Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Taxpayers Can Expect Bigger Estate Tax Credits in 2014

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: January 31, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

Individuals and families with a high net worth often have to pay a significant amount of taxes on their estate under U.S. tax law. However, there are bigger estate tax credits on the way for estates in 2014, according to the Motley Fool.

For example, the unified estate and gift tax exclusion amount is expected to increase from $5.25 million to $5.34 million. Additionally, the federal foreign earned income exclusion edged higher to $99,200, compared to $97,600 in 2013. General annual gift exclusions will have a new cap of $14,000, a significant jump from the $10,000 exclusion seen in 2000.

By taking advantage of these credits and deductions, individuals and families can reduce their tax bill. There are also other ways to lower estate taxes, including:

Create an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust: According to Forbes, an IDGT is a trust that allows transferred assets to be moved from an estate for estate and gift tax purposes, but not for income tax purposes.

Married couples should take advantage of both exemptions: Each U.S. citizen is entitled to an estate tax exemption. Married couples are able to take advantage of both exemptions, which can reduce their estate tax bills, according to EstatePlanning.com. This may seem like a simple step to take, but many taxpayers may not be aware they are afforded both exemptions.

Give tax-free gifts: Each year, U.S. tax law allows people to give tax-free gifts. These can be up to $13,000 – $26,000 if married – to as many recipients as a taxpayer wishes. By completing this step, people are able to reduce their estate tax bill.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors post image

Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors

Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors"
SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies post image

SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies

How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]

Author: Marc J. Comer

Link to post with title - "SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies"
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses post image

Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses

Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]

Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.

Link to post with title - "Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses"
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities post image

The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities

On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities"
Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make post image

Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make

Operating a business in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan region offers incredible opportunities, but it also requires navigating a dense and highly regulated legal environment. From entity formation to regulatory compliance, seemingly minor legal oversights can expose business owners to significant risk. In our work with businesses throughout the region, our attorneys […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make"
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits post image

What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits

High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits"

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.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!