Authority

V.S.A. tit. 14, ch. 127, subch. 2

in effect

14 V.S.A. § 4031 Authority that requires specific grant; grant of general authority

4031. Authority that requires specific grant; grant of general authority (a) An agent under a power of attorney may do the following on behalf of the principal or with the principal’s property only if the power of attorney expressly grants the agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not otherwise prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject: (1) create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust; (2) make a gift; (3) create or change rights of survivorship; (4) create or change a beneficiary designation; (5) delegate authority granted under the power of attorney; (6) waive the principal’s right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan; (7) authorize another person to exercise the authority granted under the power of attorney; (8) exercise authority over the content of an electronic communication of the principal in accordance with chapter 125 of this title (Vermont Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act); (9) disclaim property, including a power of appointment; (10) exercise a written waiver of spousal rights under section 323 of this title; (11) exercise authority with respect to intellectual property, including copyrights, contracts for payment of royalties, and trademarks; or (12) convey, or revoke or revise a grantee designation, by enhanced life estate deed pursuant to chapter 6 of Title 27 or under common law. (b) Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an act described in subsection (a) of this section, unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent that is not an ancestor, spouse, or descendant of the principal may not exercise authority under a power of attorney to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principal’s property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary designation, disclaimer, or otherwise. (c) Subject to subsections (a), (b), (d), and (e) of this section, if a power of attorney grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do, the agent has the general authority described in sections 4034–4046 of this title. (d) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to section 4047 of this title. (e) Subject to subsections (a), (b), and (d) of this section, if the subjects over which authority is granted in a power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest authority controls. (f) Authority granted in a power of attorney is exercisable with respect to property that the principal has when the power of attorney is executed or acquires later, whether or not the property is located in this State and whether or not the authority is exercised or the power of attorney is executed in this State. (g) An act performed by an agent pursuant to a power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the benefit of and binds the principal and the principal’s successors in interest as if the principal had performed the act. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4032 Incorporation of authority

4032. Incorporation of authority (a) An agent has authority described in this chapter if the power of attorney refers to general authority with respect to the descriptive term for the subjects stated in sections 4034–4047 of this title or cites the section in which the authority is described. (b) A reference in a power of attorney to general authority with respect to the descriptive term for a subject in sections 4034–4047 of this title or a citation to a section of sections 4034–4047 of this title incorporates the entire section as if it were set out in full in the power of attorney. (c) A principal may modify authority or a writing or other record incorporated by reference. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4033 Construction of authority generally

4033. Construction of authority generally Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, by executing a power of attorney that incorporates by reference a subject described in sections 4034–4047 of this title or that grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do pursuant to subsection 4031(c) of this title, a principal authorizes the agent, with respect to that subject, to: (1) demand, receive, and obtain, by litigation or otherwise, money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become, or claims to be entitled, and conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything so received or obtained for the purposes intended; (2) contract in any manner with any person, on terms agreeable to the agent, to accomplish a purpose of a transaction and perform, rescind, cancel, terminate, reform, restate, release, or modify the contract or another contract made by or on behalf of the principal; (3) execute, acknowledge, seal, deliver, file, or record any instrument or communication the agent considers desirable to accomplish a purpose of a transaction, including creating at any time a schedule listing some or all of the principal’s property and attaching it to the power of attorney; (4) initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of or against the principal or intervene in litigation relating to the claim; (5) seek on the principal’s behalf the assistance of a court or other governmental agency to carry out an act authorized in the power of attorney; (6) engage, compensate, and discharge an attorney, accountant, discretionary investment manager, expert witness, or other advisor; (7) prepare, execute, and file a record, report, or other document to safeguard or promote the principal’s interest under a statute or regulation; (8) communicate with any representative or employee of a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality on behalf of the principal; (9) access communications intended for and communicate on behalf of the principal, whether by mail, electronic transmission, telephone, or other means; and (10) do any lawful act with respect to the subject and all property related to the subject. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4034 Real property

