Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: January 27, 2014
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comAfter passing on, people want to be sure that their assets are properly disbursed to family members. However, these assets often face estate tax law, which can cut into the value.
This tax varies from state to state, and has an impact on where wealthy retirees choose to live after leaving the work force for good. According to the Maryland Reporter, legislators have agreed to reduce the state’s high estate tax by returning it to federal standards, which may help keep retirees in Maryland.
“We’re going to phase out the estate tax, and raise it to the federal level,” Senate President Mike Miller told the Maryland Economic Development Association. “I hope we’re going to move forward on the inheritance and estate tax.”
The move to reduce the estate tax would cut Maryland taxes by $14 million this fiscal year, and as much as $87 million in four years. Currently, the estate and inheritance tax accounts for less than 2 percent of all state revenues, as very few estates pay any taxes.
Maryland isn’t the only state to consider cutting its estate tax, as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently proposed $2 billion in tax cuts. According to The New York Times, this includes raising the estate tax exemption from $1 million to $5.25 million. The main goal behind this move is to reduce the number of New Yorkers who leave the Empire State when retiring. Cuomo’s proposal included an array of other cuts, which has garnered support.
“We need to change the environment and the perception of New York as a high-tax state,” Randy Wolken, the president of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State, told the news source.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer

For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer

For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan

In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Author: George McGowan

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher

How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!