Learn how the survivor’s penalty can raise taxes after a spouse dies and what widows and widowers can do to reduce the hit.

The death of a spouse can be devastating. Whether you were just married or spent decades together, losing your life partner leaves a hole like no other. It also leaves a long list of tasks to ...

The ‘survivor’s penalty’ can hit retirees after a spouse dies. But the impact could be smaller than expected, experts say.

When a spouse dies, the household moves from two Social Security checks to one. Here is how the survivor benefit works and how to protect your retirement goals.

In many instances, spouses execute what is referred to as reciprocal wills. What this means is that each spouse designates the other as the entire beneficiary or the primary beneficiary of their ...

The "survivor's penalty" happens when a surviving spouse pays more taxes after the death of their spouse. This can occur when a widow or widower switches from married filing jointly to single filer ...

For decades, a one-time $255 lump-sum death benefit has been a well-known feature of the Social Security program. However, a ...

Losing a spouse is an overwhelming experience, and the practical tasks that follow can feel especially daunting. While every estate is different, having a clear roadmap of what to address and when can ...

What if a husband and wife own a home together that increases in value by $500,000. When one spouse dies and the other owns the property themselves, do they receive a step-up in basis? Or do they only ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Ashley L. Case, J.D., LL.M., writes about tax and estate planning. Estate and gift taxation in the United States may be on the ...

Domestic partners have the same rights as surviving spouses in Rhode Island regarding vehicle titles. It is recommended to obtain a title in the sister's name before selling to avoid complications.