FIN 430: Estate Planning

Textbook Information

Although the 13th edition of the textbook is the most current, you can purchase any copy published after the 2018 tax code changes.

Published Remarks

  • None

Hardware Requirements

  • None

Software Requirements

  • None

Proctored Exams

  • None

Course Description

Liquidity planning, titling and transfer of property, trusts, federal unified tax system, gifting, incapacity planning, legal documents. FIN 430 Estate Planning (3) This course addresses estate planning issues for individuals as part of an overall personal financial plan. Personal financial planning encompasses budgeting, credit management, insurance, taxes, investments and retirement planning in addition to estate planning. The objective of this course is identifying and quantifying the goals of an individual regarding their final wishes and determining how best to meet those goals given the current applicable laws and the individual's situation. The estate administration and probate process are discussed along with common estate documents. The titling and transfer of assets as well as asset valuation are covered. Methods used to provide estate liquidity are presented. Common forms of trusts that are used in estate planning are introduced along with an overview of basic methods of transferring family owned businesses. Case studies are emphasized since estate planning is unique to each individual's situation. Some legal research is commonly incorporated into the course because estate planning is based on federal and state law. Student evaluation generally consists of examinations, individual and group assignments, quizzes, and case studies. Students desiring a career in financial services, law, or tax accounting should consider incorporating this course into their program of study.

Course Objective

Estate planning has as its goal the maximum and efficient transfer of wealth, consistent, of course, with the intentions of the certified financial planner’s clients.  In this course, you can expect to receive a basic understanding of the issues involved in such estate planning topics as wills, trusts, the probate process, advance medical directives, certain discrete aspects of wealth transfers, and the related tax consequences of each, although this last subject has been constantly evolving and hence cannot be definitively summarized as the course progresses. Prerequisite: FIN  330 and ACCTG310 or ACCTG405

Course Structure

The course will be structured along the following Sections.

  • Section 01: Estate Planning Basics
  • Section 02: Taxes
  • Section 03: Property Transfers
  • Section 04: Other Considerations

Assignment Overview

There will be a combination of assignments, quizzes, and exams throughout the course.