Question

Jack is single and he made his first taxable gift of $1,000,000 in 2008. Jack made additional gifts in 2009, at which time he gave $1,750,000 to each of his three children and an additional $1,000,000 to State University (a charity). The annual exclusion in 2009 was $13,000. Recently Jack has been in poor health and would like you to estimate his estate tax should he die this year. Jack estimates his taxable estate (after deductions) will be worth $10.4 million at his death. Estate tax?

Answer 1

1. Gross estate. . $ 10,400,000

2. Prior taxable transfers (2008)    $ 1,000,000

3. Prior taxable transfers (($1,750,000 - $13,000) x 3) $ 5,211,000

4. Cumulative taxable transfers $ 16,611,000

Step 2: Calculate the amount of credit for prior taxable transfers.

As per the question, Jack offset in 2008, thus he wont be able to offset in 2009. Jack made a $5.211 million taxable transfer in 2009. The credit for prior taxable transfers is calculated using the current rate schedule as follows:

1. Tax on taxable transfers ($6.211 million) $ 2,430,200

2. Less :Unified credit ($1 million) $ (345,800)

3. Credit for current tax on prior taxable gifts. $ 2,084,400

Step 3: Calculation of the estate tax proceeds :

Tax on cumulative taxable transfers of $16,611,000.     $ 6,590,200

[ $ 15,611,000 * 40% + $ 345800]

Less- credit for current tax on prior taxable gifts. $ (2,084,400)

Tax on taxable estate. $ 4,505,800

Less- Unified credit ($11.18 million) - $ 4,417,800

Estate tax due. $ 88,000