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How do I create an iPhone/iPad shortcut or icon to the Brentmark Portal?
Since the Brentmark Portal is already a web application, all you need to do is create a bookmark to the Home Screen of your device. Follow these steps on your mobile device to create an icon on your Home Screen.
- From Brentmark.com, select the main menu icon at the top right corner.
- Select “Client Portal” at the bottom of the menu that opens.
- Login to your Portal account.
- Select the “Share” button at the bottom of your screen.
- Scroll to the bottom and select “Add to Home Screen“.
- Select “Add” at the top right corner of your Add to Home Screen bookmark.
- Voila! Your icon should now appear on your Home Screen.
Review the visual reference guide below. Please contact support@brentmark.com with any questions.
When I click on the AFR Table, a message appears that the AFR Rate Table is not available or is out of date. What can be the issue?
There are several reasons why you might see this message, and usually one of the following options resolves AFR display issues:
- Make sure you have a live internet connection
- At program startup, a threaded process is requested to our server to fetch the AFRDataPackage XML file that is used with several programs. It could be that the download, usually instantaneous, is still in progress by the time you clicked on a screen that uses the AFR information. If this is the case, waiting a few seconds usually renders the AFR table to display.
- The program requires that the current users has full read/write permissions to the location where the AFRDataPackage is downloaded. In most cases, this will be ProgramData\Brentmark\AFR. If the user does not have full permissions to this location, then the automatic download feature will not work, and you will need to manually move in the files once a month (usually posted around the 20th)
- Since the program interacts with files on our server, make sure your company firewall allows for “*.brentmark.com“. Most of the programs need to access brentmark.com and, in this case, a subdomain on ports 80 and 443.
- If none of the above resolve your issue, it’s likely that one of the data files that are downloaded (and then created) could be damaged. Navigate to ProgramData\Brentmark\AFR – there should be two files located here. a) AFR.xml b) AFRDataPackage.xml. In most cases, the timestamps should be the same – if they are not, then the AFRDataPackage.XML file did not create the AFR.xml for some reason. With the program not running, delete both of these files. After deletion, restart the program. At startup, the program should download and create the necessary files. You can also manually download the files by going to the ‘Edit’ menu -> AFR Rates -> Download AFR Data Package. If it’s successful, you should now have current rate table.
When I click on the AFR Table, it shows the current table. However, when I am on a screen that uses the AFR, it does not pull in the rate. What can be the issue?
There are several reasons why you might see this message, and usually one of the following options resolves AFR display issues:
- Each calculation screen has the ability to modify the AFR rate based on their own needs. By default, the program will use the transfer date to match up the §7520 rate used for the screen. If you have already saved data, or been on a screen, it will default to the value that was in memory, before the AFR file transfer occurred. However, any time you change the transfer date, it will force the program to retrieve the §7520 rate that goes with that transfer date. So, if you change the transfer date by a month, it should pull in a §7520 rate. Then switch it back to the original month you wish to use, and it should pull in that §7520 rate.
- If the problem still occurs, it’s likely that your AFR.XML file is damaged. See FAQ “AFR Shows Current Table But Does Not Pull In Correct Rate“, solution #5
Older versions of the program used to allow me to designate a folder where the AFR file was to be stored. Why can’t I do this anymore?
With recent releases of Windows updates, it became harder to identify which file locations are allowed for users to access. The result is Microsoft Windows has put heavy restrictions on file locations, and this feature stopped working if there was not a valid file path allowed from Windows. Common practice is to put supplemental files in the ProgramData location, so this was adopted.
When I try to change the §7520 rate on a screen, why does it always seem to round?
The table that is shown in the program represents the 120% Mid-term Applicable Federal Rates. Most calculations in this program use the §7520 rate for the month, which is calculated by rounding the Annual 120% Rate to the nearest 2 tenths.
Why are the limits for §7520 rates 0.2% to 30%
When you see 30% returned for the §7520 rate, that is because there is no rate data for the transfer date entered. In most instances, this will be a “future” calculation. The user would enter a rational number for the §7520 rate. The IRS provides tables for calculations with the §7520 rate between 0.2% and 20%. The rates have never reached 20%, and only recently dipped below 1%. The 30% is an indicator to the user that they need to use their own rate (or that there is a problem with the AFR File as mentioned in the first 2 FAQs).
Why aren’t there additional rate tables, such as the short-term and long-term AFRs?
Currently, those rate tables are outside the scope of this program. We will look to incorporate such tables at some time in the future, but for now you can find them at https://www.brentmark.com/afr-rates/
Why has my customer number changed?
