Taxation of Estates & Trusts

The grantor trust rules: An exploited mismatch

This article discusses the history of the grantor trust rules, how they are exploited to avoid taxes, and ways the rules might be reformed to prevent them from being used for tax avoidance.

Recent developments in estate planning: Part 2

This second part of an annual update examining developments in estate, trust, and gift taxation covers recent court cases, proposed regulations, and other IRS guidance on estate tax.

Charitable income tax deductions for trusts and estates

Income tax charitable deductions for trusts and estates are governed by Sec. 642(c) — these rules are substantially different from the rules for charitable contribution deductions for individuals and corporations under Sec. 170.

Recent developments in estate planning: Part 2

This second of a two-part article discusses regulations on calculating the basic exclusion amount once the higher estate tax exemption expires after 2025, as well as several court cases and IRS private letter rulings.

Using trusts in divorce tax planning

A trust set up as part of a divorce settlement can ensure economic protection of the couple’s long-term obligations and provide tax benefits.

Recent developments in estate planning: Part 1

This first part of the annual update covers trust and gift tax issues, including regulations explaining deductions permitted for trusts and estates after the TCJA eliminated miscellaneous itemized deductions for individuals.

Tax Insider Articles

DEDUCTIONS

Business meal deductions after the TCJA

This article discusses the history of the deduction of business meal expenses and the new rules under the TCJA and the regulations and provides a framework for documenting and substantiating the deduction.

TAX RELIEF

Quirks spurred by COVID-19 tax relief

This article discusses some procedural and administrative quirks that have emerged with the new tax legislative, regulatory, and procedural guidance related to COVID-19.