Author Archive: Howard Rosen, Esq.

Keeping What’s Yours: Why Pay More In Estate Taxes Than you Have To?

Howard Rosen, Esq. • June 16, 2000

Most issues of the APN dealing with offshore trusts have focused on the use of such trusts for asset protection. Another, very important, use of a certain type of offshore trust is to effect an estate tax savings. This is accomplished by “freezing” the value of trust assets vis-a-vis the settlor’s estate at current values.

Protecting US Client Assets with Offshore Annuities and Trusts

Howard Rosen, Esq. • April 17, 2000

Financially savvy US clients with sizable portfolios look to shield their investments from unexpected market fluctuations by portfolio diversification, and from creditor attacks by using asset protection plans that include offshore trusts. They may also seek to minimize the tax impact of their investments through the use of annuity products. Having a client’s offshore trusts purchase appropriate offshore deferred variable annuities can achieve the desired diversification and performance, while minimizing the current tax burden and diminishing threat of future litigation.

An Overview of Offshore Annuities in Wealth Preservation Strategies

Howard Rosen, Esq. • November 17, 1999

Combining a carefully selected offshore annuity with a properly designed offshore trust can provide a powerful asset protection planning option.

The Cook Islands Stand Up to the U.S.

Howard Rosen, Esq. • September 16, 1999

The Andersons established a Cook Islands Trust and funded it with (among other assets) commissions earned in connection with marketing late-night water-filled dumbbells and similar products. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) sought to freeze the Anderson’s assets (along with the assets of others involved in the program) and found, to its dismay, that it could not freeze the Anderson’s assets because they were safely tucked away in a Cook Islands Trust.

Review of Offshore Jurisdictions: Jurisdiction 5 – Nevis

Howard Rosen, Esq. • March 20, 1999

With this issue we continue our periodic review of selected offshore jurisdictions. These reviews cover such factors as the legal system, the geographic location, communications facilities, availability of professional services, and other items we deem pertinent.

An Overview of Offshore Annuities – Significant Advantages Available

Howard Rosen, Esq. • January 16, 1999

Contractual arrangements which qualify as annuities for U.S. income tax purposes provide a tax-deferred (not tax-free) environment within which investments can grow. “Tax-deferred” means that, as long as certain statutory and regulatory requirements are satisfied, no U.S. income tax will be imposed on the earnings and gains generated within the annuity contract. Annuities are available in a variety of “shapes and sizes”.