Revocable trusts and the grantor’s death: Planning and pitfalls
This article focuses on the key tax and reporting areas applicable to revocable trusts and the associated planning and pitfalls that arise at the grantor’s death.
Taxation of Estates & Trusts
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.
Determining whether to file a joint return in the year of death
A surviving spouse has the option to file a joint return for the deceased spouse’s year of death, but several factors must be considered to determine if this is a good idea.
Unprecedented opportunities in gift planning
For clients who are projected to have a federally taxable estate and desire to gift assets to heirs, now may be the right time to implement planning strategies
Final regulations determine deductions for trusts and estates after the TCJA
The IRS issued final regulations for distinguishing trusts’ and estates’ allowable deductions from miscellaneous itemized deductions currently suspended by the TCJA.
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.
2021 inflation adjustments and tax tables issued
The IRS issued the 2021 inflation adjustment amounts and tax tables for use in preparing 2021 tax returns in the 2022 filing season. Many of the over 60 items increased from 2020.
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.
Taxpayer allowed to challenge underlying liability in CDP hearing
A taxpayer did not have an opportunity to challenge a trust fund recovery penalty where he did not receive a letter that scheduled an Appeals conference.
Final regs. outline trust and estate expenses still deductible under TCJA
The IRS issued final regulations for distinguishing trusts’ and estates’ allowable deductions from miscellaneous itemized deductions currently suspended by the law known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Proposed regs. on trust and estate deductions
The proposed regulations make clear that some deductions, including deductions for administrative expenses, are still available despite the TCJA’s suspension of miscellaneous itemized deductions.
IRS clarifies that trusts and estates are permitted certain deductions that are not miscellaneous itemized deductions
The IRS issued proposed regulations to clarify that certain deductions are allowed to an estate or nongrantor trust because they are not miscellaneous itemized deductions.
Full value of GRAT includible in estate
The full value of a GRAT is includible in the grantor’s estate under Sec. 2036(a).
Foreign trust reporting: Beware of late-filing penalties
Late-filing penalties for foreign trust filings can be devastating to clients and a significant challenge to CPAs trying to explain or eliminate them.
Trusts and estates are permitted certain deductions
The IRS issued proposed regulations to clarify that certain deductions are allowed to an estate or nongrantor trust because they are not miscellaneous itemized deductions.
Inherited IRA strategies after the SECURE Act
This article discusses alternatives to the stretch IRA.
Gift and GST returns added to postponed tax and filing deadlines
The IRS postponed the payment and return filing requirements for gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes due April 15 to July 15, matching prior postponements granted to federal income taxes and returns.
Seize the increased basic exclusion amount
Taxpayers can obtain unique benefits when it comes to gift and estate tax planning by using trusts and taking advantage of applicable valuation conventions.
IRS rules eliminate estate and gift tax clawback
The IRS issued final regulations that reconcile the current higher exclusion for the estate and gift tax unified credit amount in effect under the TCJA with the lower unified credit scheduled to go into effect in 2026.
