business insurance

Standby Survivorship Trust an Alternative to an ILIT for Insureds Desiring Control

Situation: The uncertainty of the estate tax laws has created a dilemma for many taxpayers, estate planners, and insurance professionals. Should moderately high net worth couples take action today to shelter a significant amount from estate tax (under the $11.7 million exemption) by making a large gift; or should they hold off making a large […]

Opportunity Knocks in 2021

The industry is constantly evolving, and we continue to see change in many areas that affect the work you do with your clients. The good news? With all of this change comes opportunity. Terri Getman, DBS Business Development Director, has laid out three big opportunities to take advantage of NOW. She’s also identified which of […]

A Closer Look: Life Insurance Product Landscape

Most can agree that 2020 was an unprecedented year, bringing change to nearly all aspects of life. It was certainly felt by the DBS Case Design Team with more change than ever in the form of new products, reprices, illustrated rate changes, and regulation compliance. This was even after losing a number of products as […]

DBS Announces LeClair Group Partnership

DBS announced today a partnership with LeClair Group to act as the exclusive service and support arm for LeClair Group’s life insurance business. All LeClair Group agents will be referred to DBS for life insurance licensing and administration, and this venture will allow each company to service a wider range of agents seeking a brokerage […]

SLAT: Is It Possible to Have Access to Trust Assets Without Estate Inclusion?

Situation – With the amount sheltered from estate tax (exemption) at a historic high of $11.7M ($23.4M for a couple), many high net worth households are looking for opportunities to minimize their federal or state death tax exposure by gifting assets during their lifetime. By gifting assets when the exemption is high, a high net […]

DBS Welcomes Bill Brauer

Diversified Brokerage Services Names William W. Brauer, Jr. as Point of Sale – Advanced Markets Senior Consultant Minneapolis, MN – February 22, 2021 – Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. (DBS) announced the addition of William W. Brauer, Jr. to its external sales team as a Point of Sale – Advanced Markets Senior Consultant. In this newly created position, Bill will […]

Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust Checklist

Medical Inquiry Where a trust has not yet been established it is possible to begin the medical underwriting process with the insurance carrier by submitting what is often referred to as a “trial application.” The purpose is to verify insurability. Premium should not be collected at this point. Since premiums are not collected the insured […]

The 7 Steps to Gift Transfers

Given the amount that an individual can give away without incurring gift taxes is at a historic high and the prospect that in the near future this amount could decrease significantly many of your high net worth clients may be considering significant lifetime gifts this year. There may never be such an opportunity again, but […]

Finding Life Insurance Opportunities Using Form 1040

A careful review of a client’s tax returns can provide insight into their insurance and financial planning needs. A review of the lines on a tax return can lead to conversations about: • Basic needs analysis and college funding • Retirement and extended care planning • Legacy & charitable planning • Business planning Additionally, comparing […]

The Four Levels of Gifting

Level #1: Transfers Not Subject to Tax There are several transfers that fall outside federal gift taxation. You can make the following transfers without facing a gift tax: Anything given to a U.S. citizen spouse as long as the transfer qualifies under the marital deduction1 Donations to qualified charitable organizations made in a manner qualifying […]