Basis points – How planning can minimize the impact of income taxes

Description

Abstract: Until recently, estate planning strategies generally focused on removing as much wealth as possible from one’s estate to avoid the bite of federal estate tax. Although there were income tax advantages to retaining assets in an estate, the estate tax costs usually eclipsed any potential income tax savings. But things have changed: Between 2001 and 2023, the federal gift and estate tax exemption soared from $675,000 to $12.92 million. The highest estate tax rate dropped from 55% to 40%. Today, only the wealthiest of families are exposed to estate tax liability, elevating the importance of income tax planning. This article details the differences between income and estate tax planning. A sidebar explains that, according to an IRS ruling, there’s no stepped-up basis when using an intentionally defective grantor trust.