In 2011, Congress revised the federal estate tax rules, setting the individual lifetime combined estate and gift tax exemption at $5,000,000 (pegged to inflation). From 2013 to the present, any individual with a gross estate exceeding the exempt amount is taxed at a flat rate of 40%. Below is a list of the exemption amounts by year:
- 2019 – $11,400,000
- 2018 – $11,180,000
- 2017 – $5,490,000
- 2016 – $5,450,000
- 2015 – $5,430,000
- 2014 – $5,340,000
- 2013 – $5,250,000
- 2012 – $5,120,000
- 2011 – $5,000,000
Additionally, the federal estate tax exemption is portable, meaning that married couples can claim a combined exemption of $11,180,000 in 2018; so long as certain administrative and tax procedures are followed when the first spouse passes away.
To see the Oregon estate tax rates, please click here.
Federal Gift Tax:
In 2018, any individual may give up to $15,000 to any other individual without having to file a gift tax return. Now you may make gifts above $15,000 in a year, but any amount above $15,000 will be deducted from your lifetime combined estate and gift tax exemption. In years prior this amount was $14,000.
This topic can be quite complicated. If you have any questions or would like to a complimentary estate planning consultation, please call us at 503.641.6262.
