Services

A trust usually involves an arrangement created either by a will upon the creator's death or by a trust instrument that may take effect during the creator's life.  Under either arrangement, a trustee takes title to the property in order to protect or conserve it for the beneficiaries.  The creation of a trust is generally an important part of an individual's financial and estate planning.  A trust may be used to accomplish charitable purposes during the individual's life or following the individual's death in the most tax-efficient manner.  Another use for a trust may be to address special needs of a particular individual beneficiary.  Complex gifts, income, and estate tax laws must be addressed to cause the terms and conditions of a trust to satisfy the desires of the creator and the needs of the beneficiaries.

An estate is created upon the death of an individual and continues to exist during the period of administration.  The personal representative of the decedent has responsibility for the administration of the decedent's estate.  The administration involves the collection of the assets of the decedent at the time of his death; the satisfaction of all debts of the decedent (including unpaid taxes) and the expenses of the administration of his estate; and the distribution of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs of the decedent in accordance with his last will or the applicable intestate succession laws if the decedent died without leaving a last will.

Bernard Robinson & Company has experienced professionals who can consult with and advise its clients in their financial and estate planning.  Our professionals are willing and able to work with the client's attorney and other professional advisors.  The creation of an effective and tax-efficient estate plan and the proper administration of the trusts and estate can preserve and maximize the value of the assets which are available to pass to the client's family or other intended beneficiaries during the client's life and after his or her death.

Our professionals are available to review the trusts, wills and other estate planning documents of a client to determine compliance with current tax laws and the client's current desires.

We can assist the trustee or the personal representative through the following services:

• Estate and Trust Accounting
• Fiduciary Income Tax Return Preparation
• Estate Tax Return Preparation
• Gift Tax Return Preparation
• Estate and Trust Administration

For more information please contact us at 336-294-4494.

Contacts for this Service

Pat Price, CPA, Partner
Freddy Robinson, CPA, Partner
Seldon Patty, JD, CPA, CVA, Consultant