile phone
c. playing music
d. reading
Some of these other factors also cause catastrophic car accidents:
e. failure to drive according to the demands of weather and road conditions (either driving too fast or too slowly)
f. ignoring the weather conditions and traffic signals
Many road accidents can occur because of negligence. Negligence is actually an irresponsible act and not an intentional one. It is a failure to exercise caution in situations where a certain standard of care should be exercised. The same as an intentional act of causing harm, though, negligence also causes as much harm and damage, injuries and even death.
If you happen to encounter or be involved in a car accident situation, here are the following things you have to remember:
1. Immediately call for the assistance of authorities, especially the police. Request their assistance in filing a report about the accident. You have to do this even if there have been no parties who sustained injuries.
Remember that official reports on car accident can be used for purposes of insurance claims and also determining who was liable or at fault. Make sure that the account of the accident is reported thoroughly.
Make sure too that the car accident report included interviews with the parties involved and the people who have witnessed it.
2. If you were the one injured during the car accident, make it a point to seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. Do not let another day pass before going to a clinic for a thorough check up.
Even if at the time of the accident you have not felt any pain, make sure that you did not suffer any internal damage by having a medical professional check on your vital signs.
Aside from getting professional medical help immediately, if you have suffered injuries, you also have to avoid delay in filing for personal injury claims, wherein you need a complete medical report about the injuries you have sustained during the accident.
If you need help in establishing a valid injury claim, you have to contact a qualified car accident attorney who is based in Los Angeles and has considerable reputation in dealing with car accident claims and settlements.
A professional and well-experienced car accident attorney will also know how to handle the various complications, if any, that would arise in your case, expertly.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Car-Accidents-in-LA-County--Causes-and-After-Acc
Once a driver become engaged in other activities that distracts him/her from focusing attention on the road, this is when accidents happen. Several kinds of distractions could cause a driver to lose focus on driving:
a. talking to car passengers
b. talking to the mobile phone
c. playing music
d. reading
Some of these other factors also cause catastrophic car accidents:
e. failure to drive according to the demands of weather and road conditions (either driving too fast or too slowly)
f. ignoring the weather conditions and traffic signals
Many road accidents can occur because of negligence. Negligence is actually an irresponsible act and not an intentional one. It is a failure to exercise caution in situations where a certain standard of care should be exercised. The same as an intentional act of causing harm, though, negligence also causes as much harm and damage, injuries and even death.
If you happen to encounter or be involved in a car accident situation, here are the following things you have to remember:
1. Immediately call for the assistance of authorities, especially the police. Request their assistance in filing a report about the accident. You have to do this even if there have been no parties who sustained injuries.
Remember that official reports on car accident can be used for purposes of insurance claims and also determining who was liable or at fault. Make sure that the account of the accident is reported thoroughly.
Make sure too that the car accident report included interviews with the parties involved and the people who have witnessed it.
2. If you were the one injured during the car accident, make it a point to seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. Do not let another day pass before going to a clinic for a thorough check up.
Even if at the time of the accident you have not felt any pain, make sure that you did not suffer any internal damage by having a medical professional check on your vital signs.
Aside from getting professional medical help immediately, if you have suffered injuries, you also have to avoid delay in filing for personal injury claims, wherein you need a complete medical report about the injuries you have sustained during the accident.
If you need help in establishing a valid injury claim, you have to contact a qualified car accident attorney who is based in Los Angeles and has considerable reputation in dealing with car accident claims and settlements.
A professional and well-experienced car accident attorney will also know how to handle the various complications, if any, that would arise in your case, expertly.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Car-Accidents-in-LA-County--Causes-and-After-Acc
Dos And Don’ts In Finding Car Accident Attorneys In Los Angeles
Even if you failed to prevent yourself from getting involved in a car accident, you can still do well by having a legal specialist to safeguard your rights and fight for the recoveries/compensation for damages and injuries you are entitled to receive.
