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Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Insights: Smart Strategies for Minimizing Capital Gains Tax with Asset Transfers to Parents

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When Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees sell appreciated assets such as stocks or real estate, they might face significant capital gains taxes. However, an effective tax reduction strategy known as an upstream transfer can be used. This involves transferring these assets to one's parents and later reclaiming them, potentially lowering the taxable amount. This method proves especially beneficial for those with substantial wealth, as it can reduce capital gains and potentially double the amount that their children inherit without triggering estate taxes. Here's a detailed analysis of how upstream transfers work, their benefits, and the associated risks.

Understanding Upstream Transfers

For Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees who have seen a significant increase in the value of their assets over time, transferring these assets can result in hefty capital gains taxes. In the United States, capital gains tax is calculated based on the difference between the sale price of an asset and its original purchase price (known as the cost basis). Long-term capital gains tax can be as high as 23.8%, including the net investment income tax.  (Source: IRS - Capital Gains Tax Rates)

Upstream transfers benefit from a tax exemption that allows for a step-up in basis upon inheritance. This means that when an individual inherits an asset, its cost basis is adjusted to its market value at the time of the decedent’s death. This adjustment can significantly reduce the taxable amount on any capital gains when the asset is sold.  (Source: IRS - Inherited Property Basis)

For instance, consider a Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employee who holds stock that has appreciated by $1 million since purchase. If sold, they would face about $238,000 in taxes at a 23.8% rate. However, by transferring the stock to their parents and reclaiming it after their demise, the employee would only be taxed on any appreciation that occurs after their parents' death, potentially minimizing capital gains tax liabilities.

Tax Concerns and Estate Planning Advantages

One major advantage of upstream planning for Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees is its ability to reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes. However, this strategy also offers significant estate planning benefits. The current estate tax exemption is set at $13.61 million per individual (or $27.22 million for married couples), allowing individuals to transfer or acquire assets up to this threshold without incurring estate taxes.  (Source: IRS - Estate Tax Exemption Limits)

Wealthy families can use additional transfers to reduce estate tax deductions. By transferring their assets to parents who have not yet used their tax exemption, families can preserve more wealth from estate taxes. The popularity of asset transfers has increased since the federal estate tax exemption status was introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, this increased exemption is scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 unless extended by Congress, prompting many to consider this strategy before the exemption amount decreases.  (Source: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - IRS Summary)

Essential Details and Risks

While upstream transfers are helpful for tax reduction, they also involve risks. A primary concern is the potential loss of control over the assets when transferred to parents. In most cases, parents have the decision-making power regarding their assets, including their transfer or sale during their lifetime. This setup allows parents to decide to share the estate with other successors, such as a future spouse or other children. Moreover, parents’ creditors could claim the assets, complicating the situation further.

Additionally, family dynamics play a crucial role in the success of upstream planning. The involvement of multiple family members, including siblings and spouses, can lead to conflicts and disagreements. For example, parents might alter their estate plan to favor one child, even if it was another who originally provided the assets. Open and transparent communication among all parties is essential to minimize the potential for family conflict.

Timing and Legal Considerations

Timing is another critical factor in upstream transfers. Typically, these transfers are most effective when parents are older or have limited longevity. The strategy is usually recommended when parents are within their last seven years of life and are not expected to live beyond five years. However, if parents pass away within a year after the asset transfer, the basis step-up is disallowed, undermining one of the strategy’s main benefits.  (Source: IRS - Step-Up in Basis Rules)

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Furthermore, the value of transferred assets can fluctuate over time, as can the estate tax exemption. If assets significantly appreciate after the transfer or if the estate tax deduction is reduced, an unexpected tax liability could occur for the family. This underscores the importance of a rigorous plan and ongoing monitoring of the situation to keep the transfer tax-efficient.

In Conclusion

Future transfers offer an effective strategy for reducing tax liabilities on capital gains and enhancing wealth transmission to future generations. However, this method requires careful consideration of the legal, financial, and family dynamics involved. Wealthy individuals, including those at Dun & Bradstreet Holdings considering an upstream plan, should consult with experienced estate planning professionals to determine if this strategy aligns with their overall financial goals and family circumstances. Proper planning and implementation can make upstream transfers a valuable tool in a comprehensive tax and estate planning strategy.

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Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers its employees both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan. The pension plan, referred to as the Dun & Bradstreet Retirement Account, is based on credited service and compensation earned prior to the freeze date of July 1, 2007. This plan follows a traditional defined benefit structure, with benefits calculated using years of service and final average pay. The retirement plan's normal retirement age is typically 65, though employees may become eligible for early retirement based on age and years of service. Participants in the pension plan have access to their benefits at age 59½ with applicable reductions. Dun & Bradstreet employees who were part of the pension plan before July 1, 2007, continue to accrue benefits under this plan​ (Aon). The company also provides a 401(k) plan known as the Dun & Bradstreet 401(k) Plan, administered by Fidelity. Employees can contribute between 1% to 75% of their annual compensation as regular or catch-up contributions. The company matches contributions up to 7%, although the match percentage varies by employee and is subject to the IRS contribution limits. Eligibility for participation in the 401(k) plan typically requires employees to be at least 21 years old and to have completed at least 1,000 hours of service within a calendar year. The 401(k) plan is flexible, allowing employees to choose between traditional pre-tax contributions and Roth post-tax contributions​
Restructuring and Layoffs: Dun & Bradstreet Holdings has been undertaking a significant restructuring plan to streamline its operations and enhance efficiency. In late 2023, the company announced a reduction in its workforce as part of this initiative. This move is aimed at consolidating its global operations and focusing on core business areas. Given the current economic and investment environment, including fluctuations in market performance and evolving tax policies, it is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about such changes. Understanding these developments can help in making informed decisions about career and investments.
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. Stock options typically provide employees the right to purchase shares at a set price, while RSUs are granted as company shares without a purchase requirement. According to the 2022 10-K filing, stock options and RSUs are awarded to key employees, executives, and directors based on performance and tenure
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers comprehensive health benefits to its employees, designed to support their well-being and work-life balance. The company's healthcare benefits include a variety of health plans such as PPOs and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). They also provide access to dental, vision, and mental health services. Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by the company include: HDHP: High-Deductible Health Plan, allowing employees to pay lower premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs. HSA: Health Savings Account, available for employees enrolled in HDHPs, allowing them to save money pre-tax for medical expenses. EAP: Employee Assistance Program, providing confidential support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues, including mental health resources. Dun & Bradstreet also encourages a holistic approach to wellness through its Wellness Program, offering employees resources and tools to maintain physical and mental health. In recent years, the company has expanded its telehealth options, allowing employees to access healthcare providers virtually, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dun & Bradstreet Holdings at 103 JFK Pkwy Short Hills, NJ 7078; or by calling them at (800) 526-9018.

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