Possible Deduction of Estate Tax to Know About

In some cases, beneficiaries can take allowable tax deductions against the gross estate value. For example, the cost of estate administration can be deducted from the total value of the estate, providing what can amount to a sizable tax deduction.

In some cases, the losses incurred while the estate was administered can also be used as a deduction against estate taxes. There are in fact, several scenarios in which beneficiaries can take deductions against the value of an estate. However,beneficiaries should be sure that they follow both applicable state and federal laws when taking those tax deductions for estate taxes. If beneficiaries take any illegal tax deductions, they will face penalties even if they did it unknowingly.

On the Federal level, beneficiaries can take tax deductions against the value of an estate, if the benefactor owed a mortgage or carried other debt. That debt will likely be paid by the estate before it is actually dispersed, which decreases the actual value of the estate.

The amount paid for debts decreases the value of the estate by the exact dollar amount paid towards the debt of the benefactor. Estates that leave a portion of their estate to a charity, can also have that contribution deducted from the value of the estate, thereby decreasing both the inheritance taxes and estate taxes. In many cases, the shared property of spouses can be completely excluded from estate taxes and enjoy a full exemption on the state level as well.

Even if the property was not shared, spouses can still take tax deductions on property they directly inherit form their deceased spouse. However, the spouse must be a citizen of the United States at the time that the benefactor passes away or they can not utilize the spousal estate tax deduction. Some state inheritance laws allow for a total exemption for immediate family members that inherit property.

The costs associated with the funeral arrangements for the benefactor may also be deducted from the estate taxes. Any costs associated with handling the estate, or the funeral arrangements of the benefactor, can also be used to reduce the gross estate value, thereby decreasing taxes.

There are several allowable tax deductions that can be utilized to reduce estate taxes. However, beneficiaries and those in charge of the estate, must be sure they follow all applicable tax laws to avoid facing penalties. The costs associated with the estate, including funeral arrangements and payment for the administrator of the estate, can be deducted on the state level. That intervening factor, and others like it, can also be used as a tax deduction on the Federal level.

NEXT: State Variations of Estate Tax to be Aware of