The U.S. Senate has failed to make any move on estate tax legislation reinstating the federal estate tax for the year 2010. It is not expected to do so before the end of this year.

The sticking point seems to be that Republicans want a 5M dollar exemption and a thirty five percent highest tax bracket, while Democrats want to keep the current 3.5M dollar exemption and forty five percent rate.

It is reported by the Wall Street Journal that the Senate will revisit this issue early next year and enact retroactive legislation reinstating the estate tax as of January 1, 2010. As to what the parameters of that estate tax will be, you will just have to stay tuned.

This will be an easy one.  The argument is rather simple and attempts to pull at your heart strings.  “It is immoral to tax people when they die.”  

Why is it any more immoral to tax people on assets they own when they die than it is to tax people on their weekly pay checks?  Are not taxes the price we pay to live (or die) in a civilized society?  Particularly now in our almost bankrupt civilized society?  Does this argument also mean that there should be no income tax return filing for the year of death?

Can one tax really be (Click here for more…)

Well, my prediction of last night may prove incorrect.  The House voted today to extend the current federal estate tax law.  This would continue the current $3,500,000.00 exemption and keep the top rate at 45 %.  It will also keep the estate tax in effect for the year 2010.

I am for this legislation.  I would even like to see (Click here for more…)

Alas, after many months of health care debate (if we can really call it that) in the U.S. Congress seemingly drowning out all other issues, come signs of life on the federal estate tax front.  The House of Representatives is considering an extension of the current estate tax law. 

You may or may not know the current state of the federal estate tax. For deaths in the year 2009, there is a (Click here for more…)

South Carolina is one of about 38 states plus the District of Columbia that allow for trusts to be established for the benefit of animals and pets.  While such trusts had not been recognized under the state common law because there were no human beneficiaries to enforce their terms, the South Carolina Trust Code now makes such trusts valid. (Click here for more…)