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Alternatives to Form 1041 for Grantor Trusts

For most grantor trusts, filing Form 1041 is optional. Described in this item are alternative methods of reporting and the situations when an alternative reporting method is available.

Form 706 and Instructions Provide Guidance on Portability Election

The IRS posted Form 706 and its final instructions, which provide guidance for electing the portability of a deceased spouse’s unused estate and gift tax exclusion amount and for the executor’s use of the check box to opt out of electing portability of the unused portion of the exclusion amount.

Inflation Adjustments for 2013

The IRS released its annual revenue procedure making inflation adjustments to the gift tax annual exclusion and other items for tax years beginning in 2013.

Gift and Estate Tax Planning Considerations

With thoughtful planning, taxpayers can minimize gift and estate taxes while retaining some control of transferred assets by establishing trusts or limited partnerships and using the annual gift tax exclusion.