Gift and Estate Tax

Most families won’t owe federal estate tax, but the rules around gifts and inheritances can still affect your planning. Knowing how they work helps you make informed decisions.

Does Texas Have an Inheritance Tax?

If you’ve recently lost a close family member and received an inheritance, you’re likely wondering whether you’ll have to pay an inheritance tax. The short answer to the question is no. Texas does not have

How Do I Figure Out the Value of My Estate for Estate Tax Purposes?

Whether you will be required to pay federal estate tax will depend on the value of your gross estate, minus your debts and liabilities. Estate tax is due on the portion of a net estate

Does Portability Make Bypass Trusts Obsolete?

Before this year, bypass trusts were necessary to preserve a deceased spouse’s federal estate tax exemption. This is no longer the case. Under the new estate tax rules, a deceased spouse’s estate tax exemption is

Does Every Estate Have To Pay An Estate Tax?

Most clients I work with voice concern about the amount of federal estate taxes that their families will have to pay after their death. They have heard about the “death tax” and worry that the

Estate and Gift Tax Changes for 2026

Congress recently passed sweeping legislation, which includes many changes to tax policy, spending, and entitlement programs. One of the most significant changes for estate planning is an increase in the federal estate and gift tax exclusion.

Do I Have To Pay Taxes On An Inheritance From A Foreign Relative?

If you have close relatives, like parents, who are citizens and residents of a foreign country, there is a chance you might receive a gift or inheritance from them at some point in your life.

Potential Capital Gains Tax Changes Ahead for Inherited Property

Capital gains tax is a type of tax you have to pay when you sell an appreciated asset. You calculate it by subtracting your purchase price (known as the cost basis) from how much you

Did the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Preserve the Step-Up in Basis?

Under our country’s tax laws, it is the person making a gift (the donor) who is responsible for any gift tax that is due. The gift’s recipient (the donee) is not required to pay any

The State of the Estate Tax After Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. It represents the most significant tax overhaul in decades. Although efforts by the House of Representatives to completely repeal the federal

Will My Estate Have to Pay an Estate Tax?

NB: This article was published on January 1, 2010 and contains information that is outdated but included on this website for historical context. For current information regarding the estate tax, read: Does Every Estate Have

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