Residential homestead exemptions can help people lower their property taxes and protect their domicile and up to 20 acres of land by removing part of the value from their primary residence’s assessed real estate value. Determining how the Texas homestead exemption applies to your situation can be complex. This blog aims to provide information about …
What Every Texan Should Know About Homestead Exemptions Read More »
Understanding the ins and outs of inheritance laws in Texas is essential for anyone planning their estate or for those who may one day need to navigate the complexities of estate distribution. In Texas, the absence of a state inheritance or estate tax is a notable benefit; however, the process of asset distribution—whether you have …
Inheritance Laws in Texas: What You Need to Know Read More »
One of the many advantages of living in Texas is its favorable tax environment. As of 2025, Texas has a state-local tax burden of 8.6%, ranking it as the fifth lowest in the United States. This low tax burden, coupled with the absence of a personal income tax, makes Texas an attractive place to live, …
Texas Estate Taxes: What You Need to Know for Smart Estate Planning Read More »
When people think about estate planning, they often assume it’s only necessary for married couples or those with children. However, single individuals have just as much reason—if not more—to ensure their affairs are in order. If you’re single, you may not have an obvious next of kin, which means the distribution of your assets could …
Estate tax exemptions and the amounts for each exemption change annually. These changes could impact your overall estate plan and your financial goals. Check with your estate planning attorney to see how 2025’s changes affect your estate plan. There may be opportunities for you to improve your financial position with these changes. 2025 Federal Estate …
2025 Estate Tax Exemptions and Planning Considerations Read More »
Understanding Your Responsibilities If You or Your Ward Move Life changes, and sometimes, those changes require moving. If you have legal guardianship over another person, such as a minor or your adult child with special needs, you already understand your duties to them. But what happens to your responsibilities if you need to move or …
What You Need to Know About Types of Property in Texas Dividing assets during estate planning, divorce, or when considering a pre- or post-nuptial agreement can quickly get complicated when questions arise about whether an account or piece of property is considered joint or separate. Married Texas couples should understand the distinction between community and …
Exploring the Diversity of Community Property in Texas: What You Need to Know Read More »
There is no inheritance tax or estate tax in Texas. An inheritance tax is one that a beneficiary of an estate must pay on their inheritance. On the other hand, an estate tax is paid to the state by the deceased’s estate (the contents of all accounts, cash, and personal and real estate property). Even …
The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immense. The fog of grief can make the stress of navigating Texas probate even more challenging. Every week, our estate planning attorneys receive calls or emails from people who have recently lost a beloved family member and aren’t sure what to do next. When you’re uncertain …
Who to Contact in Texas After the Loss of a Loved One Read More »
Christene “Chris” Krupa Downs is licensed only in the state of Texas. She practices in Collin County, Dallas County and Denton County only. Contacting the attorney and Krupa Downs Law, PLLC through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.