Anthony Bardi photo

Anthony J. Bardi

Registered Representative

Enrolled Agent, LTC# 454

 

Tax and Financial Solutions, Inc.

151 SE 223rd Avenue

Gresham, OR 97030

 

Phone:  503-666-7909

March/April 2025

Heirs of Beneficiaries?

The terms heirs and beneficiaries are interchangeable – right? Not necessarily when it comes to distributing your property after death. So, knowing the difference between the two is essential in estate planning.


The Definition of Heirs
An heir is a legally identified person entitled to your estate property when no will or trust dictates distribution. In that case, state law dictates how an estate is distributed and which heirs are entitled to assets.


Generally, your heirs, in succession order are:

  1. Your spouse

  2. Your children

  3. Your parents

  4. Your siblings

  5. Your grandparents

  6. Your next of kin.


If there is no next of kin, your property will revert back to the state.


Beneficiaries Defined
A beneficiary is a person you've specifically named to receive proceeds and assets from:
  • Life insurance,

  • Employer-provided qualified retirement plans,

  • Individual retirement accounts,

  • Trusts, and

  • Annuities, as well as property distributed under your will.


A beneficiary may or may not be an heir and vice versa.


Understanding a beneficiary's role in your estate plan and their rights to your assets or property is key in planning. If you don't name beneficiaries with a will or other planning tools, they'll be chosen for you.


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Tax and Financial Solutions, Inc. and LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC are unrelated companies. This newsletter was created by LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC and was not written or created by the named financial professional and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Cetera Wealth Services LLC or its subsidiaries. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

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