While many people worry about the federal estate tax, state estate taxes often effect far more families and individuals. Fortunately, some states are starting to decrease the impact of their estate taxes.
The federal estate tax is a big issue in every federal election cycle. People disagree greatly over what the estate tax exemption limit should be, what the estate tax rate should be, and whether there should even be an estate tax at all.
Quite often, accusations of class warfare are thrown around by candidates and their supporters. However, as the current federal estate tax exemption is $5 million (adjusted to $5.34 million for inflation in 2014) the reality is that it affects a very small percentage of American families.
Many states have estate tax exemptions far lower than the federal exemption. As a consequence, these state taxes affect more people.
Until 2005, a federal credit was given for any state estate tax paid, but that is no longer the case. That means that some families are paying estate taxes to both the federal and state governments on the same money.
A recent article in Kiplinger, titled “States Are Lowering Their Estate Taxes to Lure Retirees,” reports that four states will lower their estate taxes in 2015 in an effort to bring wealthy families into their states.
When planning your estate, it is important to remember the consequences of any estate taxes in your state. This is particularly key if you move to another state for retirement.
Do your homework and consult an experienced estate planning attorney in the new state to discuss any state estate taxes and get a fresh review of your estate planning documents while you are at it.
Please contact our office today at 239-225-7911 to schedule an appointment with Barbara M. Pizzolato if you are interested in protecting your legacy and need to create or update your estate plan. You may also wish to attend one of our free seminars.
Reference: Kiplinger (October 31, 2014) “States Are Lowering Their Estate Taxes to Lure Retirees“
