Combined Estate Tax Exemtion for $10mil

Starting in 2011 widows and widowers can add to their own estate tax exemption the unused exemption of the spouse who died most recently. This provision, plus an increase in the exemption amount to $5 million per person, enables married couples together to transfer as much as $10 million tax-free to their children or other heirs, either by making lifetime gifts or through estate plans. This 2-year provision expires January 1, 2013

Senate Working on Estate Tax Revision

After 8 years of delay, the Senate is finally considering a revision to the Estate Tax. When the Bush estate tax reduction were passed in 2001. the Pres. Bush told Congress that 8 years would be enough time for the revision of the Internal Revenue Code Estate Tax provisions. As a method of assuring Congress would get busy, the law provides for a repel of the Estate Tax for 2010. Now, after dilly-dallying for 8 years, the Democrats don't want to see the Estate Tax Revenue disappear. They are scrambling to come up with a revision.

A bipartisan group of Senators is proposing a gradual reduction of the Estate Tax rate from 45% to 35% in 2019. Also the exemption would increase to $5 mil by 2019. Full Article....