Estate planning is different these days. With a historically high gift and estate tax exemption, most families are unlikely to face federal gift or estate tax liability. This makes it critical to understand the income tax impact of asset transfers, including the stepped-up basis rules. Generally, for people inheriting appreciated assets (such as stock, real estate and business interests), the tax basis for calculating gain when the assets are sold is “stepped up” to their value on the deceased’s date of death. This can significantly reduce or eliminate capital gains tax for heirs, while lifetime gifts don’t get a stepped-up basis. Contact us for help crafting a tax-efficient estate plan.
