The new estate tax regime – Greater wealth-transfer opportunities now available

Description

Abstract: With the passage of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act late last year, the estate tax law is set through 2012. But if Congress doesn’t take additional action, the estate tax will revert to levels prescribed by pre-2001 tax law beginning in 2013. Still, even with this uncertainty, the next two years offer an ability to transfer greater amounts of wealth out of one’s estate, thus lowering liability. This article discusses the increase in the gift and estate tax exemptions and the “portability” of the latter for married couples.