Tax Trusts and Estates Paralegal

SourcePro Search•Newark, NJ

About The Position

The Tax Trusts and Estates Paralegal will provide comprehensive legal support to the Tax, Trusts, and Estates attorneys, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in all financial and legal documentation. This role involves working closely with clients, beneficiaries, and third parties to finalize matters effectively.

Requirements

5+ years of experience as a Tax, Trusts, and Estates Paralegal in a law firm setting.
Associate or Bachelor’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate required.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel, and iManage.
Proven ability to work independently and manage a high volume of work efficiently.

Responsibilities

Manage checkbooks for estate and trust accounts where attorneys serve as fiduciaries.
Prepare and process checks for estate expenses, beneficiary distributions, and other disbursements.
Reconcile bank statements and maintain accurate transaction records.
Develop and maintain an internal accounting system for estates and trusts.
Streamline internal processes to enhance efficiency in preparing estate and trust accountings.
Communicate with clients, beneficiaries, and professionals such as accountants and financial advisors to gather information and provide updates.
Maintain organized client files, ensuring all documentation is current.
Gather and analyze probate and non-probate asset information, including real estate, investments, retirement plans, and business interests.
Obtain date-of-death valuations and coordinate with appraisers and financial institutions.
Prepare inventories of estate assets and liabilities.
Assist with the preparation and filing of estate accountings and tax returns (e.g., IRS Form 706, NY Form ET-706, NJ IT-R).
Prepare and file trust accountings.
Track trust income and distributions.
Maintain accurate records of trust assets, income, and expenses.
Develop estate tax projections and planning strategies.
Estimate estate administration expenses, including executor and attorney fees.
Draft correspondence and template-based legal documents.
Assist with probate/Surrogate’s Court filings and procedures.
Conduct research for specific processes, such as obtaining apostilles for notarized documents.
Develop and implement internal processes for court, tax, and institutional filings.