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Overview of Illinois Estate Tax Laws

September 3, 2019 by Estate Planning Source Leave a Comment

Understanding How Illinois Estate Taxes Affect an Estate
By Julie Garber, About.com Guide

If you live in Illinois, then you live in one of a handful of states that still collect a state death tax. The estates of Illinois residents, as well as the estates of nonresidents who own real estate and/or tangible personal property located in Illinois, are subject to a state death tax under the following guidelines.

NOTE: State laws change frequently and the following information may not reflect recent changes. For current tax or legal advice, please consult with an accountant or an attorney since the information contained in this article is not tax or legal advice and is not a substitute for tax or legal advice.

How have the Illinois estate tax rules changed in the past few years?

The Illinois estate tax rules have changed significantly in the past few years. In 2009, the Illinois estate tax exemption was $2,000,000. In 2010, the Illinois estate tax was repealed due to changes in the federal estate tax laws. In 2011, the Illinois legislature acted quickly to reinstate the state estate tax with a $2,000,000 exemption. Then, in December 2011, the Illinois legislature acted to raise the estate tax exemption to $3,500,000 for 2012 and $4,000,000 for 2013. The information presented below applies to deaths that occur in 2012 only.

When is an estate subject to the Illinois estate tax?

For Illinois residents, a 2012 estate may be subject to the Illinois estate tax if the total gross estate exceeds $3,500,000.

For nonresidents of Illinois, a 2012 estate may be subject to the Illinois estate tax if it includes real estate and/or tangible personal property having a situs within the state of Illinois and the gross estate exceeds $3,500,000. What Illinois estate tax forms must be filed?

The estate representative of a 2012 estate that is subject to the Illinois estate tax must file an Illinois Estate & Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return, Form 700, as well as a federal estate tax return, IRS Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return (or any other form containing the same information), even if the estate is not required to file IRS Form 706. IRS Form 706 must include all schedules, appraisals, wills, trusts, attachments, etc., as the federal Form 706 would have for a 2011 decedent with a tentative taxable estate plus adjusted taxable gifts over $2,000,000. The Illinois estate tax will then be determined using the inter-related calculation for 2012 decedents as discussed below.

Note that when the 2012 tentative taxable estate plus adjusted taxable gifts exceeds $5,120,000, Illinois Form 700 is to be prepared in the same manner for 2012 as for 2011, and must therefore include a copy of IRS Form 706 with all attachments.

Are transfers to a surviving spouse taxable?

Outright transfers to a surviving spouse are not taxable.

For married couples who have used AB Trust planning to reduce their federal estate tax bill, an Illinois death tax may be due on the B Trust after the first spouse’s death due to the gap of $1,620,000 between the Illinois exemption of $3,500,000 and the federal exemption of $5,120,000. Nonetheless, a married decedent’s estate can make an election to treat a trust of which the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary as “qualified terminable interest property” (“QTIP” for short) for purposes of calculating the Illinois estate tax. Thus, married Illinois residents can defer payment of both Illinois and federal death taxes until after the death of the surviving spouse using ABC Trust planning.

When are the Illinois estate tax return and tax payment due?

The Illinois estate tax return must be filed, and any estate tax due must be paid, within nine months after the decedent’s date of death.

An extension of time to file the Illinois estate tax return and related forms and pay any tax due may be requested; however, this will not extend the time to pay the tax, and interest will accrue during the extension period.

Where are the Illinois estate tax return filed and tax payment made?

For Cook, DuPage, Lake and McHenry Counties, file the original of the return with:

Office of the Attorney General Revenue Litigation Bureau
100 West Randolph Street
13th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60601

For all other counties, file the original of the return with:

Office of the Attorney General Revenue Litigation Bureau
500 South Second Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706

Effective July 1, 2012, an additional copy of the return, without attachments, must also be filed with the State Treasurer as indicated below.

Effective July 1, 2012, all estate tax payments should be directed to one of the State Treasurer’s offices, which is encouraging people to mail the applicable returns, attachments, and payments to the Springfield office; however, taxes may be paid in person at either office indicated below:

By mail or in person:

Illinois State Treasurer Estate Tax Division
400 W. Monroe, Suite 401
Springfield, IL 62704

In person: Illinois State Treasurer
100 West Randolph Street
Suite 15-600
Chicago, IL 60601

How is the Illinois estate tax calculated?

The Illinois estate tax is determined using the inter-related calculation. For both resident and non-resident decedents, the tax base will be calculated assuming all assets are located within Illinois. (Line 6, Schedule A or B, Form 700). The percentage of Illinois assets to total assets is then computed with the percentage applied to the tax base for apportionment purposes to determine the amount of Illinois estate tax due.