4034. Real property Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to real property authorizes the agent to: (1) demand, buy, lease, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit, or otherwise acquire or reject an interest in real property or a right incident to real property; (2) sell; exchange; convey, with or without covenants, representations, or warranties; quitclaim; release; surrender; retain title for security; encumber; partition; consent to partitioning; subject to an easement or covenant; subdivide; apply for zoning or other governmental permits; plat or consent to platting; develop; grant an option concerning; lease; sublease; contribute to an entity in exchange for an interest in that entity; or otherwise grant or dispose of an interest in real property or a right incident to real property; (3) pledge or mortgage an interest in real property or right incident to real property as security to borrow money or pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal; (4) release, assign, satisfy, or enforce by litigation or otherwise a mortgage, deed of trust, conditional sale contract, encumbrance, lien, or other claim to real property that exists or is asserted; (5) manage or conserve an interest in real property or a right incident to real property owned or claimed to be owned by the principal, including: (A) insuring against liability or casualty or other loss; (B) obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the interest or right by litigation or otherwise; (C) paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with them; and (D) purchasing supplies, hiring assistance or labor, and making repairs or alterations to the real property; (6) use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect, or install structures or other improvements upon real property in or incident to which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest or right; (7) participate in a reorganization with respect to real property or an entity that owns an interest in or right incident to real property and receive, and hold, and act with respect to stocks and bonds or other property received in a plan of reorganization, including: (A) selling or otherwise disposing of them; (B) exercising or selling an option, right of conversion, or similar right with respect to them; and (C) exercising any voting rights in person or by proxy; (8) change the form of title of an interest in or right incident to real property; (9) dedicate to public use, with or without consideration, easements or other real property in which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest; and (10) relinquish any and all of the principal’s rights of homestead under 27 V.S.A. § 105 and elective share under section 323 of this title. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4035 Tangible personal property

4035. Tangible personal property Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to tangible personal property authorizes the agent to: (1) demand, buy, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit, or otherwise acquire or reject ownership or possession of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property; (2) sell, exchange, or convey, with or without covenants, representations, or warranties; quitclaim; release; surrender; create a security interest in; grant options concerning; lease; sublease; or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property; (3) grant a security interest in tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property as security to borrow money or pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal; (4) release, assign, satisfy, or enforce by litigation or otherwise a security interest, lien, or other claim on behalf of the principal with respect to tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property; (5) manage or conserve tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property on behalf of the principal, including: (A) insuring against liability or casualty or other loss; (B) obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the property or interest, by litigation or otherwise; (C) paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with taxes or assessments; (D) moving the property from place to place; (E) storing the property for hire or on a gratuitous bailment; and (F) using and making repairs, alterations, or improvements to the property; and (6) change the form of title of an interest in tangible personal property. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4036 Stocks and bonds

4036. Stocks and bonds Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to stocks and bonds authorizes the agent to: (1) buy, sell, and exchange stocks and bonds; (2) establish, continue, modify, or terminate an account with respect to stocks and bonds; (3) pledge stocks and bonds as security to borrow, pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal; (4) receive certificates and other evidences of ownership with respect to stocks and bonds; and (5) exercise voting rights with respect to stocks and bonds in person or by proxy, enter into voting trusts, and consent to limitations on the right to vote. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4037 Commodities and options

4037. Commodities and options Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to commodities and options authorizes the agent to: (1) buy, sell, exchange, assign, settle, and exercise commodity futures contracts and call or put options on stocks or stock indexes traded on a regulated option exchange; and (2) establish, continue, modify, and terminate option accounts. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4038 Banks and other financial institutions

