Important Inflation Adjustments in 2012 to Applicable Exclusion And GST Amounts
On October 20, 2011, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2011-52, which announced inflation adjustments to the applicable exclusion amount beginning in 2012. For an estate of any decedent dying during calendar year 2012, the applicable exclusion is increased from $5 million to $5.12 million. This change increases not only the applicable exclusion amount available at death, but also a taxpayer’s lifetime gift applicable exclusion amount and generation skipping transfer exclusion amount.
The $13,000 gift annual exclusion has not been increased.
Note that the present tax law provides that if there is no change in the law prior to December 31, 2012, the applicable exclusion will be reduced to $1 million, subject to inflationary adjustment. Due to this potential decrease in the lifetime gift exclusion, now is the time to seriously consider gifting options before they are limited.
Other items of note that also are subject to inflationary adjustment in 2012 include the social security wage base, which increases from $106,800 in 2011 to $110,100 in 2012, and the maximum amount that can be deferred into a 401(k) from $16,500 to $17,00
As the law continues to evolve on these matters, please note that this article is current as of date and time of publication and may not reflect subsequent developments. The content and interpretation of the issues addressed herein is subject to change. Cole Schotz P.C. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this publication to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or refrain from acting upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining legal, financial and tax advice. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your firm contact or to any of the attorneys listed in this publication.
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