For deaths that occurred on or after January 1, 2012, use the following calculator provided by the Illinois Attorney General’s office to calculate the tax due: 2012 Decedent Estate Tax Calculator. Where can I find additional information about Illinois estate taxes?

For more information about Illinois estate taxes, including information for the estates of decedents who died in 2011 and prior years, refer to the Illinois Attorney General’s Estate Tax webpage. For more information about estate tax payments, refer to the Illinois Treasurer’s Inheritance Tax and Estate Tax webpage.

Overview of Maryland Estate Tax Laws

September 3, 2019 by Estate Planning Source Leave a Comment

Understanding How Maryland Estate Taxes Affect an Estate
By Julie Garber, About.com Guide

If you live in Maryland, then you live in one of a handful of states that still collect a state estate tax. In addition, Maryland is one of six states that collects a state inheritance tax (New Jersey is the only other state that collects both an estate tax and an inheritance tax.)

The estates of Maryland residents, as well as the estates of nonresidents who own real estate, tangible personal property, and/or one or more business entities located in Maryland, are subject to a state estate tax under the following guidelines.

When is an estate subject to the Maryland estate tax?

For Maryland residents, an estate may be subject to the Maryland estate tax if the federal gross estate, plus adjusted taxable gifts, plus property for which a Maryland qualified terminal interest property (QTIP) election was previously made on a Maryland estate tax return filed for the estate of the decedent’s predeceased spouse, equals or exceeds $1,000,000.

For nonresidents of Maryland, an estate may be subject to the Maryland estate tax if it includes real estate or tangible personal property having a taxable situs within the state of Maryland and the value of the federal gross estate equals or exceeds $1,000,000 under the criteria set forth above.

What Maryland estate tax forms must be filed?

The estate representative of an estate that is subject to the Maryland estate tax must first complete a federal estate tax return, IRS Form 706, for the year of the decedent’s death, even if the estate is not required to file a federal estate tax return. Once the federal return is completed, the estate representative can prepare the Maryland Estate Tax Return, Form MET-1.

Are transfers to a surviving spouse taxable?

Outright transfers to a surviving spouse are not taxable.

For married couples who have used AB Trust planning to reduce their federal estate tax bill, a Maryland estate tax may be due on the B Trust as a result of a gap between the Maryland exemption and the federal exemption. In 2013, that gap is $4,250,000. Nonetheless, a married decedent’s estate can make a Maryland-only election to treat a trust of which the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary as “qualified terminable interest property” (“QTIP Trust” for short) for purposes of calculating the Maryland estate tax. Thus, since there is a gap between the Maryland estate tax exemption and the federal exemption and a state-only QTIP election is allowed, married Maryland residents can defer payment of both Maryland and federal death taxes until after the death of the surviving spouse using ABC Trust planning.

When are the Maryland estate tax return and tax payment due?

The Maryland estate tax return must be filed, and any estate tax due must be paid, within nine months after the decedent’s date of death.

An automatic six-month extension of time to file the Maryland estate tax return and related forms may be requested on Form MET-1E (or up to one year if the person required to file the return is located outside of the U.S.); however, this will not extend the time to pay the tax, and interest will accrue during the extension period. In addition, a penalty of up to 10% will be assessed if the estate tax bill is not paid by the estate tax return due date.

Where are the Maryland estate tax return filed and tax payment made?

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Estate Tax Return, Form MET-1, should be filed with the Register of Wills of the county where the decedent’s probate estate is being administered or, if no probate estate is required, then in the county where the decedent resided at the time of death.

For nonresidents, file the Maryland Estate Tax Return, Form MET-1, with the Register of Wills of the county where the nonresident owned real estate or tangible personal property.

For links to all 24 Maryland Register of Wills websites, refer to the Office of the Register of Wills website.

Mail the estate tax payment directly to the Comptroller of Maryland on or before the due date of the Maryland estate tax return at the following address:

Comptroller of Maryland Estate Tax Section
P.O. Box 828
Annapolis, MD 21404-0828

What is the Maryland estate tax rate?

According to the Maryland Comptroller’s website, there is no Maryland estate tax rate table. Instead, the Maryland estate tax tax is calculated using the maximum allowable credit for state death taxes under §2011 of the Internal Revenue Code, as computed for Maryland purposes, less any Maryland inheritance tax paid to the Register of Wills. For decedents dying after December 31, 2005, the tax cannot exceed 16% of the amount by which the decedent’s taxable estate exceeds $1,000,000. If the Maryland inheritance tax is equal to or exceeds the federal credit for state death taxes, no Maryland estate tax is due.

