Many people do not know that many travel and credit-card programs allow customers to pass on their frequent flier miles and points to heirs. However, it is not an easy process, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune.

 The average American household has signed up for almost 20 programs. U.S. households earned slightly over $600 a year of points and miles, studies show. Customers who wish to bequeath their points to beneficiaries should first decide whether to include them in a will. Furthermore, it is best to ensure that your executor knows how to access your account number and email address associated with the loyalty program. You should always obtain the help of an experienced lawyer in order to create an effective and enforceable will.

All the rules and regulations can make point transfers complicated. In one case, the airlines needed a copy of the deceased’s death certificate and a letter from the executor. Other loyalty programs can have even more restrictions. For example, the Marriott Rewards program allows point transfers only to spouses or domestic partners. Hilton Honors points expire after a year of inactivity.

With tax season upon us, it’s may be a good time to look at the 159 pages of new rules the IRS has come up with for  investment income taxes on capital gains and dividends earned by high-income individuals that passed Congress as part of the 2010 healthcare reform law. All of the new rules went into effect January 1, 2013.

It is important to understand these new laws when planning your finances. A qualified Illinois estate planning attorney can help you ensure that your finances will be handled according to your wishes even when you are gone. The following is a short summary of some of these new rules, however your attorney can help you to understand how the new regulations will affect you.

This is the first surtax to be applied to capital gains and dividends. The 3.8 percent tax is earmarked to pay for healthcare. Individuals who have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $200,000 and married couples who file jointly and have a MAGI of more than $250,000 are those who will be affected.