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Exelon Insights: Mastering Legacy Transfers with Tax-Savvy Strategies

Exelon employees who prioritize tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, such as irrevocable trusts, below-market loans, and life insurance, can help ensure their legacy is passed on with minimal tax exposure, but it requires careful planning and adherence to IRS guidelines.' – Kevin Landis, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Exelon employees looking to optimize their estate planning should consider leveraging strategies like direct tuition payments, family LLCs, and life insurance to preserve wealth while minimizing tax implications, but these strategies require meticulous execution to comply with tax regulations.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

Trusts and Estate Planning: How irrevocable trusts and structured financial transfers can help reduce estate taxes.
Tax-Advantaged Gifting Strategies: Using below-market loans, direct tuition and medical payments, and innovative real estate approaches to legally transfer wealth.
Integrating Family into Financial Planning: Exploring business integration, authorized credit card use, and life insurance as tools for legacy preservation.

Managing complex tax laws to optimize financial gifts to children is a challenging task in asset management. Some very affluent people want to leave as much as possible to the next generation without paying the 40% postmortem estate tax on assets over USD 13.99 million, which is levied on Exelon employees. The IRS caps annual gifts for individuals at USD 19,000 to offset those tax consequences. If this sum is exceeded, the giver is drawing from their USD 13.99 million lifetime exemption and must file Form 709.

Trust Funds: Transferring Strategic Assets

As an important tool in estate planning, trusts allow the transfer of money within set limits. And for Exelon professionals, implementing a trust might mean establishing annual spending limits or age limits at which funds may be distributed via a spendthrift or age-terminating clause. Only an irrevocable trust can remove assets from an estate and limit estate taxes, says Kitty Ritchie of Drucker Wealth, so long as the trust contents do not exceed the lifetime exemption threshold.

Below-Market Loans: A Helpful Tax Option

Gift taxes may be reduced by structuring financial support as a loan when parents help with big purchases like real estate. Some Exelon team members have found that structuring these loans - with a promissory note and interest at the applicable federal rate - usually lower than the commercial rates - can provide significant tax benefits. When these conditions fail to apply, the IRS could consider the loan a gift and tax it upon review.

Innovative Mortgage Options

A different approach involves a parent buying an apartment outright and then refinancing the loan with a home-equity line of credit (HELOC) - making the child the homeowner without a direct cash transfer - financial journalist Farnoosh Torabi writes.

Gift Tax Exemptions for Medical & Educational Payments.

This annual gift tax cap is not applicable to payments directly to medical or educational institutions on behalf of a child. Some Exelon staff have taken this exemption to pay tuition or healthcare directly. In fact, educational analyst Roxana Reid says in recent decades grandparents have begun covering private education tuition.

Pied-a-Terre: Alternative Residential Investments

The acquisition of a second home in which a child lives is effectively giving away its rental value. Without documentation and reporting, this method may be reclassified as a gift. Exelon employees considering such alternative investments should check with a tax professional about compliance.

Payments with Credit Cards

Covering expenses without directly gifting money is possible by designating a child as an authorized user on a credit card. But annual charges over USD 19,000 must still be recorded as gifts - and could be flagged during an IRS audit. Many Exelon employees have considered this strategy for their expense management.

Using Family Members in Business Integration.

Income may be transferred indirectly through family LLCs when family members are incorporated into business operations or real estate interests. Such arrangements must involve legitimate work relationships with the IRS, said Andrew Crowell of DA Davidson 1 and 1 Co. Exelon team members sometimes use such strategies to facilitate wealth transfer while remaining regulatory compliant.

Cash Presents Below Reporting Limit.

Peter Anastasian of Wealth Enhancement Group says although legally ambiguous, financial gifts under USD 10,000 are exempt from IRS reporting. Some Exelon professionals have used it legally.

In Conclusion

For those focused on preserving and passing on their financial legacy, following wealth transfer techniques that comply with gift and estate tax regulations is imperative. All strategies need planning, from trusts to new financing models. Exelon employees and other professionals can use these methods to help move wealth along.

Wealthy parents who are considering how to pass wealth are turning to life insurance coverage. Designating their children as beneficiaries allows parents to leave a substantial tax-free benefit upon their death. This avoids probate and avoids gift and estate taxes and is a useful strategy for wealth transfer. Life insurance proceeds generally are deductible from federal income taxes (2021), making it a practical and affordable way to leave a legacy. Perhaps Exelon employees will find life insurance strengthens their legacy strategy.

Examine efficient wealth transfer techniques to reduce estate and gift taxes. For more custom legacy planning, explore direct tuition payments, below-market loans, irrevocable trusts and real estate investments. Learn how to give to your family - tax efficiently - by using life insurance and involving children in business legally. Structure your financial legacy so beneficiaries can receive assets with low tax - an ideal strategy for those familiar with IRS requirements.

A professional gardener tending to a rare, valuable orchid is like navigating financial gifts. Parents use trusts, below-market loans and direct tuition payments much like the gardener uses precise watering, optimal sunlight and the right fertilizer to encourage the orchid's growth without overwhelming it. As such, they help children develop while addressing gift and estate tax issues. Exelon employees understand, like gardeners, that sound financial planning creates a legacy for future generations.

Articles you may find interesting:

Sourced

1. “ Irrevocable Trusts: What Beneficiaries Need to Know to Optimize Their Resources .” J.P. Morgan Private Bank , Dec. 2024, privatebank.jpmorgan.com. Accessed Apr. 2025.