For an explanation and tips on how to calculate the Maryland estate tax, refer to following information listed on the Comptroller of Maryland’s website: Maryland Estate Tax Calculation Method.

Where can I find additional information about Maryland estate taxes?

For more information about Maryland estate taxes, refer to the Comptroller of Maryland’s website: Maryland Estate and Inheritance Tax.

Call the Maryland Comptroller’s Office with your Maryland estate tax questions at 410-260-7850 from Central Maryland or 1-800 MD TAXES from elsewhere, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT.

You can also e-mail your Maryland estate tax questions as well as fiduciary tax questions to [email protected]. How have the Maryland estate tax laws changed over the past few years?

On May 22, 2012, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed the “Family Farm Preservation Act” into law. This legislation, which was passed by unanimous votes in both the House and Senate, reduces the Maryland estate tax rate assessed against Maryland farms valued over $5 million from 16% down to 5% when the property passes to someone who agrees to continue to use it for agricultural purposes. If the property is then taken out of agricultural use within 10 years of the owner’s death, the estate tax will be recaptured. The law went into effect on July 1, 2012 and applies to deaths occurring after December 31, 2011.

Overview of Massachusetts Estate Tax Laws

September 3, 2019 by Estate Planning Source Leave a Comment

Understanding How Massachusetts Estate Taxes Affect an Estate
By Julie Garber, About.com Guide

If you live in Massachusetts, then you live in one of a handful of states that still collect a state estate tax. The estates of Massachusetts residents, as well as the estates of nonresidents who own real estate and/or tangible personal property located in Massachusetts, are subject to a state estate tax under the following guidelines.

When is an estate subject to the Massachusetts estate tax?

For Massachusetts residents, an estate may be subject to the Massachusetts estate tax if the value of the gross estate, plus adjusted taxable gifts, exceeds the applicable exclusion amount in the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December 31, 2000. The applicable exclusion amounts for Massachusetts estate tax purposes are $700,000 for 2003, $850,000 for 2004, $950,000 for 2005, and $1,000,000 for 2006 and later years. Thus, in general, under current law an estate may be subject to the Massachusetts estate tax if the value exceeds $1,000,000. For nonresidents of Massachusetts, an estate may be subject to the Massachusetts estate tax if it includes real estate or tangible personal property having a taxable situs within the state of Massachusetts and the value of the gross estate exceeds $1,000,000 under the criteria set forth above.

What Massachusetts estate tax forms must be filed?

The estate representative of an estate that is subject to the Massachusetts estate tax must first complete a federal estate tax return, IRS Form 706, with a revision date of July 1999 and all applicable schedules. Once the federal return is completed, the estate representative can prepare the Massachusetts Estate Tax Return, Form M-706.

In addition to IRS Form 706 with a revision date of July 1999 and a Form M-706, the following documents may be required to be filed:

A Federal Closing Letter submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue within two months of receipt, if the filing of a federal Form 706 is required. This includes both the federal letter of acceptance and line adjustments, if any. Copies of federal changes must be accompanied by an Application for Abatement/Amended Return (Form CA-6), or by an amended Form M-706, as appropriate. No Massachusetts Estate Closing Letter will be issued without a copy of the Federal Closing Letter.

A Certificate Releasing Massachusetts Estate Tax Lien (Form M-792) in triplicate for each parcel of real estate where a release of lien is required. A copy of the deed or certificate of title, and the purchase and sale agreement (or mortgage commitment), if any, should be provided.

A Massachusetts Nonresident Decedent Affidavit (Form M-NRA) for the estates of nonresident decedents.

Are transfers to a surviving spouse taxable?

Outright transfers to a surviving spouse are not taxable.

For married couples who have used AB Trust planning to reduce their federal estate tax bill, a Massachusetts estate tax may be due on the B Trust as a result of a gap between the Massachusetts exemption and the federal exemption. In 2013, that gap is $4,250,000. Nonetheless, a married decedent’s estate can make a Massachusetts-only election to treat a trust of which the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary as “qualified terminable interest property” (“QTIP Trust” for short) for purposes of calculating the Massachusetts estate tax. Thus, since there is a significant gap between the Massachusetts estate tax exemption and the federal exemption and a state-only QTIP election is allowed, married Massachusetts residents can defer payment of both Massachusetts and federal death taxes until after the death of the surviving spouse using ABC Trust planning.

When are the Massachusetts estate tax return and tax payment due?