In early 2020 Brentmark moved to an online account management platform. This new Brentmark Portal is a much more user-friendly and streamlined approach for both Brentmark and our valued customers to view and update their account data on demand without having to contact Brentmark directly.
Brentmark is happy to announce the latest release of Estate Planning Tools (Desktop) v.2020.02. Some of our customers may have temporarily experienced issues with logging into their Portal or downloading their copy. If you are having a hard time retrieving v. 2020.02, please refer to these helpful hints.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to email Brentmark at support@brentmark.com or call us directly 803.781.9595.
Download a copy of this information file.
DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
FOR CURRENT CUSTOMERS ATTEMPTING TO LOG IN:
- Using your Internet browser, go to brentmark.com
- Click on the “Client Portal” blue button near the top right of the webpage.
- Use the login page to enter your information to get to the dashboard.
ONCE YOU HAVE LOGGED IN:
The landing page you should have visible will be the Portal Dashboard.
- Locate Estate Planning Tools (Desktop App) on the Portal Dashboard.
- Locate and select the button labeled “Download”. This will download the file “Estate_Planning_Tools_202002.zip” to your browser’s download folder.
3. Click on “Download” on the next screen as well.
4. On the next screen click on “Save File”. This will download the zip file to your “Downloads” Folder. You can click on ‘Open with’ to unzip the file, but it will likely save the zip file to a temporary location, and you will need to download again if you want to reinstall.
- Once the download is complete, select the “Estate_Planning_Tools_202100.zip” file listed in your Downloads folder.
- This will unzip the file and begin running the installation.
- Navigate to your Downloads folder with Windows File Explorer. Locate the file that was downloaded. This .zip file will contain the installation file. Double click this file to begin download.
- Inside the zip file, is the installation file titled: “numsetup202100.exe”, double click this file to start the installation.
- Follow the remaining steps you are prompted on to complete your installation.
ACCESSING YOUR PROGRAM ONCE YOUR INSTALLATION IS COMPELTE:
Now that you have completed the download and installation of Estate Planning Tools (Desktop) v.2021.00 you can access the program by clicking the shortcut on your desktop. You can also open the program by using the Windows File Explorer: Navigate to your program files folders, open the “Brentmark” folder and then the folder for “Estate Planning Tools”. In that folder, click on the application to open it.
REMINDER: You may always check release dates and version numbers at www.brentmark.com under software updates. In addition, the program now contains a Brentmark News Channel, which contains information about current releases.
If you encounter a problem with the 2021.00 installation, try to uninstall prior versions of Estate Planning Tools, and then retry the 2021.00 installation. If problems still persist, please e-mail: support@brentmark.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Brentmark Client Portal supports most modern browsers. Internet Explorer 11 is currently supported, but it is highly recommended to use Microsoft’s Edge in place of Microsoft Internet Explorer 11. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari are also supported.
Brentmark is thrilled to have recently released Estate & Charitable Planner LIVE, which is a web-based application that COMBINES ALL of the models from Charitable Financial Planner (Desktop) and ALL the models from Estate Planning Tools (Desktop). Additionally, there are several models that are centralized around the SECURE Act which are not available in either desktop program. If you are interested in this application, individual and enterprise licensing is available. Feel free to email Brentmark at sales@brentmark.com for an account review.
Desktop applications can only be downloaded and installed on Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (unless you are using a third-party tool such as Parallels for Mac).
Web-based applications, such as Estate & Charitable Planner LIVE, work on all platforms, but do require a modern browser.
How Do I Login To The Brentmark Portal?
FOR CURRENT CUSTOMERS ATTEMPTING TO LOG IN:
In May 2020, you were sent an email with your username and password.
- Your username is your email address.
- The password can be reset using the “Lost Your Password?” link that is located on the sign in page, AFTER you click on the “Client Portal” blue button.
- Do NOT create a new account.
Here is a visual guide to logging into your account.
Step 1: Go to www.Brentmark.com and select the “Client Portal” blue button.
STEP 2: Enter your login information and select “Login”.
IF YOU HAVE LOST YOUR PASSWORD FOLLOW THESE ADDITIONAL STEPS:
STEP 2: On the portal login screen, select the “Lost Your Password?” link directly under the “Login” button.
STEP 3: Enter your email address and select the “Reset Password”.
STEP 4: Check your email for a link to complete your password reset.
What were the 2020 SECURE Act updates?
Download this information file.
