Donald Trump has proposed a radical tax reform agenda for his presidency. Part of this reform is his intention to repeal the estate tax. For some people, this will be a considerable change with significant repercussions. But, because more changes to the tax code are anticipated, high-net-worth families should consider what this change could mean for their estate plans.
The estate tax (aka the death tax) is a federal tax on the transfer of property in the estate of someone who has passed. Upon death, your estate’s taxable value is assessed and then taxed. There are many rules on when and how the estate tax can be taken, but Trump plans to repeal the estate tax altogether.
Comparatively, the estate tax is not a huge revenue producer for the IRS, and many believe the estate tax is baseless, while other forms of property transfers between family members are untaxed, such as property divisions as the result of divorce.
While many applaud the suggested repeal, it’s important to remember that lost revenue will be certainly be gained elsewhere. Though the estate tax may be abolished, Trump still plans on initiating a capital gains tax on any assets left to heirs over the $10 million threshold.
Some argue that the estate tax only affects the very wealthy. Indeed, the 2017 federal estate tax exemption is $5.49 million. Estates valued below that threshold will not be taxed. For families with significant wealth, steps should be taken to plan for a potential estate tax, even if the estate tax is repealed because it’s likely to return in the future, even if it is repealed now.
It is crucial to remember that even if you are under the $5.49 million mark, you must still do an estate plan to combat against probate.
Basing estate plans on proposed tax reform is unwise. However, considering proposed tax changes as well as the changing political climate while planning your estate will help you make educated decisions. Regardless of the size of your estate, now is a great time to sit down and discuss your estate planning options.
Proper planning for your estate means staying abreast of changing tax regulations and ensuring your estate plan minimizes its tax burden and protects the assets you will leave behind. Because tax regulations are not set in stone and change quite frequently, it’s important to work with a family lawyer.
This article is a service of Bridge Law LLP. We are an award-winning law firm that specializes in business and estate planning for clients like you. The goal for every family is to stay educated on all topics like this, avoid probate, avoid estate taxes, and build a legacy for you and your loved ones. What sets our firm apart is that we build lasting, lifelong relationships with our clients. They rely on us to keep them updated, provide sound legal counsel, and be there for them immediately if any problems should ever arise. The best part is we don’t charge hourly fees to our families, so you never have to worry about speaking to us. If you’re ready to keep your family out of Court, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation or visit our website at www.bridgelawllp.com.