You need an attorney who will be both aggressive and compassionate enough to understand your needs and to help you face the challenges of filing for accident claims and demanding for compensation.
You also need someone who has qualified experience in handling court trial cases of car accidents.
Be sure to accomplish this as soon as you are well enough from the injuries you have suffered or as soon as you can have a family member or friend to do it for you:
1. Find proficient accident attorneys with expertise and substantial experience in handling cases involving car accidents. They are the ones who can likely unwind the complications and legal concerns arising from the accident.
They are also the ones who can help support your claim against the party/parties who have been clearly liable for the accident where you have been an innocent victim.
2. Having an aggressive car accident attorney with practical experience in handling other types of motor vehicle accidents is a very viable candidate to be your legal counsel.
As your case develops, you will be facing many types of adversaries. Be on guard since even your own car insurance company may attempt to shortchange the insurance amount you deserve.
Before finally hiring a lawyer though, remember the dos and don'ts regarding retaining the expert car accident attorney:
1. Do retain an attorney who is able to negotiate excellently with your insurance company representative and the other party's or the defendant's insurance company representative. An attorney must also have particular expertise in building your settlement and getting offers from the insurance companies. This is the tactic for you to receive just compensation.
2. Do not attempt to do the legal researching all on your own. Hire an accident attorney experienced in car accident caseloads.
3. Find an attorney who knows how to build up adequate rapport with the defendant's lawyer. An attorney who is capable of establishing good communication with the opposing party's legal counsel has the ability to ease the interactions and clarify issues concerning settlements.
4. Check out if the car accident attorney has license to the local California State Bar Association, as well as the Los Angeles City Bar Association. Make sure that you research his/her reputation in the legal community.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Dos-and-Don-ts-in-Finding-Car-Accident-Attorneys-i
You need an attorney who will be both aggressive and compassionate enough to understand your needs and to help you face the challenges of filing for accident claims and demanding for compensation.
You also need someone who has qualified experience in handling court trial cases of car accidents.
Be sure to accomplish this as soon as you are well enough from the injuries you have suffered or as soon as you can have a family member or friend to do it for you:
1. Find proficient accident attorneys with expertise and substantial experience in handling cases involving car accidents. They are the ones who can likely unwind the complications and legal concerns arising from the accident.
They are also the ones who can help support your claim against the party/parties who have been clearly liable for the accident where you have been an innocent victim.
2. Having an aggressive car accident attorney with practical experience in handling other types of motor vehicle accidents is a very viable candidate to be your legal counsel.
As your case develops, you will be facing many types of adversaries. Be on guard since even your own car insurance company may attempt to shortchange the insurance amount you deserve.
Before finally hiring a lawyer though, remember the dos and don'ts regarding retaining the expert car accident attorney:
1. Do retain an attorney who is able to negotiate excellently with your insurance company representative and the other party's or the defendant's insurance company representative. An attorney must also have particular expertise in building your settlement and getting offers from the insurance companies. This is the tactic for you to receive just compensation.
2. Do not attempt to do the legal researching all on your own. Hire an accident attorney experienced in car accident caseloads.
3. Find an attorney who knows how to build up adequate rapport with the defendant's lawyer. An attorney who is capable of establishing good communication with the opposing party's legal counsel has the ability to ease the interactions and clarify issues concerning settlements.
4. Check out if the car accident attorney has license to the local California State Bar Association, as well as the Los Angeles City Bar Association. Make sure that you research his/her reputation in the legal community.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Dos-and-Don-ts-in-Finding-Car-Accident-Attorneys-i
Effective Ways Of Obtaining Disability Benefits
As a citizen of the country, we have rights, according to the federal and state laws, to social security. The Social Security Act and the agency that implements its programs, the Social Security Administration, guarantee that these rights are availed of by the people who have contributed to a kind of insurance programs and have valid claims for it.
The major programs intended to benefit workers and their family members, under the Social Security, are concerned on giving protection against conditions like old age, disability, poverty, unemployment and other socially recognized situations.