Program Updates:
Updates to our desktop programs became available in January 2020. LIVE products are updated at release and do not require individual updates. All LIVE program updates made on the server and immediately and seamlessly available to users.
Programs Affected:
Retirement Distributions Planner
Estate & Charitable Planner LIVE
Big Changes:
- Beginning 01/01/2020, the RMD start age increases from 70.5 to 72. Anyone born prior to 06/30/1949 will continue their RMD schedules (they already have started based on the old rules). Anyone born 7/1/1949 and later will have their RMD start at age 72.
- For Inherited IRA’s where the plan owner dies on or prior to 12/31/2019, no changes are in effect and the pre-Secure Act rules are in place. There are no changes to inherited IRAs for non-spousal beneficiaries. Thus, those plans will continue to use the pre-Secure Act rules, allowing for Stretch IRA’s.
- For Inherited IRA’s where the plan owner dies on 01/01/2020 or later, all non-spouse beneficiaries will be required to have the distributions paid out by year 10 of the anniversary of the plan owner’s death.
There are exceptions. This is the exemption criteria:
- The spouse is the beneficiary.
- The age difference between the plan owner and the Inherited IRA beneficiary is no more than 10 years.
- The beneficiary is disabled or chronically ill.
- The beneficiary is a legal minor child of the plan owner, in which they will use the old rules until they reach the age of majority for their state.
2020-2021 Product Comparison Guide:
- Estate Planning Tools (EPT) (Desktop)
- Charitable Financial Planner (CFP) (Desktop)
- Estate & Charitable Planner LIVE (ECPLive) (Web Application)
DOWNLOAD THIS COMPARISON GUIDE
We install programs on our network through SCCM. How can I perform a silent install?
<setup.exe> /s
How can I perform a silent uninstall?
How do I install multiple licenses?
The following video tutorial will walk you through accessing and navigating the basics of the Brentmark Portal.
This video includes how to download Desktop applications and launch LIVE web applications.
How do I download additional copies of the product I just purchased?
Brentmark only allows each customer to license and download one copy of each product. This does not include updates, as those are available for download automatically.
If you have a special circumstance that requires additional downloads, please contact support@brentmark.com.
If you are interested in additional or enterprise licensing, please contact sales@brentmark.com.
I am creating a Desktop Shortcut for my Microsoft Windows machine. How do I find the URLShortcut.zip file?
You may download it here:
How do I create a Desktop shortcut or icon to the Brentmark Portal on my Windows machine?
Follow these steps on your machine device to create a shortcut or icon on your Desktop.
Download The Illustrated Guide.
- Download the URLShortcut.zip.
(You can also access this file through it’s individual FAQ post.)
- Once you have downloaded the file, go to your “Downloads” folder.
- Locate and double-click the file downloaded (URLShortcut.zip).
- Unzip to extract the file contents. There are 2 files, both need to be extracted for the shortcut to be created.
OPTION 1: (Preferred)
Select the “Extract All” button along the top toolbar.
OPTION 2: (May Not Be Supported On All Windows Versions)
Select “Extract All” on the secondary form that appears.
- Select the location destination for the extracted files.
Windows likely will give a location suggestion. This can be changed (if you so choose) by using the “Browse” button.
- Once you have chosen a file destination, click on “Extract”.
- Double click the “URLShortcut.bat” file.
* NOTE: This will run a Windows Batch file, that will create a shortcut to the login page, and will use the included “BrentmarkLogo.ico” file as the image. Windows may give you a warning that your machine is going to run a batch file.
If this happens, follow these steps:
- Select “More Info”.
- Select “Run Anyway”.
- A paused command shell (black screen with white text) will appear detailing that a shortcut was created.
The “Portal” icon and shortcut with the Brentmark “B” should now be on your desktop.
* NOTE: If the image icon or shortcut does not appear, restart your machine allowing Windows to correctly assign the image to the shortcut.
The following video tutorial will walk you through accessing and navigating the basics of Estate & Charitable Planner LIVE (web application).
This video includes how to customize reports and load data files.
How do I assign a license or licensee to a product in my Brentmark Portal?
Assigning a License for Web Applications and Multiple License Desktop Products.
NOTE: This action does NOT add a new license to your account. This is simply assigning your already purchased software licenses to the correct person/user within your organization.
- Use the Client Portal to log in to your dashboard:
- Once in your dashboard, you can view the products you have licensed. If you have a product that allows you to assign the license, click on the “Manage Licenses” button.
