Many wealthy families are reconsidering their approach to estate planning and gift and estate taxes in 2021.
Current U.S. law exempts up to $11.58 million from gift and estate taxes — double the exemptions allowed before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
These exemption levels are set to expire at the end of 2025, but the Democratic party could lower the exemptions even further than pre-2017 levels, said Kerry Michael Finn, a senior trust advisor at City National Bank.
"I've been reminding everyone of the 2025 sunset on the higher estate and lifetime gift tax exemptions for the past two years," Finn said. "With the 2020 election results, it's especially important to encourage individuals and their families to have these conversations."
Many high-net-worth individuals already are exploring different strategies to accelerate the transfer of assets to their heirs. Here's a look at potential changes in tax law and some of the moves that families might consider now.
Joe Biden has called for returning estate taxes to 2009 levels, which could mean a top rate of 45 percent — versus the current 40 percent rate — and a $3.5 million exemption limit.
Biden also has indicated he could eliminate a tool that helps families mitigate capital gains tax burdens for heirs —the "step-up" in basis that values inherited assets on the date of the benefactor's death rather than on the purchase date.
This step-up can eliminate or drastically cut capital gains taxes on assets that have grown in value over many years, since the deceased family member purchased them.
It's the possible reduction in the $11.58 million estate and lifetime gift tax exemption, however, that appears to have prompted wealthy families in recent months to explore immediate changes to their giving and estate-planning strategies.
"That's really driving a lot of the discussion right now," said Gaye L. Chun, a senior wealth planner at City National Bank, noting that such a change could make a multi-million-dollar difference for many families.
That possibility, combined with record low interest rates, may make it particularly advantageous for those with considerable assets to accelerate giving, Finn said.
“You have a perfect storm to allow for families to transfer assets either to their kids or grandkids today, usually by way of trusts," he said, noting that a married couple could preserve $23 million for their estate by acting to transfer assets this year under the current exemptions, rather than waiting.
“That's why a lot of people are accelerating their plans to gift to their kids," he said.
Various types of irrevocable trusts can serve as effective vehicles to preserve family wealth. And while these estate-planning tools can provide great financial benefit, they also require significant forethought.
"It's not something you can take back," Finn noted. "It's a true handing it off to someone else."
If you are interested in proceeding with accelerated giving, there are several strategies to consider, including:
Individuals and families considering changes shouldn't delay in consulting with their financial advisors, accountants and lawyers on the most suitable options.
“The challenge is, it takes time," Finn said, noting that clients need to identify the assets to transfer, create trusts and decide on their gifting or selling strategies now as opposed to later.
Need to discuss your wealth plan with an advisor and wish to find one? Get in touch with a City National advisor today.
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City National, its managed affiliates and subsidiaries, as a matter of policy, do not give tax, accounting, regulatory or legal advice. Rules in the areas of law, tax, and accounting are subject to change and open to varying interpretations. You should consult with your other advisors on the tax, accounting and legal implications of actions you may take based on any strategies presented, taking into account your own particular circumstances.