A Complete Guide to Inheritance
Decoding the inheritance puzzle can be a daunting process for the uninitiated. You may need to be more knowledgeable regarding even something as basic as the inheritance definition. Nevertheless, having a clear idea about inheritance could help you avoid a web of legal complexities. It is crucial to learn relevant knowledge to comprehend the whole process of finding real estate with equity.
What is Inheritance?
Inheritance is the wealth and other tangible and intangible assets people bestow on their near and dear ones after death. Tangible assets include real estate, properties, jewelry, cars, art collection, etc. Financial instruments like stocks, debentures, bonds, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies comprise intangible assets. These things together constitute the inherited meaning.
Before we know it in detail, it is essential to understand specific terms to fathom how inheritance works fully.
Components of Inheritance
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Inheritance Tax
The value of inheritance may differ as per the wealth of the individual. Therefore, it is subjected to inheritance tax by the government.
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Decedent
The person who passes away leaving behind the inheritance is called a decedent.
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Testator
The person who has made a will is called the testator.
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Will
The money inheritance document specifies the distribution of the decedent’s inheritance.
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Heir
The person legally entitled to the ownership of the decedent’s property, unless otherwise mentioned in a will, is known as the heir.
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Beneficiary
An individual who is usually not related to the decedent but is entitled to receive an inheritance as per the will is called a beneficiary.
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Trust
A legal entity that holds the right to manage the decedent’s wealth. Many wealthy individuals entrust the responsibility of managing their estates to a belief to avoid legal complications later.
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Probate
The judicial process to decide the legal validity of the will under the seal of a court of law is known as probate. Probate is an integral part of the inherited meaning.
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Executor
A person appointed by the testator to put the terms of the will into effect.is called an executor.
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Debt
The decedent could have outstanding liabilities in the form of debt that may need to be cleared before carrying out the inheritance process.
Most nations have an inheritance tax policy in place whereby they tax the inheritance of a decedent. The estate’s value could be modest, i.e., a few thousand dollars or over a billion dollars.
Distinguishing Between An Heir and A Beneficiary
The tax amount could also vary depending on who inherits the wealth. The tax requirement may be different for an heir and a beneficiary. That’s why heirs and beneficiaries are treated as separate entities. If there is no will, the surviving members of the decedent’s family inherit the latter’s wealth according to intestate succession or the law of inheritance. Such members with close familial ties are known as heirs. Beneficiaries, on the other hand, are those who are mentioned in the will. They could be relatives of the decedent or an unrelated yet trusted associate. If the beneficiary is a distant relative or someone unrelated to the decedent, a higher tax could be imposed on them.
Probate
The legal mechanism followed to distribute the decedent’s assets between the heirs and beneficiaries is known as probate. A probate court reviews the will before giving a seal of approval to the inheritance. For this purpose, an executor is appointed by the court, who ensures the distribution of assets according to the terms of the will. If the decedent doesn’t leave behind a choice, they are said to have died intestate. In such a case, intestate succession is applied. The probate court appoints an administrator to oversee the division of property as per state laws.
Tips To Receive The Inheritance Without Hassle
Hire An Expert
It is essential to consult a lawyer, chartered accountant, or financial advisor to understand the process. A probate expert would guide you through the legal maze in case of a lack of will or an unresolved property dispute.
Keep The Documents In Place
The next step to get the inheritance is to arrange all the documents related to the decedent, such as the will, accounts, and tax filings indicating tax compliance or irregularities, in place. Proper documentation would ensure quicker implementation of the inheritance process.
Debt Provision
In case of outstanding debts, it is essential to let the creditors know about the decedent and the payments due to banks and financial institutions of the former. After the relevant obligations and liabilities are established, it would be prudent to pay off such debts.
File Pending Taxes
The untimely death of a decedent may result in a situation where the taxes remain unpaid. In such cases, filing tax returns to complete the inheritance procedure swiftly is necessary. Life insurance, however, is exempt from inheritance tax.
Remain Composed
The inheritance procedure could be overwhelming at times. Hence, it is crucial to remain calm. Processing the death of an individual is challenging for your loved ones. It is understandably difficult to go through a series of documents and a legal web during grieving. You want to complete the process with dignity, and therefore you must remain composed through all this.
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Key Takeaway
No one likes to think about the sad topic of death and planning the distribution of wealth after they pass away. However, it is vital to do so to avoid any bad blood between the inheritors or any confusion regarding the legality of the inheritance. I would like you to please be aware of the different terminologies that constitute the definition of inheritance for a smooth and hassle-free transfer. This is even more significant as the inheritance may be subjected to a tax imposed by the government. Inheritance planning is a necessary evil that may save your family from unnecessary legal entanglement.