SCENARIO 1: By default, if there is only one license for a web application, the licensee assigned is the user for the dashboard.
SCENARIO 2: In some cases, the user for the dashboard is NOT the active user. In these cases, the system allows the dashboard user to assign the use of the license to someone else. An example of this would be an Office Manager who handles the billing and profile information for the account but is not the primary user of the software itself. The Office Manager would assign the license.
If you need additional licenses, please contact support@brentmark.com
- Once you have selected “Manage Licenses” in the previous step, you will see one of the following screens and options:
If the “Remove Licensee” button is shown, this means that there is a user assigned to the license. You may also reassign this license by clicking on the ‘Remove Licensee’ button. This will free up the license to be assigned.
To add new licensee, click on the “Assign Licensee” button.
NOTE: This action does NOT add a new license to your account. This is simply assigning your already purchased software licenses to the correct person/user within your organization.
- Enter the First Name, Last Name, and Email for the user that will be assigned to this license. Then select “Assign”.
If the user is NOT already in our database, the user will be notified via email from the email account info@brentmark.live. This email will contain a username and password, needed for the new licensee to gain access to the application. The email generated will resemble this:
If the user is already in our database and uses other products, an email will be sent to inform them that they have access to the application by means of their current account dashboard, and will look similar to the screen below.
How do I know what version of Estate Planning Tools (EPT) (Desktop) I am currently using?
Look at the top left corner of your screen. This will always tell you the version number you are currently running.
RELATED FAQ:
How do I know what version of Estate Planning Tools (EPT) (Desktop) is the most recent?
- Go to the Brentmark website at www.Brentmark.com.
- Select “Products” from the top navigation menu.
- Locate your desired program (Example: Estate Planning Tools (EPT) (Desktop)).
- Click the “Version History” tab. The most recent version name, number, release date, and release notes are always displayed at the top.
How do I know what version of any Brentmark, Inc. product is the most recent?
- Go to the Brentmark website at www.Brentmark.com.
- Select “Products” from the top navigation menu.
- Locate your desired program (Example: Estate Planning Tools (EPT) (Desktop)).
- Click the “Version History” tab. The most recent version name, number, release date, and release notes are always displayed at the top.
TIP #100 –
All new product releases, version updates, license subscriptions, billing, and account adjustments now take place in the Brentmark Portal. Login to your personal Portal account to access and edit your information today.
TIP #101 –
All inquires for support go through our automatic ticketing system that offers two avenues of support, both found under the “Support” menu on the main navigation of the website:
This avenue of support is for existing customers.
- Technical Support (account use and access, implementing new updates and releases for current clients and customers, reporting a bug, etc.)
- Sales & Billing Support (billing, license subscription, license renewals, etc.)
This avenue of support is for anyone inquiring or in need of the following:
- General Inquiry (vendor or product evaluation, products, calculations, features, models, legislation, reporting tools, etc.)
- Press Inquiry (general news, staff or expert position press release, product or version update press release, event or publication release, etc.)
- Sales Inquiry (products, pricing, models, features, calculations, customization, etc.)
- Product Suggestions (new products, features, models, calculations, etc.)
- Advanced Research
- Subject Matter Expertise (SME) Opinion
When I run the program, the AFR Rates are not automatically updating. Can I update this manually?
Yes, when this occurs you can manually update and download the AFR Rate Tables by doing the following:
- Select and open the “Edit” menu inside the program.
- Select the “AFR Rates” menu item.
- Select “Download AFR Data Package” from the available option.
Your Brentmark desktop application should now be updated with the new published AFR Rates.
Can I update the AFR rates manually?
Yes, you can manually update and download the AFR Rate Tables by doing the following:
- Select and open the “Edit” menu inside the program.
- Select the “AFR Rates” menu item.
- Select “Download AFR Data Package” from the available option.
Your Brentmark desktop application should now be updated with the new published AFR Rates.
TIP #104 –
You can manually download the AFR & §7520 Rate Table by following these quick steps:
- Select the “Edit” menu from inside the program.
- Select the “AFR Rates” menu item.
- Select “Download AFR Rate Data Package“.
Your Brentmark desktop application should now be updated with the new published AFR Rates.
TIP #102 –
Upcoming Brentmark events are posted on our website and continually updated. You can view these scheduled events under the “Resources” menu, under “Events”.
TIP #103 –
If you do NOT see the “Download” button (for a licensed product) in the Brentmark Portal follow these steps:
- Select “Manage A License”.
- Select “Assign A License” and follow the steps on the screen. The “Download” button should now be visible.