The Massachusetts estate tax return must be filed, and any estate tax due must be paid, within nine months after the decedent’s date of death.

By submitting an “Application for Extension of Time to File Massachusetts Estate Tax Return” (Form M-4768), an extension of time to file Form M-706 may be granted for a reasonable period, provided the application is made on or before the original due date of the return and 100% of the estimated amount of Massachusetts estate tax is paid. Failure to pay at least 80% of the amount of estate tax finally determined to be due on or before the due date will void any extension of time to file, and the return will be subject to the late filing penalty and, possibly, the late payment penalty. Interest will accrue on any unpaid tax from the original due date.

By filing an “Application for Extension of Time to Pay Massachusetts Estate Tax” (Form M-4768A), an extension of time to pay Massachusetts estate taxes may be granted for a reasonable period, but not to exceed six months. However, when an extension of time to pay is granted, interest on any unpaid tax accrues from the original due date. An extension is granted only for reasonable cause. An extension of up to three years from the due date may be granted upon a showing of undue hardship.

Where are the Massachusetts estate tax return filed and tax payment made?

Payment of the Massachusetts estate tax must be made by a check payable to the :Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” Enter the decedent’s full name and Social Security number in the memo portion of the check. The executor signing the return is personally liable for payment of any tax shown on the return if it is not otherwise paid.

The return and the tax payment should be sent to the following:

Massachusetts Estate Tax Unit
P.O. Box 7023
Boston, MA 02204

What is the Massachusetts estate tax rate?

Effective for dates of death on or after January 1, 2003, the Massachusetts estate tax for the estates of residents and nonresidents is computed with reference to the allowable federal estate tax credit for state death taxes allowed in the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December 31, 2000.

If an estate consists solely of property subject to Massachusetts estate taxation, it pays to Massachusetts an amount equal to the federal credit for state death taxes computed using the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December 31, 2000.

In the case of a resident of Massachusetts who owned or transferred real estate or tangible personal property located outside of Massachusetts, Massachusetts grants a credit for estate or inheritance taxes properly paid to other states.

In the case of a nonresident of Massachusetts who owned or transferred real estate or tangible personal property located in Massachusetts, the amount of the Massachusetts nonresident estate tax is the proportion of the allowable credit from the federal estate tax return that the gross value of the Massachusetts property bears to the entire federal gross estate wherever situated.

For an explanation and examples on how to calculate the Massachusetts estate tax, refer to following information listed on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website: A Guide to Estate Taxes (Applicable to dates of death on or after January 1, 2003).

When is a release of Massachusetts estate tax lien required?

For dates of death on or after January 1, 1997, if the amount of the gross estate requires the filing of a Massachusetts estate tax return, a “Certificate Releasing Massachusetts Estate Tax Lien” (Form M-792) is required for real estate that is owned jointly with rights of survivorship or as tenants by the entirety, real estate that is held in a trust and other real estate that is not part of the probate inventory but is includible in the taxable gross estate. Form M-792 may be required for probate real estate where there is a sale pending (or mortgage commitment), and no closing letter has been issued.

For estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2003 that are not required to file M-706, an affidavit of the executor, subscribed to under the pains and penalties of perjury, recorded in the applicable Registry of Deeds and accurately stating that the value of the decedent’s gross estate does not require a Massachusetts estate tax filing, is required to release the gross estate of the lien. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue does not publish blank affidavits for filing in the Registry of Deeds, although some Registries may publish sample affidavits and provide them to the public.

For the estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2003 that equal or exceed the Massachusetts filing requirement for the year of death, the Commissioner of Revenue will release the lien with respect to property if the Commissioner is satisfied that the collection of the tax will not be jeopardized. The Commissioner will release the lien by issuing Form M-792, “Certificate Releasing Massachusetts Estate Tax Lien.”

Where can I find additional information about Massachusetts estate taxes?

For more information about Massachusetts estate taxes, refer to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website: A Guide to Estate Taxes (Applicable to dates of death on or after January 1, 2003).

Overview of Minnesota Estate Tax Laws

September 3, 2019 by Estate Planning Source Leave a Comment

Understanding How Minnesota Estate Taxes Affect an Estate
By Julie Garber, About.com Guide

If you live in Minnesota, then you live in one of a handful of states that still collect a local death tax. The estates of Minnesota residents, as well as the estates of nonresidents who own real estate and/or tangible personal property and/or business interests located in Minnesota, are subject to a local death tax under the following guidelines.