4038. Banks and other financial institutions Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to banks and other financial institutions authorizes the agent to: (1) continue, modify, and terminate an account or other banking arrangement made by or on behalf of the principal; (2) establish, modify, and terminate an account or other banking arrangement with a bank, trust company, savings and loan association, credit union, thrift company, brokerage firm, or other financial institution selected by the agent; (3) contract for services available from a financial institution, including renting a safe deposit box or space in a vault; (4) withdraw, by check, order, electronic funds transfer, or otherwise, money or property of the principal deposited with or left in the custody of a financial institution; (5) receive statements of account, vouchers, notices, and similar documents from a financial institution and act with respect to them; (6) enter a safe deposit box or vault and withdraw or add to the contents; (7) borrow money and pledge as security personal property of the principal necessary to borrow money or pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal; (8) make, assign, draw, endorse, discount, guarantee, and negotiate promissory notes, checks, drafts, and other negotiable or nonnegotiable paper of the principal or payable to the principal or the principal’s order; transfer money; receive the cash or other proceeds of those transactions; and accept a draft drawn by a person upon the principal and pay it when due; (9) receive for the principal and act upon a sight draft, warehouse receipt, or other document of title whether tangible or electronic, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable instrument; (10) apply for, receive, and use letters of credit, credit and debit cards, electronic transaction authorizations, and traveler’s checks from a financial institution and give an indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of credit; and (11) consent to an extension of the time of payment with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction with a financial institution. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4039 Operation of entity or business

4039. Operation of entity or business Subject to the terms of a document or an agreement governing an entity or an entity ownership interest, and unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to operation of an entity or business authorizes the agent to: (1) operate, buy, sell, enlarge, reduce, or terminate an ownership interest; (2) perform a duty or discharge a liability and exercise in person or by proxy a right, power, privilege, or option that the principal has, may have, or claims to have; (3) enforce the terms of an ownership agreement; (4) initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to which the principal is a party because of an ownership interest; (5) exercise in person or by proxy, or enforce by litigation or otherwise, a right, power, privilege, or option the principal has or claims to have as the holder of stocks and bonds; (6) initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to which the principal is a party concerning stocks and bonds; (7) with respect to an entity or business owned solely by the principal: (A) continue, modify, renegotiate, extend, and terminate a contract made by or on behalf of the principal with respect to the entity or business before execution of the power of attorney; (B) determine: (i) the location of its operation; (ii) the nature and extent of its business; (iii) the methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising, financing, accounting, and advertising employed in its operation; (iv) the amount and types of insurance carried; and (v) the mode of engaging, compensating, and dealing with its employees and accountants, attorneys, or other advisors; (C) change the name or form of organization under which the entity or business is operated and enter into an ownership agreement with other persons to take over all or part of the operation of the entity or business; and (D) demand and receive money due or claimed by the principal or on the principal’s behalf in the operation of the entity or business and control and disburse the money in the operation of the entity or business; (8) put additional capital into an entity or business in which the principal has an interest; (9) join in a plan of reorganization, consolidation, conversion, domestication, or merger of the entity or business; (10) sell or liquidate all or part of an entity or business; (11) establish the value of an entity or business under a buy-out agreement to which the principal is a party; (12) prepare, sign, file, and deliver reports, compilations of information, returns, or other papers with respect to an entity or business and make related payments; and (13) pay, compromise, or contest taxes, assessments, fines, or penalties and perform any other act to protect the principal from illegal or unnecessary taxation, assessments, fines, or penalties, with respect to an entity or business, including attempts to recover, in any manner permitted by law, money paid before or after the execution of the power of attorney. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4040 Insurance and annuities

4040. Insurance and annuities Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to insurance and annuities authorizes the agent to: (1) continue, pay the premium or make a contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release, or terminate a contract procured by or on behalf of the principal that insures or provides an annuity to either the principal or another person, whether or not the principal is a beneficiary under the contract; (2) procure new, different, and additional contracts of insurance and annuities for the principal and the principal’s spouse, children, and other dependents and select the amount, type of insurance or annuity, and mode of payment; (3) pay the premium or make a contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release, or terminate a contract of insurance or annuity procured by the agent; (4) apply for and receive a loan secured by a contract of insurance or annuity; (5) surrender and receive the cash surrender value on a contract of insurance or annuity; (6) exercise an election; (7) exercise investment powers available under a contract of insurance or annuity; (8) change the manner of paying premiums on a contract of insurance or annuity; (9) change or convert the type of insurance or annuity with respect to which the principal has or claims to have authority described in this section; (10) apply for and procure a benefit or assistance under a statute or regulation to guarantee or pay premiums of a contract of insurance on the life of the principal; (11) collect, sell, assign, hypothecate, borrow against, or pledge the interest of the principal in a contract of insurance or annuity; (12) select the form and timing of the payment of proceeds from a contract of insurance or annuity; and (13) pay, from proceeds or otherwise, compromise or contest, and apply for refunds in connection with, a tax or assessment levied by a taxing authority with respect to a contract of insurance or annuity or its proceeds or liability accruing by reason of the tax or assessment. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4041 Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests

