The federal estate tax was repealed in 2010, then reinstated by the 2010 Tax Relief Act with new provisions for 2011 and 2012. These provisions include a higher exemption amount and a lower tax rate that could ease or eliminate the tax burden on many estates.
Although the reinstated estate tax may not affect you now, it is scheduled to become more aggressive in 2013 and beyond, potentially affecting many families who might not be considered wealthy.

What’s New?

For estates left behind in 2011 and 2012, assets exceeding a $5 million exemption will be taxed at 35%, the lowest top tax rate in 70 years. A new portability provision allows surviving spouses to use the unused portion of a deceased spouse’s exemption, provided he or she makes the appropriate declaration on the estate tax return. Thus, married couples may be able to pool their exemptions to shield up to $10 million from federal estate taxes. The law also brings back the ability to “step up” the basis of assets to the fair market value on the deceased owner’s date of death.

Options for 2010

Estates of 2010 decedents can choose the 0% federal estate tax that was in effect that year, when the modified carryover basis rules were also in effect. (Under these rules, heirs must use the lesser of the decedent’s basis or the fair market value on the date of the owner’s death when calculating capital gains.) Alternatively, decedent estates can choose the reinstated estate tax and the new provisions. Their choice may affect capital gains taxes on some estate assets.

What’s Next?

Without further legislation, the federal estate tax will revert to a $1 million exemption and a top tax rate of 55% in 2013. The portability provision is also scheduled to expire after 2012. These changes could subject many more estates to the tax than under current law.
No one can anticipate what will happen in the future, but it’s important to be aware of the temporary estate tax provisions and the potential for change in 2013. Before you take any specific action, be sure to consult with an experienced estate, legal, and/or tax professional.
The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2011 Emerald Connect, Inc.

Click here for more Newsletters. Thank you.

Miami FL, Charleston SC, Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC - Investments & Insurance.

Contact Us

Hedges Wealth Management LLC - A Registered Investment Adviser
Hedges Insurance Agency LLC
1300 Appling Drive #201 | Mt Pleasant | SC 29464
T  +1 843 270 2534 | F 704 919 5946

If you are looking for more information any subject in this Blog, please Contact Us directly electronically or via phone. Thank you.

www.hedgeswealthmanagement.com

Posted by
Labels: estate tax federal Financial Advisor Financial Planner kevin hedges tax
Despite the pick-up in volatility at the end of January, risk assets continued their upward ascent throughout the month. Expectations surrounding the implementation of the newly passed tax reform bill and the weakening US dollar served as positive catalysts for the month.
With 39 percent of Americans feeling ill-prepared for retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey, we are often challenged to come up with a solution to make saving easier.[1] Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions, and in the absence of u
In a widely anticipated move, the Fed increased interest rates by 25 basis points on March 15, 2017, the second interest rate hike in three months and there are talks of potentially two more raises this year.
After an extremely volatile quarter, the broad equity market indexes ended just about where they started. Risk assets began the year under heavy pressure, with the S&P 500 Index declining more than -10% to a 22-month low on February 11.
On this week’s podcast (recorded February 26, 2016), Bill Miller, CIO from Brinker Capital discusses the recent string of positive news, the hopeful outcome following the G20 Summit, and what still remains as cause for concern:

What we like: G20 Summit underway to discuss new policies intended to h
After three years of strong market returns, 2015 performance was relatively flat combined with higher volatility across most asset classes.
Uncertainty over the start of the Federal Reserve’s rate hike campaign, the possibility of a default in Greece and Puerto Rico, and the drop in China shares each weighed on financial markets in June, resulting in a quarter of flat to negative performance across most asset classes.
A 2014 IRS ruling makes it easier for taxpayers to move after-tax 401(k) contributions directly to a Roth IRA.
Follow in privacy.
Follow in privacy.
Followers of this blog are not listed.
Subscribe
Subscribe
Blog Archive
Blog Archive
Subscribe
Subscribe
Contact Us
Contact Us
Tel +1 843 270 2534 | F 704 919 5946 | clientservices@hedgeswealthmanagement.com
Hedges Wealth Management LLC - A Registered Investment Adviser
Hedges Insurance Agency LLC
1300 Appling Drive #201 | Mt Pleasant | SC 29464


If you are looking for more information on any subject in this Blog, please Contact Us directly electronically or via phone
Thank you.


Picture
Picture
Loading
x Offline - Leave a message