Mr. and Mrs. Ybarra, a retired couple in their late 70's, come in to meet you. They are very friendly and living a comfortable retirement due in large part, to the overall size of their estate (nearly $4 million spread over multiple accounts) and their conservative asset allocation.

As you bring up the issue of estate planning, they thank you for your concern, but explain that it is already taken care of. They go on to explain that their attorney has prepared wills for both of them and all of their accounts are titled Jointly with Rights of Surviovorship.

They are surprised and confused when you mention that their heirs might end up receiving only a fraction of those assets after the two of them pass away.

Include the following in your explanation to Mr. and Mrs. Yabarra:

The transfer tax system

What is considered part of the estate

How much is excluded from taxation based on current legislation

Gross estate versus adjusted gross estate