If you are one of the tens of thousands of citizens claiming for benefits under Social Security like, for example, the Social Security disability program, it is important to make sure of the following:
1. Believe the validity of your disability case – never give any shadow of doubt upon your belief concerning the validity of your disability claim. Furthermore, do not allow any thoughts to betray your faith that filing your claim would be worth your time and effort.
The only key ingredient to avoid any turbulent thoughts like this to enter into your mind in the midst of your claim is the certainty that your have a properly prepared case.
A claimant with an application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits should never leave out any vital fact that will support the claim. This is the way to have the most positive outcome and win the case.
2. When you finally file your application for SSD benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you should have met the following requirements:
- Your disability has kept you from working for 12 months already
- You are expecting to be without work for at least 12 months
- Your medical or health condition is expected to deteriorate until it results in death
Before filing your application, check if you have provided the necessary information and documents. Call the SSA at their toll free number or visit their website http://www.ssa.gov/disability.html
3. You need to be aware of the waiting period or time frame before you will finally be given a decision concerning your application. Knowing the actual length of time before you finally receive benefits can help you make the right decisions concerning you financial situation before you receive the benefits you deserve.
4. Consulting with a disability lawyer or retaining one as soon as you have filed your claim or even before you do, is a display of wise judgment. It means that you are willing to get help from people who are more knowledgeable than you are and respect their ideas and opinions to win your case.
Be careful in retaining, though. Many would offer their advice free and then tell you to contact him or her only after your claim has already been denied at least twice. These attorneys only seek cases they will handle for a very short time, with the interest of getting payment for winning claims in the shortest time as possible.
Finding a disability lawyer who will be interested in handling your case from the very beginning is something worth looking for.
The following tips are the most important things to keep in mind before, during and after filing your Social Security claims. Let these reminders guide you until you have finally obtained the benefits you are entitled to receive.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Effective-Ways-of-Obtaining-Disability-Benefits/3228
The major programs intended to benefit workers and their family members, under the Social Security, are concerned on giving protection against conditions like old age, disability, poverty, unemployment and other socially recognized situations.
If you are one of the tens of thousands of citizens claiming for benefits under Social Security like, for example, the Social Security disability program, it is important to make sure of the following:
1. Believe the validity of your disability case – never give any shadow of doubt upon your belief concerning the validity of your disability claim. Furthermore, do not allow any thoughts to betray your faith that filing your claim would be worth your time and effort.
The only key ingredient to avoid any turbulent thoughts like this to enter into your mind in the midst of your claim is the certainty that your have a properly prepared case.
A claimant with an application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits should never leave out any vital fact that will support the claim. This is the way to have the most positive outcome and win the case.
2. When you finally file your application for SSD benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you should have met the following requirements:
- Your disability has kept you from working for 12 months already
- You are expecting to be without work for at least 12 months
- Your medical or health condition is expected to deteriorate until it results in death
Before filing your application, check if you have provided the necessary information and documents. Call the SSA at their toll free number or visit their website http://www.ssa.gov/disability.html
3. You need to be aware of the waiting period or time frame before you will finally be given a decision concerning your application. Knowing the actual length of time before you finally receive benefits can help you make the right decisions concerning you financial situation before you receive the benefits you deserve.
4. Consulting with a disability lawyer or retaining one as soon as you have filed your claim or even before you do, is a display of wise judgment. It means that you are willing to get help from people who are more knowledgeable than you are and respect their ideas and opinions to win your case.
Be careful in retaining, though. Many would offer their advice free and then tell you to contact him or her only after your claim has already been denied at least twice. These attorneys only seek cases they will handle for a very short time, with the interest of getting payment for winning claims in the shortest time as possible.
Finding a disability lawyer who will be interested in handling your case from the very beginning is something worth looking for.
The following tips are the most important things to keep in mind before, during and after filing your Social Security claims. Let these reminders guide you until you have finally obtained the benefits you are entitled to receive.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Effective-Ways-of-Obtaining-Disability-Benefits/3228
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)