TIP #105 –
You can find all of the Brentmark Tips and Tricks by following the following steps:
- From www.Brentmark.com select the “Resources” menu.
- Select the “FAQs” library link.
- Select the “Tips and Tricks” link among the FAQs library menu links at the top.
TIP #106 –
You can find the Brentmark Recommended Reading List by following these steps:
- From the Brentmark website, select “Resources” from the main navigation menu.
- Select “Recommended Reading”.
TIP #107 –
You can submit a recommendation for the Brentmark Recommended Reading list by following these steps:
- From the Brentmark website, select “Resources” from the main navigation menu.
- Select “Recommended Reading”.
- Select the “Submit Recommendation” tab and complete the form.
What values do I enter into the “CRAT Payout” Field?
The data entered in the “CRAT Payout” field has to meet the following criteria:
- The amount entered has to be at least 5% of the FMV of Trust. Any value entered lower than that will be forced to 5%.
- The maximum value allowed for this input is 50%. The program will force anything above this amount down to 50%.
This field will allow for either a percentage or dollar amount based on the following:
- Values entered between 0-5 will be set to the minimum value of 5.
- Values entered as 5 to 50 will be used as a percentage.
- Values entered from 50.00001 to 100 will be set to the maximum amount allowed for a percentage, which is 50%.
- When using a percentage entry: 5 significant decimal places are allowed.
- If you enter a value over 100, it is assumed as a dollar amount.
- The same minimum and maximums apply (the amount has to be at least 5% and no greater than 50%). Example: If the FMV is $100,000, the minimum dollar amount would be $5,000, and the maximum would be $50,000.
- Note: If you choose to use the Optimizer for this model, it will default the payout to dollar amounts for more precision.
How do I run a report in (RDP) Retirement Distributions Planner (Desktop) listing all clients approaching age 72?
This unique Brentmark tool will search within the folder used for data files, scanning each file, and report for a plan owner reaching 71 or 72 in the current year.
- Select the “Tools” menu.
- Select “Birth Dates and Ages Reports”.
- Select “Report for Ages 71-72”.
If you have questions about this feature or require additional support, please Submit A Support Ticket.
TIP #108 –
How do I run a report in (RDP) Retirement Distributions Planner (Desktop) listing all clients approaching age 72?
This unique Brentmark tool will search within the folder used for data files, scanning each file, and report for a plan owner reaching 71 or 72 in the current year.
- Select the “Tools” menu.
- Select “Birth Dates and Ages Reports”.
- Select “Report for Ages 71-72”.
If you have questions about this feature or require additional support, please Submit A Support Ticket.
How Often Is The Program Updated?
The US government updates the redemption tables every 6 months, updates are November & May of each year.
The following video tutorial will walk you through accessing and navigating the basics of (EPT) Estate Planning Tools (Desktop).
How do I know what version of Estate Planning Tools (EPT) (Desktop) I am currently using?
Look at the top left corner of your screen. This will always tell you the version number you are currently running for ANY Brentmark product.
Why is the AFR Showing As 5%? – Pre 59 1/2 Distributions (SEPP Calculations)
Impacts Products:
- (ECPL) Estate & Charitable Planner LIVE
- (EPT) Estate Planning Tools (Desktop)
- (RDP) Retirement Distributions Planner (Desktop)
- (RPA) Retirement Plan Analyzer (Desktop)
Where are my downloaded files?
Brentmark files download automatically to your computer’s “Downloads” folder. If you do not already know where your downloads folder is located, please refer to the following steps as general and NOT specific guidelines, as your system may differ.
Download and print these instructions here.
To access your downloads folder (through Windows 10), follow these steps.
(1.) At the bottom of your screen, there likely is an icon that will open up File Explorer. Click this button.
If the icon does not appear, type in the words “File Explorer” in the search box (shown above), and click on “Open”.
(2.) Once open, click once (highlight) the Downloads folder in the left panel. Once this is done, the contents of the download folder will appear in the right panel. If you have downloaded a product from Brentmark.com, it will appear in this panel. All products downloaded will be zipped (it will appear with a zipped folder icon) and will have the full name of the product, along with the version. Below is an image for Retirement Distributions Planner (version 2022.21).
(3.) Unzip the product – to do this, double-click the product zip file. (In the above, double click on the ‘Retirement_Distributions_Planner_202221.zip’ file. Doing this will show the installation file that is currently zipped. Double-click this file to start the installation. Installations do require elevated User Accounts (Admin rights).
