Key Facts
• Inheritance tax applies once per person but can be significant.
• 80% of inheritance disputes occur in families with assets under $500,000.
• Handwritten wills must not be opened before court verification.
• Prematurely opening a will may result in a fine of up to $500.
• Verification ensures the will’s authenticity and prevents tampering.
• Without verification, property title changes and financial asset transfers are complicated.
• Verification is unnecessary for notarized wills or those stored under the will custody system.
• From 2024, new gift tax rules will be implemented.
• The book “Straightforward Inheritance [Revised Edition]” offers comprehensive guidance on inheritance laws and taxes.
• The author, Keita Tachibana, has advised over 5,000 clients and conducted 500 seminars nationwide.
Summary
Inheritance disputes and tax complexities are rising, especially in families with moderate assets. Handwritten wills require court verification to prevent tampering and ensure smooth asset transfers. Opening a will prematurely can lead to fines and suspicion among heirs. Notarized wills or those stored under custody systems bypass this process. Keita Tachibana’s book, “Straightforward Inheritance [Revised Edition],” addresses these issues, offering practical advice on inheritance laws, tax reforms, and dispute prevention. The book also covers upcoming 2024 tax rule changes, providing actionable insights for effective estate planning.