NOTE: State and local laws change frequently and the following information may not reflect recent changes. For current tax or legal advice, please consult with an accountant or an attorney since the information contained in this article is not tax or legal advice and is not a substitute for tax or legal advice. When is an estate subject to the Minnesota estate tax?

If the decedent was a resident of Minnesota at the time of death, the estate may be subject to the Minnesota estate tax if the federal gross estate exceeds $1,000,000 on the date of death or if the estate is required to file a federal estate tax return, IRS Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return.

For nonresidents of Minnesota, an estate may be subject to the Minnesota estate tax if it includes Minnesota sitused property and the federal gross estate exceeds $1,000,000 on the date of death or if the estate is required to file a federal estate tax return. Note that new legislation passed in late May 2013 and expected to be signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton will subject Minnesota property owned by an S corporation, partnership, LLC or a trust of which a nonresident is a shareholder, partner, member or beneficiary to the Minnesota estate tax.

What Minnesota estate tax forms must be filed?

The estate representative of an estate that is subject to the Minnesota estate tax must complete and file the Minnesota Estate Tax Return, Form M706.

Note that as indicated above, a Minnesota Estate Tax Return may be required to be filed even if a federal estate tax return, IRS Form 706, is not required to be filed. Thus, the estate representative must first complete IRS Form 706 for the year of death before completing Form M706.

Are transfers to a surviving spouse taxable?

Outright transfers to a surviving spouse are not taxable.

For married couples who have used AB Trust planning to reduce their federal estate tax bill, a Minnesota death tax may be due on the B Trust after the first spouse’s death due to the gap of $4,250,000 between the Minnesota exemption of $1,000,000 and the 2013 federal exemption of $5,250,000. While some states allow a married decedent’s estate to make an election to treat a trust of which the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary as “qualified terminable interest property” (“QTIP” for short) for purposes of calculating the local estate tax, Minnesota law does not allow for this. Thus, married Minnesota residents cannot incorporate ABC Trust planning into their estate plans.

When are the Minnesota estate tax return and tax payment due?

The Minnesota Estate Tax Return, M706, must be filed, and any estate tax due must be paid, within 9 months after the decedent’s date of death.

All estates are granted an automatic six-month extension of time to file Form M706. This means that a written request is not required to be submitted to the Minnesota Estate Tax Unit to request an extension to file. But regardless of whether or not IRS Form 706 is required to be filed, each estate has either 15 months from the decedent’s date of death in which to file M706, or the maximum amount of time granted by the IRS in which to file IRS Form 706, whichever is longer.

There is no extension of time to pay the Minnesota estate tax allowed. Thus, any tax not paid by the regular due date will be subject to penalties and interest.

Where are the Minnesota estate tax return filed and tax payment made?

You can use one of the mailing labels provided in the instructions for Form M706 to mail your return and all required attachments to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

If you choose not to use the label, mail your forms to:

Minnesota Estate Tax
Mail Station 1315
St. Paul, MN 55146-1315

Minnesota estate taxes can be paid electronically online or by check.

To pay electronically, login to e-services. Enter the decedent’s Social Security number and follow the prompts for individuals to make an estate tax return or an extension payment. You will receive a confirmation number when your transaction is complete.

For payment by check, make the check payable to “Minnesota Revenue” and mail the check with the appropriate payment voucher. For a tax return payment (taxes due with Form M706), complete and attach the voucher Form PV47. For an extension payment, complete and attach voucher Form PV86. Follow the instructions on the voucher. How is the Minnesota estate tax calculated?

Minnesota did not adopt the changes in the federal Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Thus, you must read the instructions for Form M706 for details on how to determine the federal gross estate and how to calculate the Minnesota estate tax. In addition, you must use the tax tables found in the Form M706 instructions and not the tables in the IRS Form 706 instructions in order to calculate the Minnesota estate tax due.

Also note that you can use the Minnesota Estate Tax Calculators for the applicable year of death provided on the Department of Revenue’s website in order to verify that you have properly calculated the Minnesota estate tax due.

What is the Minnesota estate tax rate?

In general, a Minnesota estate will be subject to a tax of approximately 10%. However, the only way to calculate the exact amount of tax due is to complete the applicable IRS Form 706 and Minnesota Form M706. Where can I find additional information about Minnesota estate taxes?

For more information about Minnesota estate taxes, refer to the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Estate Tax Frequently Asked Questions.

You may also call the Estate Tax Unit at 651-556-3075 between 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email the unit by following this link and clicking on “email” on the right hand side of the page: Estate Tax.