4041. Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests (a) As used in this section, “estate, trust, or other beneficial interest” means a trust, probate estate, guardianship, conservatorship, escrow, or custodianship or a fund from which the principal is, may become, or claims to be entitled to a share or payment. (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests authorizes the agent to: (1) accept, receive, receipt for, sell, assign, pledge, or exchange a share in or payment from an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest; (2) demand or obtain money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become, or claims to be entitled by reason of an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest, by litigation or otherwise; (3) exercise for the benefit of the principal a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal; (4) initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to ascertain the meaning, validity, or effect of a deed, will, declaration of trust, or other instrument or transaction affecting the interest of the principal; (5) initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to remove, substitute, or surcharge a fiduciary; (6) conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for an authorized purpose; and (7) transfer an interest of the principal in real property, stocks and bonds, accounts with financial institutions or securities intermediaries, insurance, annuities, and other property to the trustee of a revocable trust created by the principal as settlor. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4042 Claims and litigation

4042. Claims and litigation Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to claims and litigation authorizes the agent to: (1) assert and maintain before a court or administrative agency a claim, claim for relief, cause of action, counterclaim, offset, recoupment, or defense, including an action to recover property or other thing of value, recover damages sustained by the principal, eliminate or modify tax liability, or seek an injunction, specific performance, or other relief; (2) bring an action to determine adverse claims or intervene or otherwise participate in litigation; (3) seek an attachment, garnishment, order of arrest, or other preliminary, provisional, or intermediate relief and use an available procedure to effect or satisfy a judgment, order, or decree; (4) make or accept a tender, offer of judgment, or admission of facts; submit a controversy on an agreed statement of facts; consent to examination; and bind the principal in litigation; (5) submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, and propose or accept a compromise; (6) waive the issuance and service of process upon the principal; accept service of process; appear for the principal; designate persons upon which process directed to the principal may be served; execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principal’s behalf; verify pleadings; seek appellate review; procure and give surety and indemnity bonds; contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs; and receive, execute, and file or deliver a consent, waiver, release, confession of judgment, satisfaction of judgment, notice, agreement, or other instrument in connection with the prosecution, settlement, or defense of a claim or litigation; (7) act for the principal with respect to bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or involuntary, concerning the principal or some other person, or with respect to a reorganization, receivership, or application for the appointment of a receiver or trustee that affects an interest of the principal in property or other thing of value; (8) pay a judgment, award, or order against the principal or a settlement made in connection with a claim or litigation; and (9) receive money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4043 Personal and family maintenance

4043. Personal and family maintenance (a) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to personal and family maintenance authorizes the agent to: (1) perform the acts necessary to maintain the customary standard of living of the principal, the principal’s spouse, and the following individuals, whether living when the power of attorney is executed or later born: (A) other individuals legally entitled to be supported by the principal; and (B) the individuals whom the principal has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support; (2) make periodic payments of child support and other family maintenance required by a court or governmental agency or an agreement to which the principal is a party; (3) provide living quarters for the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection by: (A) purchase, lease, or other contract; or (B) paying the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments, repairs, improvements, and taxes, for premises owned by the principal or occupied by those individuals; (4) provide normal domestic help, usual vacations and travel expenses, and funds for shelter, clothing, food, appropriate education, including postsecondary and vocational education, and other current living costs for the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection; (5) pay expenses for necessary health care and custodial care on behalf of the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection; (6) act as the principal’s personal representative pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; Sections 1171–1179 of the Social Security Act; 42 U.S.C. § 1320d, as amended; and applicable regulations in making decisions related to the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care consented to by the principal or anyone authorized under the law of this State to consent to health care on behalf of the principal; (7) continue any provision made by the principal for automobiles or other means of transportation, including registering, licensing, insuring, and replacing them, for the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection; (8) maintain credit and debit accounts for the convenience of the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection and open new accounts; and (9) continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious institution, club, society, order, or other organization or to continue contributions to those organizations. (b) Authority with respect to personal and family maintenance is neither dependent upon, nor limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under this chapter. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4044 Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service

