Understanding Gift and Estate Taxes: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are creating your own estate plan or managing the affairs of a recently deceased family member, familiarity with gift and estate taxes is crucial. These taxes, imposed by both federal and certain state governments, can significantly impact an estate’s assets. Having a grasp of their workings is vital to safeguarding valuable assets. With that in mind, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft offer a comprehensive guide to understanding gift and estate taxes.
Federal Gift and Estate Tax Explained
The federal gift and estate tax pertains to levies on the transfer of wealth upon a taxpayer’s death. This tax applies to qualifying gifts made during one’s lifetime and the value of estate assets at the time of death. Presently set at a flat rate of 40 percent, taxpayers can utilize a lifetime exemption to mitigate their taxable estate. Originally established at $5 million, the lifetime exemption has substantially increased, presently standing at $13.61 million (as of 2024), with a reversion to $5 million (adjusted for inflation) scheduled in 2026.
Taxation of Gifts
Federal gift and estate taxes encompass both an individual’s estate upon death and qualifying lifetime gifts. While consulting financial advisors and estate planning attorneys is advisable to discern the eligibility of a gift, exemptions exist for certain categories such as medical expenses, tuition, political donations, and gifts to spouses. Additionally, an annual exclusion allows tax-free gifting of assets valued at up to $18,000 (as of 2024) to an unlimited number of beneficiaries annually. Gifts within this exclusion do not count against the lifetime exemption limit.
Gifts exceeding the annual exclusion must be reported on IRS Form 709, with potential tax obligations arising if the cumulative value surpasses the lifetime exemption; however, exceeding the annual exclusion does not automatically render a gift taxable. Any excess over the exclusion contributes toward the lifetime exemption, with tax liability only incurred if the cumulative value exceeds this threshold.
Determining Tax Liability:
Assessing potential gift and estate tax obligations necessitates a thorough understanding of the tax calculation process. This involves inventorying all assets and determining their fair market value at the time of death, disregarding their pre- or post-death acquisition value. Deductions, including debts, charitable contributions, marital deductions, and estate administration expenses, reduce the taxable estate. Qualifying lifetime gifts are then added back into the taxable estate before deducting the applicable lifetime exemption. Any remaining positive amount constitutes the taxable estate, subject to a 40 percent tax rate.
State-Specific Considerations
While some states, like Indiana, do not levy gift and estate taxes, others do impose estate taxes. Some states also impose an inheritance tax that is levied against the inheritance received by a beneficiary. That means that the person receiving the gift is responsible for paying the tax instead of your estate covering any tax due. Although Indiana does not collect inheritance taxes, be sure to take such taxes into account if a beneficiary lives in a state that does collect inheritance taxes. Navigating the complexities of state and federal tax systems underscores the importance of seeking guidance from tax professionals and an experienced estate planning attorney when managing estates or creating your estate plan.
Do You Have Questions about How Gift and Estate Taxes Impact Your Estate Plan or the Estate of a Recently Deceased Loved One?
For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions or concerns about gift and estate taxes, contact the experienced Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft by calling (317) 684-1100 to schedule an appointment.
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