ESTATE TALK
Trust Amounts Includible in Deceden'ts Gross Estate
The Tax Court recently held that trust amounts should be included in a decedent’s gross estate since he did not receive adequate and full consideration for the remainder interests transferred to his children.

HEALTH HAPPENINGS
Music Therapy Benefits Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Patients
Did you know that some Alzheimer’s patients who have lost the ability to speak can still sing? Researchers and therapists have long suspected that music has a soothing effect on those with Alzheimer’s, but recent research suggests that music may even help their failing memory and cognitive function. 

MEDI-MINUTES
House Passes Lockbox Bill
The House has passed legislation making it more difficult for Congress to spend Medicare and Social Security surpluses on anything other than reducing the national debt or improving the programs themselves. 

NATIONAL NOTES
Estate Tax Repeal Losing Steam?
The push to repeal the estate tax in Congress is losing momentum, according to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times. While abolishing the "death tax" was a major priority among Republican lawmakers last year, that may take a back seat to other tax cuts, such as reductions in income tax rates, which would be seen as a more immediate stimulation for the slowing economy.
 

OF INTEREST
GAO Reports Disabled Lose with Social Security Reform
According to a recent report by the General Accounting Office (GAO), disabled workers and their families would see their benefits reduced under reform proposals that would allow Americans to divert some Social Security taxes into individual investment accounts.

TAX TID-BITS
Watch Out for Tax Scams!
The IRS has issued a nationwide alert to taxpayers warning them not to fall victim to tax scams. These schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of special tax refunds to illegal ways of "untaxing" yourself.

UPCOMING EVENTS
You're Invited to the Following Presentations!
Our next Law Hour presentation, entitled "Caregivers: There's A World of Resources Out There You Might Not Know About!" will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on  March 14 at our offices, located at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive in Grand Junction.  Seating is limited.  To RSVP, call (970) 243-8250.  We're hosting several more free legal presentations on a variety of topics during the next few months.  Click on the "You're Invited" link above to view our calendar.