“Estate Planning in 2009” – What Changes the New Administration May Bring
By: Gary Altman, Esq.
It’s the beginning of the New Year and in a few short weeks, Barack Obama will take office as President of the United States. As we all well know, “change” has been the primary theme and driving force behind the incoming administration. And while the entire world waits anxiously to see what those changes will entail, we in the estate planning profession are keeping an especially close eye on one thing in particular - the federal estate tax.
Current Law – In 2009, the value of an individual’s estate that can qualify as exempt of federal estate tax - known as the “applicable exclusion amount” - stands at $3.5 million. (This is up from $2 million in 2008.) Assets in excess of the applicable exclusion amount are subject to a maximum federal estate tax rate of 45%. And, while current law provides for a repeal of the federal estate tax in 2010, it further provides for the reinstatement of the federal estate tax for 2011 and beyond with an applicable exclusion amount of only $1 million and a 55% maximum federal estate tax rate.
Looking Back and Ahead – During the 18 month-long campaign season, President Elect Obama (in an effort to appeal to both liberal and conservative voters) proposed freezing the applicable exclusion amount at $3.5 million, with the tax rate, for estates in excess of that amount, at 45%. The problem with this proposal is that it was made prior to the unfolding of current economic crisis. For that reason, many estate planning professionals fear that the government (desperate for revenue sources) may be compelled to lower the applicable exclusion amount (broadening the pool of people eligible for the tax) and likely raise the federal estate planning tax rate.
Additional legislation that may be considered by the government, include:
Time is Of the Essence –Soon after the inaugural dust (or confetti) settles, we could see quick action on tax laws. Major tax bills often occur in the first year after a presidential election (1997 and 2001, for example). What’s more is that it is possible (as well as constitutional) for laws to be made effective retroactively to the beginning of the year. Thus, it has never been more important to have your estate plan reviewed and updated.
Gary Altman, Esq. is the Principal and Founder of Altman & Associates, an estate planning law firm in Rockville, MD. He can be reached on 301-468-3220 or via email at gary@altmanassoicates.net. To learn more, visit www.altmanassociates.net.
Copyright © 2009 by Gary Altman, Esq. All Rights Reserved.