4044. Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service (a) As used in this section, “benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service” means any benefit, program, or assistance provided under a statute or regulation, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to: (1) execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in subdivision 4043(a)(1) of this title and for shipment of their household effects; (2) take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock, or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate, or other instrument for that purpose; (3) enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principal’s behalf, a benefit or program; (4) prepare, file, and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled under a statute or regulation; (5) initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation concerning any benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive under a statute or regulation; and (6) receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in subdivision (4) of this subsection and conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4045 Retirement plans

4045. Retirement plans (a) As used in this section, “retirement plan” means a plan or account created by an employer, the principal, or another individual to provide retirement benefits or deferred compensation of which the principal is a participant, beneficiary, or owner, including a plan or account under the following sections of the Internal Revenue Code: (1) an individual retirement account under Internal Revenue Code § 408, 26 U.S.C. § 408, as amended; (2) a Roth individual retirement account under Internal Revenue Code § 408A, 26 U.S.C. § 408A, as amended; (3) a deemed individual retirement account under Internal Revenue Code § 408(q), 26 U.S.C. § 408(q), as amended; (4) an annuity or mutual fund custodial account under Internal Revenue Code § 403(b), 26 U.S.C. § 403(b), as amended; (5) a pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or other retirement plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code § 401(a), 26 U.S.C. § 401(a), as amended; (6) a plan under Internal Revenue Code § 457(b), 26 U.S.C. § 457(b), as amended; and (7) a nonqualified deferred compensation plan under Internal Revenue Code § 409A, 26 U.S.C. § 409A, as amended. (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to retirement plans authorizes the agent to: (1) select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan; (2) make a rollover, including a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover, of benefits from one retirement plan to another; (3) establish a retirement plan in the principal’s name; (4) make contributions to a retirement plan; (5) exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan; and (6) borrow from, sell assets to, or purchase assets from a retirement plan. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4046 Taxes

4046. Taxes Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to taxes authorizes the agent to: (1) prepare, sign, and file federal, state, local, and foreign income, gift, payroll, property, Federal Insurance Contributions Act, and other tax returns; claims for refunds; requests for extension of time; petitions regarding tax matters; and any other tax-related documents, including receipts; offers; waivers; consents, including consents and agreements under Internal Revenue Code § 2032A, 26 U.S.C. § 2032A, as amended; closing agreements; and any power of attorney required by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority, including an internal revenue service form 2848 in favor of any third party with respect to a tax year upon which the statute of limitations has not run and the following 25 tax years; (2) pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds, receive confidential information, and contest deficiencies determined by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority; (3) exercise any election available to the principal under federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; and (4) act for the principal in all tax matters for all periods before the Internal Revenue Service, or other taxing authority. Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

14 V.S.A. § 4047 Gifts

4047. Gifts (a) For purposes of this section, “gift” includes a gift for the benefit of a person, including a gift to a trust, an account under chapter 115 of this title (Vermont Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), and a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as defined under Internal Revenue Code § 529, 26 U.S.C. § 529, as amended. (b) An agent may make a gift of the principal’s property only as the agent determines is consistent with the principal’s objectives if actually known by the agent or, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principal’s best interests based on all relevant factors, including: (1) evidence of the principal’s intent; (2) the principal’s personal history of making or joining in the making of lifetime gifts; (3) the principal’s estate plan; (4) the principal’s foreseeable obligations and maintenance needs and the impact of the proposed gift on the principal’s housing options, access to care and services, and general welfare; (5) the income, gift, estate, or inheritance tax consequences of the transaction; and (6) whether the proposed gift creates a foreseeable risk that the principal will be deprived of sufficient assets to cover the principal’s needs during any period of Medicaid ineligibility that would result from the proposed gift. (c) [Repealed.] Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023; amended 2023, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. June 6, 2024.

Source: Vermont General Assembly (legislature.vermont.gov)URL: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/14/127Fetched: 10/21/2026