Overview of Oregon Estate Tax Laws

September 3, 2019 by Estate Planning Source Leave a Comment

Understanding How Oregon Estate Taxes Affect an Estate
By Julie Garber, About.com Guide

If you live in Oregon, then you live in one of a handful of states that collects a state death tax. The estates of Oregon residents, as well as the estates of nonresidents who own real estate and/or tangible personal property located in Oregon, are subject to a state death tax under the following guidelines.

Does Oregon collect an estate tax or an inheritance tax?

Prior to 2012, the Oregon death tax was referred to as an “inheritance tax” in the Oregon code, but effective January 1, 2012, the Oregon death tax became known as an “estate tax.” This makes sense since Oregon’s death tax is collected based on the value of the estate (hence, an “estate tax”), as opposed to being based on who inherits the estate (hence, an “inheritance tax”).

In this article, the Oregon death tax collected on or before December 31, 2011 is referred to as an inheritance tax, the Oregon death tax collected on or after January 1, 2012 is referred to as an estate tax, and both taxes are referred to in general as the death tax.

When is an estate subject to the Oregon inheritance tax or estate tax?

For Oregon residents, an estate may be subject to the Oregon inheritance tax or estate tax if the total gross estate exceeds $1,000,000.

For nonresidents of Oregon, an estate may be subject to the Oregon inheritance tax or estate tax if it includes real estate and/or tangible personal property having a situs within the state of Oregon and the gross estate exceeds $1,000,000.

What Oregon inheritance tax or estate tax forms must be filed?

For deaths that occurred on or before December 31, 2011, estates with a gross value that exceeds $1,000,000 must file an Oregon inheritance tax return, Form IT-1, even if no Oregon inheritance tax will be due as a result of applicable deductions and exemptions.

For deaths that occurred on or after January 1, 2012, estates with a gross value that exceeds $1,000,000 must file an Oregon estate tax return, Form OR706, even if no Oregon estate tax will be due as a result of applicable deductions and exemptions.

Are Oregon Registered Domestic Partners treated the same as married couples?

In 2007 the Oregon legislature passed HB 2007. Under the provisions of this law, the instructions for the Form IT-1 were amended to provide that the term “surviving spouse” may be replaced with “surviving Oregon Registered Domestic Partner.”

Are transfers to a surviving spouse taxable?

Outright transfers to a surviving spouse or registered domestic partner are not taxable.

For married couples who have used AB Trust planning to reduce their federal estate tax bill, an Oregon death tax may be due on the B Trust after the first spouse’s death due to the gap of $4,120,000 between the Oregon exemption of $1,000,000 and the federal exemption of $5,120,000. Nonetheless, a married decedent’s estate can make an election to treat a trust of which the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary as “special marital property” for purposes of calculating the Oregon death tax. Thus, married Oregon residents can defer payment of both Oregon and federal death taxes until after the death of the surviving spouse using ABC Trust planning.

When are the Oregon death tax return and tax payment due?

The Oregon death tax return must be filed and any death tax due must be paid within nine months after the decedent’s date of death.

An extension of time to file the Oregon death tax return and pay any tax due will be accepted for Oregon if granted by the Internal Revenue Service. If the estate does not have to file a federal estate tax return, then mark “For Oregon Only” at the top of IRS Form 4768 and federal guidelines will be used to consider the request. If an extension of time to pay is granted, the tax must be secured by collateral acceptable to the Oregon Department of Revenue. In addition, an extension of time to file the return does not extend the time to pay the tax, and interest will accrue during the extension period.

Where is the Oregon death tax return filed?

Mail the Oregon inheritance tax return, Form IT-1, or the Oregon estate tax return, Form OR706, and all other required forms and documentation to:

Oregon Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 14110
Salem, OR 97309-0910

If you are using a private delivery service such as FedEx or UPS, then use the following address:

Oregon Department of Revenue
955 Center Street
NE Salem, OR 97301-2555

What are the Oregon inheritance tax or estate tax rates?

For deaths that occurred on or before December 31, 2011, once the value of the net estate exceeded $1,000,000, the entire value of the estate was taxed. Inheritance tax rates ranged from 0.8% to 16% of the adjusted taxable estate.

For deaths that occurred on or after January 1, 2012, the first $1,000,000 of an estate is exempt from the estate tax calculation. For a table showing the estate tax rates that went into effect on January 1, 2012, refer to Lawmakers Tweak Oregon Estate Tax.

Overview of Vermont Estate Tax Laws

September 3, 2019 by Estate Planning Source Leave a Comment

Understanding How Vermont Estate Taxes Affect an Estate
By Julie Garber, About.com Guide

If you live in Vermont, then you live in one of a handful of states that still collect a local death tax. The estates of Vermont residents, as well as the estates of nonresidents who own real estate and/or tangible personal property and/or income-producing property located in Vermont, are subject to a local death tax under the following guidelines.

