The purpose of estate planning is to help a person build a large estate during life and to pass on as much of it as possible to the loved ones upon death.
$5,000,000 or more for decedent's dying in 2010 or later (note: there are special rules for decedents dying in 2010.
Presently, the amount of this credit reduces the computed tax so that only total taxable estates and lifetime gifts that exceed $1,000,000 will actually have to pay tax. In its current form, the estate tax only affects the wealthiest 2 percent of all Americans.
Most relatively simple estates (cash, publicly traded securities, small amounts of other easily valued assets, and no special deductions or elections, or jointly held property) do not require the filing of an estate tax return. A filing is required for estates with combined gross assets and prior taxable gifts exceeding $1,500,000 in 2004 - 2005; $2,000,000 in 2006 - 2008; $3,500,000 for decedents dying in 2009; and
Estate Tax The estate tax is a tax on your right to transfer property at your death. It consists of an accounting of everything you own or have certain interests in at the date of death.
Gift Tax If you give someone money or property during your life, you may be subject to federal gift tax.
Frequently Asked Questions on Gift Taxes Find some of the more common questions dealing with gift tax issues as well as some examples of how different types of gifts are treated.
Filing Estate and Gift Tax Returns Learn when to file estate and gift taxes, where to send your returns, and get contact information if you need help.
