Estate Tax
Found 52 Articles.
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The Estate Tax Marital Deduction – Dos and Don’ts
The marital deduction is perhaps the best-known estate tax reducer. It also is among the most misused planning devices. While powerful, the mari-tal deduction also can trigger higher taxes or other headaches. The marital deduction is straightforward. The estate executor totals the value of all assets owned by the deceased to arrive at the gross […]
How Planned Disclaimers Can Improve an Estate Plan
A key to successful Estate Planning these days is flexibility. Scheduled changes in the federal estate tax, and the possibility of additional changes, make flexibility essential. In past visits we have discussed language that can be included in wills to increase flexibility. Another tool to make available to your heirs is the disclaimer. Normally, disclaimers […]
How to Create the IRS Audit-Proof Estate
Planning an estate and implementing the plan don’t end the job. To meet your goals, take another step and ensure that the estate will prevail in an audit. Few people realize that the audit rate on estate tax returns is far higher than the rate on income tax returns. The greater an estate’s value, the […]
Using and Misusing the Marital Deduction for Estate Tax Planning
The marital deduction is key to most estate plans of married couples. It can wipe out the entire estate tax liability. But misuse of the marital deduction can create a larger long-term tax bill or cause non-tax problems. Let’s look at how to use the marital deduction and avoid misusing it. The estate tax is […]
