Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Taxpayers Can Expect Bigger Estate Tax Credits in 2014

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: January 31, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

Individuals and families with a high net worth often have to pay a significant amount of taxes on their estate under U.S. tax law. However, there are bigger estate tax credits on the way for estates in 2014, according to the Motley Fool.

For example, the unified estate and gift tax exclusion amount is expected to increase from $5.25 million to $5.34 million. Additionally, the federal foreign earned income exclusion edged higher to $99,200, compared to $97,600 in 2013. General annual gift exclusions will have a new cap of $14,000, a significant jump from the $10,000 exclusion seen in 2000.

By taking advantage of these credits and deductions, individuals and families can reduce their tax bill. There are also other ways to lower estate taxes, including:

Create an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust: According to Forbes, an IDGT is a trust that allows transferred assets to be moved from an estate for estate and gift tax purposes, but not for income tax purposes.

Married couples should take advantage of both exemptions: Each U.S. citizen is entitled to an estate tax exemption. Married couples are able to take advantage of both exemptions, which can reduce their estate tax bills, according to EstatePlanning.com. This may seem like a simple step to take, but many taxpayers may not be aware they are afforded both exemptions.

Give tax-free gifts: Each year, U.S. tax law allows people to give tax-free gifts. These can be up to $13,000 – $26,000 if married – to as many recipients as a taxpayer wishes. By completing this step, people are able to reduce their estate tax bill.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand post image

Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand

Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]

Author: Donald M. Pepe

Link to post with title - "Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand"
Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them post image

Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them

The five most common real estate disputes are breach of contract claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning and land use disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes. Understanding why each arises, and taking preventive steps early, can help property owners, tenants, developers, and investors avoid costly litigation. Key Takeaways: Real estate transactions are complex endeavors involving numerous parties […]

Author: Paul Grossman

Link to post with title - "Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them"
When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan post image

When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan

Once a child turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy or directive, and a HIPAA authorization. For […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan"
Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips post image

Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips

Business mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps companies negotiate a resolution to a commercial dispute without going to trial. Because working with a mediator is very different from litigating in the courtroom, it is important to understand how commercial mediation works, when it makes sense for your dispute, […]

Author: Paul Grossman

Link to post with title - "Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips"
Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation post image

Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation

The five most common causes of construction defect litigation are design defects, substandard materials, workmanship defects, code violations, and subsurface defects. Because these flaws can compromise a building’s integrity, functionality, or safety, they frequently lead to disputes involving multiple parties and high financial stakes. Key takeaways: What is Construction Defect Litigation? Construction litigation is complex, […]

Author: Paul Grossman

Link to post with title - "Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation"
How to Protect Your New Jersey Business When Going through a Divorce post image

How to Protect Your New Jersey Business When Going through a Divorce

The most effective ways to protect your business in a divorce are put in place before one begins: a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, clean separation of business and personal finances, and divorce contingencies built into your operating or buy-sell agreements. If divorce is already underway, the priorities shift to establishing how the business is classified […]

Author: Jay McDaniel

Link to post with title - "How to Protect Your New Jersey Business When Going through a Divorce"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

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!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.
“If you would like to submit a file, please email it directly to info@sh-law.com.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!