When is an estate subject to the Vermont estate tax?

If the decedent was a resident of Vermont at the time of death, the estate may be subject to the Vermont estate tax if the federal gross estate exceeds $2,750,000 on the date of death or if the estate is required to file a federal estate tax return, IRS Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return.

For nonresidents of Vermont, an estate may be subject to the Vermont estate tax if it includes Vermont sitused property (real estate, tangible personal property, and/or income-producing property sitused in Vermont) and the federal gross estate exceeds $2,750,000 on the date of death or if the estate is required to file a federal estate tax return.

Note: The Vermont estate tax exemption was increased to $2,750,000 on January 1, 2011. Prior to this date, the exemption was as follows:

2006 – 2010 = $2,000,000
2004 – 2005 = $1,500,000
2002 – 2003 = $1,000,000
2001 – 2002 = $675,000

What Vermont estate tax forms must be filed?

The personal representative or other fiduciary representing an estate that is subject to the Vermont estate tax must complete and file the Vermont Estate Tax Return, Form E-1.

Additional documents that must be filed with the Vermont Department of Taxes when a Vermont Estate Tax Return is required to filed are as follows:

If no federal estate tax is due and no federal estate tax return (IRS Form 706) is required to be filed, nonetheless the estate representative must complete and file a pro forma IRS Form 706, including all exhibits and appraisals, with the Vermont Estate Tax Return.

When federal estate tax is due and all assets are located in Vermont, the first page of IRS Form 706 must be included with the Vermont estate tax return.

When federal estate tax is due and some assets are located outside of Vermont, IRS Form 706 must be attached to the Vermont Estate Tax Return, but excluding exhibits and appraisals.

A duplicate of the Estate Tax Closing Letter issued by the IRS must be filed with the Vermont Department of Taxes.

Are transfers to a surviving spouse taxable?

Outright transfers to a surviving spouse are not taxable.

For married couples who have used AB Trust planning to reduce their federal estate tax bill, a Vermont death tax may be due on the B Trust after the first spouse’s death due to the gap of $2,500,000 between the Vermont exemption of $2,750,000 and the 2013 federal exemption of $5,250,000. While some states allow a married decedent’s estate to make an election to treat a trust of which the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary as “qualified terminable interest property” (“QTIP” for short) for purposes of calculating the local estate tax, Vermont law does not specifically allow for this. However, one commentator on Vermont estate taxes has stated that “representatives of the Vermont Department of Taxes have stated informally that Vermont will recognize whole or partial QTIP elections for properly drafted trusts as long as the election is, or would be, binding for both federal and Vermont estate tax purposes.” (See Planning for the Vermont Estate Tax for more about this issue.) Thus, married Vermont residents should consult with a Vermont estate planning attorney to determine if they can incorporate ABC Trust planning into their estate plans.

When are the Vermont estate tax return and tax payment due?

The Vermont Estate Tax Return, Form E-1, must be filed, and any estate tax due must be paid, within 9 months of the decedent’s date of death. An extension of time to file the Vermont Estate Tax Return does not extend the time to pay, so an estimate of the estate tax to be due must be paid with the extension of time request. Where are the Vermont estate tax return filed and tax payment made?

Mail all required forms and any payment due to:

Vermont Department of Taxes
133 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-1401

What is the Vermont estate tax rate and how is the tax calculated?

Computing the Vermont estate tax is a convoluted process. According to Vermont estate planning attorney Richard W. Kozlowski, the Vermont estate tax is based on “a complicated and slightly regressive tax system, with marginal tax brackets that begin at 35% (for the first dollars in excess of $2.75 million) and then decrease to 9.6% for estates in excess of $3.4 million, and then rise again to a max rate of 16% for estates in the $10+ million range.” (See ESTATE TAXATION – FEDERAL & VERMONT on Mr. Kozlowski’s website for his overview of Vermont estate taxes.)

Page 4 of the current Vermont Estate Tax Return, Form E-1, contains “Computation Schedules” for calculating the Vermont estate tax bill for residents and nonresidents.

Where can I find additional information about Vermont estate taxes?

For more information about Vermont estate taxes, refer to the Vermont Department of Taxation’s website: Vermont Estate Tax.

You may also call the Vermont Department of Taxation at (802) 828-6820.

Refer to Vermont estate planning attorney Richard W. Kozlowski’s article, ESTATE TAXATION – FEDERAL & VERMONT, for an overview of the Vermont estate tax laws.

