Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Proposed changes to the New York State estate tax
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: April 2, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
After turning a $10 billion deficit into a $2 billion surplus, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is facing re-election this year, but first he is proposing a major update to the New York State estate tax law, according to Investment News.
A recent change – included within an ambitious budget that includes tax cuts and investments in education and health care – would reduce estate tax liability over the next few years while simultaneously closing an extremely popular loophole.
The Wall Street Journal explained that the first change would be to raise the exemption from $1 million to $5.25 million over the next four years, which would fall into line with the federal exclusion by 2019. Over the same time period, Cuomo’s proposal would lower the top N.Y. state estate tax rate from 16 percent to 10 percent. That’s the carrot.
The stick, according to Investment News, is that these steps would be paired with proposals to require that the value of lifetime gifts be added back into the estate once the donor is deceased. While individuals with estates worth less than the new exemption will now be free from any estate tax burden under the new tax law, this proposal may cause many high net worth individuals to rethink their estate plans.
“The advice is to keep an eye out for people who might be thinking of gifting,” Kate Cassidy, an advanced markets specialist with Barnum Financial Group’s wealth strategies division told the news source. “I would put thought into it: Building a trust that can receive the gift. This is a large gift you’d make all at once, an asset that you can give away without feeling the pinch.”
Proponents of the bill feel that it will allow the state to continue raising revenue from the estate tax law while allowing individuals who have amassed more than $1 million over a lifetime of hard work to keep their money.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates, Estate & Trust Litigation, Real Property Tax Strategies, Sophisticated Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Author: George McGowan
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Author: George McGowan
How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Author: George McGowan
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.