List of estate planning terms

Estate planning is an often complex, but essential, component to a comprehensive financial plan. The following list of common estate planning terms, with linked definitions, can help explain the terminology associated with this area of personal finance.

Introductory materials on estate planning

 * CCH provides an estate planning module on their website at Estate Planning.
 * Vanguard Estate Planning FAQ
 * Vanguard Trust Services

The Internal Revenue Service has a great deal to say about the transfer of assets:


 * Frequently Asked Questions on Estate Taxes
 * Pub 950: Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes
 * Pub 559: Survivors, Executors, and Administrators
 * Estate and Gift Taxes, from the IRS (general overview)
 * Forms and Publications - Estate and Gift Tax, from the IRS