2. United States Congress. “ 26 U.S. Code § 7872 - Treatment of Loans with Below-Market Interest Rates .” Legal Information Institute , Cornell Law School, current through 2025, law.cornell.edu. Accessed Apr. 2025.

3. Carter, Jean Gordon, and Toni Ann Kruse. “ Direct Payment of Medical Expenses and Tuition as an Exception to the Gift Tax .” American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) , 2023, actec.org. Accessed Apr. 2025.

4. “ Using Intra-Family Loans to Transfer Your Wealth .” City National Bank , 2024, cnb.com. Accessed Apr. 2025.

5. “ Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts: An Effective Estate Tax Reduction Tool .” American Bar Association , Summer 2013, americanbar.org. Accessed Apr. 2025.

How does Exelon's separation process into RemainCo and SpinCo impact the retirement benefits for employees in both segments, and what should employees at Exelon consider regarding their retirement planning in light of this structural change?

Exelon’s Separation into RemainCo and SpinCo: The separation into RemainCo and SpinCo may result in different benefits structures for employees, with RemainCo focusing on regulated utilities and SpinCo on competitive energy generation. Employees should evaluate how their specific retirement benefits, such as pensions and 401(k) plans, may change or be restructured under the new entities. Employees need to consider the impact of this change on their long-term retirement planning, especially with regard to how the corporate shift may affect contributions, vesting, and retirement payouts.

In what ways can Exelon employees leverage the Employee Savings Plan to maximize their retirement savings, and what specific features of the plan should employees be aware of to ensure they are making the most of their contributions?

Maximizing Retirement Savings through the Employee Savings Plan: Exelon’s Employee Savings Plan offers tax-advantaged retirement savings with employer matching contributions. Employees should be aware of contribution limits, matching percentages, and vesting schedules to make the most of the plan. Additionally, employees should consider automatic enrollment features, target-date funds, and the availability of Roth contributions, ensuring they optimize their retirement savings through strategic contribution increases over time.

What retirement resources does Exelon provide to assist employees in understanding their pension options, and how does the company's support aim to facilitate a smooth transition into retirement?

Pension Options Resources: Exelon provides resources like retirement planning tools, financial counseling, and access to benefits specialists to help employees understand their pension options. These resources are designed to assist employees in making informed decisions regarding payout options such as lump sums versus annuities. The company’s goal is to help employees transition smoothly into retirement by offering educational sessions and personalized guidance on maximizing their benefits.

Can you elaborate on the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at Exelon, particularly how these initiatives impact the workplace environment for employees approaching retirement, and what specific policies or programs are in place to support them?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts: Exelon's DEI initiatives positively impact employees approaching retirement by fostering an inclusive environment where employees from diverse backgrounds are supported in planning for their future. Policies such as anti-age discrimination and flexible working arrangements help ensure that older employees can transition smoothly into retirement while still contributing meaningfully in their final working years(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

How can Exelon employees evaluate their nonqualified deferred compensation options as they near retirement, and what implications should they consider regarding taxes and withdrawal strategies?

Evaluating Nonqualified Deferred Compensation: Exelon employees nearing retirement should carefully evaluate their nonqualified deferred compensation options, focusing on timing withdrawals to minimize tax liabilities. These plans are often subject to different tax treatments, and employees should consider potential penalties for early withdrawal and strategize around deferral and distribution schedules to optimize their retirement income.

What role does Exelonâ€™s commitment to ESG principles play in its employee benefits structure, and how might changes in this area influence retirement planning for employees at Exelon?

ESG Principles and Employee Benefits: Exelon’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles influences its benefits structure by promoting sustainable and responsible practices. Employees may see continued enhancements in green investment options in their retirement plans, and changes to benefits programs may reflect a stronger focus on social responsibility and long-term sustainability, which could affect their retirement planning strategies(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

How can employees at Exelon access information about their total compensation packages, including retirement benefits, and what steps should they take to ensure they are maximizing their overall compensation as they approach retirement?

Accessing Total Compensation Information: Exelon employees can access information about their total compensation packages, including retirement benefits, through the company’s HR portal and benefits department. To ensure they are maximizing their compensation as they approach retirement, employees should regularly review their pension, 401(k) contributions, and healthcare benefits, seeking advice from the company’s financial planners or HR representatives(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

What constitutes the normal retirement age at Exelon, and how do retirement benefits adjust for employees who retire earlier or later than this age?

Normal Retirement Age and Early/Late Retirement: Exelon’s normal retirement age typically aligns with the age for full pension eligibility, which could be 65 or 67 depending on the plan. Employees who retire earlier may face reduced pension benefits, while those who delay retirement could receive enhanced payouts. It’s crucial for employees to understand how their specific retirement age affects their pension formula(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

How can Exelon employees provide feedback on employee benefits during the consultation process, especially those related to retirement, and what channels are available for them to voice their concerns or suggestions?

Providing Feedback on Retirement Benefits: Exelon encourages employees to provide feedback on benefits through regular surveys, town hall meetings, and direct consultations with the HR department. Employees can voice their concerns or suggestions regarding retirement plans during open enrollment periods or scheduled consultations with benefits specialists(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

What is the best way for employees to contact Exelon regarding questions about their retirement benefits and other related topics, and which resources or personnel should they turn to for the most accurate and reliable information?

Contacting Exelon for Retirement Questions: Employees with questions about retirement benefits can contact Exelon’s HR department, use the company’s dedicated benefits hotline, or access retirement planning resources on the company’s internal portal. For specific inquiries, employees may also reach out to benefits counselors or attend company-provided retirement planning seminars(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Exelon at 1 riverside plaza Columbus, OH 43215-2373; or by calling them at 614-716-1000.