Does Vermont collect an inheritance tax?

Does Vermont collect a local inheritance tax, which is a tax assessed against the share received by each individual beneficiary of an estate as opposed to an estate tax, which is assessed against the entire estate? The answer to this question is No, Vermont does not collect a local inheritance tax.

After The Fiscal Cliff

January 19, 2019 by Estate Planning Source Leave a Comment

What has Changed in the Estate and Gift Tax Laws?

Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012’’ (“ATRA”) that made the federal estate tax exemption permanent on January 1, 2013. In a last minute move before we went over the “fiscal cliff”, in an 11th hour tax law passed by the Senate on New Year’s Eve, and by the House of Representatives one day later, mostly what Congress did was to make permanent the system that has been in effect for the past two years. I am just thankful that we now have permanence that has been missing for the last 12 years.

What’s most important to us as planners is how the “fiscal cliff” deal changes will affect our clients’ existing estate plans and whether any changes are necessary.

Most estate planning documents deal with non-tax issues, including the very valuable benefit of structuring assets to avoid the probate process at death and to provide creditor protection for beneficiaries. The Power of Attorney, Conservator, and healthcare documents are all extremely important and necessary. These documents are critical to avoid unnecessary court oversight and expense, delay, and intrusion.

What are the provisions of the ATRA that will affect my estate planning practice or clients?

Top gift, estate and GST tax rates are set at 40%. ATRA 2012 establishes the top gift, estate, and GST tax rates at 40% for gifts made and decedents dying in 2013 and thereafter. This top rate is higher than the 2012 rate of 35%, but lower than the 55% rate that would have come into effect on January 1 in the absence of legislation. This top rate will apply to transfers exceeding the exemption amounts.

Exemption amount: Permanently set at $5,000,000 per client, indexed for an inflation adjustment beginning 2012 ($5.12 million in 2012). The estate tax exclusion amount for deaths in 2013 will be $5.25 million.

Gift Tax Rate: The estate and gift taxes will remain unified, so the $5 million exemption also applies for gift tax purposes, and will follow the estate tax rate. The rate was permanently set to 40% of the amount over the exemption. In addition, the annual gift exclusion amount was raised to $14,000 per person this year.

Generation Skipping Tax Rate: The generation skipping tax exemption follows the estate tax rate. The rate was permanently set to 40% of the amount over the exemption.

Portability made permanent: Further, the deal continues the estate tax portability provisions that allow a surviving spouse to take advantage of his or her deceased spouse’s unused exemption amount. This provision allows a surviving spouse to avoid complicated estate planning by recognizing that gifts between spouses are typically tax free and allowing the exemption to be portable between both spouses. In order to utilize this, a 706 tax return MUST be filed within 9 months, so in my opinion, portability is less than optimal in many cases.

Use of the A/B/Bypass Trust: Some of the discussion since passing this legislation has focused on the use of A/B trust structure, and whether planning is better without the credit shelter trust. I still am in favor of estate planning with an A/B/C trust, especially to preserve a decedent’s share in case of a remarriage of the survivor spouse, and also to allow the flexibility of state estate tax planning. As long as the trust is flexible enough to allow the options of funding the various sub-trusts to the survivor spouse, which ours does, you still have the benefit of planning that gives the most flexibility to the survivor. We will review the provisions in our trust as a precaution

Upside to IRA Planning in ATRA

Hidden in the law — along with the typical year-end riders attached to a last minute piece of legislation, including tax breaks for NASCAR and the alternative fuel industry — were a couple of tangible impacts to the retirement world, though one may offer just short-term benefits. First, it looks as though folks hoping to roll over their regular 401(k)s to Roth 401(k)s may get an opportunity for a long-term tax break — lord knows you’re going to need one, as your taxes really are going to go up. A new provision in the package will allow 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) participants to make the leap to a Roth 401(k) without waiting for the traditional qualifying events (retirement, reaching age 59 1/2 or changing jobs). Why? Because doing so immediately sends that tax deferral — which you’ll have to pay up front — to Washington, rather than waiting until your far-off retirement day, and Washington wants your taxes. It’s a huge opportunity for regular folks to make that Roth conversion – provided they have the financial wherewithal to pay those taxes much sooner than later.

Potential future legislation. It is important to note that there may be a push for additional revenue-raising legislation as political debates continue. The current administration has expressed its desire to limit the advantages of GRATs, grantor trusts, GST-exempt dynasty trusts, and transfers in family entities that qualify for valuation discounts. Clients who might consider employing those techniques may wish to do so sooner rather than later.