Happy New Year!

Here’s what the new year brings for estate and gifting taxes. The 2020 tax changes are:

  • The Estate and Gift tax exemption rate is increased (adjusted for inflation) to $11.58 million per individual in 2020.  This is an increase from $11.4 Million per individual in 2019.
  • Planning together, in 2020, married couples can transfer a total of $23.16 Million in inheritance or gifts without gift or estate tax (subject to prior use of the credit).
  • The annual gift exclusion amount is unchanged from 2019.  It remains $15,000.

Remember, the tax law that ushered in these increased Federal Estate Tax exemption amounts expires at the end of 2025.  Talk with your accountant or attorney to see if you could benefit from taking steps before 2026 to utilize the tax exemption.