2010 Estate Tax Repeal: It Is Official - For A While

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Jeffrey Cheyne

On January 1, 2010, the federal estate tax was repealed for one year (2010) unless and until Congress decides to change the law. We don’t know how long the repeal will last, but the fact that the federal estate tax has been repealed for some part of 2010 complicates estate planning for everyone.

Several members of Congress have indicated that these complications will be resolved quickly, but I remain skeptical. Currently, there are four possible outcomes:

  • First, Congress quickly enacts an extension of the 2009 law ($3.5 million exemption and full basis step-up) retroactively. How many times have we seen Congress act quickly when the Democrats and the Republicans are so polarized?
     
  • Second, Congress passes a permanent extension of the 2009 law, but makes it prospective only. This is the bill that was passed in the House, but 60 Senators have to agree. If it is prospective only, gap legislation will also have to be passed to cover the period when repeal was in effect.     
  • Third, Congress enacts a more permanent reform with a higher exemption amount, and it will likely be prospective only. Some senators would like to raise the exemption to $5 million and add some other changes to permanent legislation. Other senators would prefer the next option of the return to the $1 million exemption. At this point neither side has the 60 votes necessary. The longer Congress takes to pass a reform bill, the more likely it will not be retroactive.
  • Fourth, Congress does nothing and the $1 million exemption returns in 2011.  Unfortunately, political and fund raising motives may result in this outcome.

In the meantime, taking advantage of the estate tax and generation skipping tax repeal will be an important planning opportunity for high net-worth individuals and their advisers. Accountants, attorneys and financial advisors will need to learn the details of the new modified carry-over basis rules since they are applicable to all estates. 

This truly is a mess.  Hopefully, Congress will act responsibly to clean it up.

Tags: , , , ,

Redeal of the Repeal?

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Ted Simpson

In the August 7, 2009, BNA Daily Tax Report, it was noted that Rep. Brady has proposed a permanent repeal of the estate tax.  Do you remember that old Saturday morning cartoon, I'm Just a Bill?  Well, this bill is going to continue to sit on Capitol Hill and will never become law.  You heard it here first.

So, what is to become of the repeal of the estate tax?  Most of those in the know seem to say that we are going to stay with the current $3.5 million exemption.  They are probably right.  However, I think it is dangerous to count on that happening.  Let me spell out for you a less probable, but possible scenario.

 Under current law, in 2010, the estate tax essentially goes away.  Then, in 2011, it comes back with a vengeance, at a $1 million exemption (thank you Senator Bird).  When this process was set up eight years ago, it was thought that there was no way a tax increase would be allowed, so the repeal would go on, regardless of the Bird Rule.  However, now we are in an economic crisis, and the government needs money. 

Many believe that the congressional leadership don't want to see 2010 with the unlimited exemption, so we can expect finality this year.  It is possible, however, that the they will just punt this year.  With health care taking up the entire agenda lately, the congressional leadership could just extend the $3.5 million exemption for one year while they consider the matter.  They would likely get broad suppport for this extension.  Then, next year, they could decide that Bush's plan was best after all, and just let the Bird Rule apply.  We would be back at a $1 million exemption without a vote for a tax increase.

You may be thinking the congressional leadership wouldn't risk this because it affects too many of the voters, but keep two things in mind.  First, because of the recession, less people would be affected as less people will have taxable estates.  And second, the government needs money to finance the change America voted for.

Now, I agree this is not the most probable scenario.  But, it is at least possible, and because it is at least possible, we should consider it in our estate tax planning. 

Tags: , , , ,