Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog 2026

Structured settlements expert John Darer reviews the latest structured settlements and settlement planning information and news, and provides expert opinion and highly regarded commentary. that is spicy, Informative, irreverent and effective for over 20 years.

Recent Posts

about

The STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS 4REAL® Blog is a highly regarded source for structured settlement news, information, and commentary, led by structured settlement and settlement planning subect mater expert John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC. With two decades of operation, the blog and 4structures.com are recognized as comprehensive resources, offering detailed guides and specialized insights. Established in 2005, the blog caters to a broad audience, including legal professionals, injured individuals, families, and various stakeholders, providing reviews and opinions on settlement planning. John Darer, President of 4structures.com LLC, is a seasoned structured settlement expert with over 40 years of financial services experience and 31 years specializing in structured settlements. Based in Stamford, CT, he is a Certified Financial Transitionist and Registered Settlement Planner, holding insurance licenses in 45 states and the District of Columbia. John Darer is dedicated to transparency and advocacy, he emphasizes the importance of engaging trained and licensed professionals for settlement planning, offering valuable insights through his investigative journalism and professional commentary.

House Passes Estate Tax Reform Bill and It’s Good News!

The House passed H.R. 4154, which would:

  1. permanently freeze the estate tax exemption at $3.5 million,
  2. the estate tax rate at 45%, and
  3. preserve the step up in basis

The bill passed by a vote of 225-200, with no Republicans voting for it and 26 Democrats opposed.  H.R. 4154 moved with statutory PAYGO however, exempted from the PAYGO requirement is an extension of 2009 rates for the estate tax (what was passed).  

Statutory Pay  As You Go Act of 2009  ("PAYGO")

Note: While structured settlement payments are income tax free, the present value of any structured settlement period certain or guaranteed lump sum payments remaining and due after an annuitant's death is included in the decedent's estate for purposes of calculating estate tax.

Posted in , , , , ,

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog 2026

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading