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Probate & Trust Law Section Conference Manual ... - Minnesota CLE

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Estate Planning to Reduce, Defer or Avoid U.S. and <strong>Minnesota</strong> Estate Taxes<br />

Wendy M. Brekken<br />

Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon & Vogt, P.A.<br />

St. Paul, <strong>Minnesota</strong><br />

The material contained herein is intended to summarize the laws as of May 1, 2013. While<br />

mention is made periodically throughout the materials of pending legislation, the reader should<br />

verify that no changes in the law have been made since the date above.<br />

I. Transfer Taxes Generally<br />

A. United States Estate Tax<br />

1. Imposed on the transfer of the taxable assets owned by a United States citizen of<br />

resident that occurs upon the death of said individual. Internal Revenue Code<br />

(IRC) §2001(a).<br />

2. 2013 Exemption Amount – the amount of assets a taxpayer can transfer at death<br />

under federal law before an estate tax is imposed.<br />

a. $5,250,000 for deaths occurring in 2013.<br />

b. If the value of the total estate (plus taxable gifts given during lifetime) is<br />

under this amount, no federal estate tax will be due to the Internal<br />

Revenue Service (IRS). IRC §2010(c).<br />

3. 2013 Filing Requirement:<br />

a. If the estate (including taxable gifts) is over $5,250,000, a Form 706 estate<br />

tax return must be filed with the IRS.<br />

b. The return and any tax payment is due within 9 months of the date of<br />

death. A 6-month extension to file the return is available, but the payment<br />

cannot be extended without incurring interest and possibly penalties.<br />

c. Even if a return is required for filing, a tax may still not be due depending<br />

upon possible deductions, i.e., marital, charitable, and expenses of<br />

administration. Note: You do not get to take deductions into account<br />

when determining whether a return is required.<br />

4. 2013 Estate Tax Rate: the top rate is 35%, which is imposed on the amount in<br />

excess of $5,250,000.<br />

B. United States Gift Tax<br />

1. Imposed on transfers of assets during lifetime that are made for less than full and<br />

adequate consideration, if the aggregate amount transferred during the donor’s<br />

lifetime exceeds the applicable exemption amount.<br />

2. 2013 Annual Exclusion Amount- the amount federal law states is de minimis, and<br />

that no reporting of the gift is required.<br />

a. In 2013, the annual exclusion amount is $14,000. A donor can give up the<br />

annual exclusion to any other person without reporting the gift. IRC<br />

§2503.<br />

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