Understanding the 2025 Unified Credit in Estate Tax Calculations
The 2025 estate tax exclusion is $13.61 million per person with a 40% top rate. Executors compute taxable…
Filing Form 706: Estate Tax Return Rules, Deadlines, and DSUE
In 2025, estate tax activity increased as families file Form 706 to lock in the $13.99 million exemption…
Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date: Six Months After Death
The alternate valuation date lets an estate value assets six months after death if it lowers both gross…
Gross Estate: FMV at Death and All Included Property
Gross estate equals the decedent’s fair market value interests at death, often leading to Form 706 reporting. Key…
GST Tax Essentials: Rates, Exemptions, and Filing for 2024–2025
The GST tax remains a separate 40% levy with a $13,610,000 (2024) exclusion still effective as of Oct…
Portability of DSUE: Essentials of the Deceased Spousal Election
Survivors can use DSUE only if the spouse died on/after Jan 1, 2011, was a U.S. citizen/resident, and…
Estate Tax Form 706: 2024 Exclusion, Credit, and Rates
Estates for 2024 deaths must file Form 706 if taxable estate plus lifetime taxable gifts exceed $13,610,000. Filing…
Understanding IRS Refund Claims: Deadlines, Extensions, and 1040-X
Refund claims must be filed by the later of three years from filing or two years from payment.…
Joint and Several Liability: Relief Options for Married Taxpayers
Filing jointly creates full shared liability. Use Form 8857 for tax understating issues (innocent, separated, equitable relief). Use…
Overpayment Decisions: Apply to Next Year or Request a Refund
Overpayments can be applied to next year, refunded, or split; attach Form 8888 to divide refunds or buy…
IRS Payment Plans: Short-Term Relief and Installment Options
IRS payment plans include short-term (180 days, no user fee) and long-term installment agreements (monthly payments). Streamlined plans…
Understanding Balance Due, Payment Options, and CNC Status
If total tax exceeds payments, taxpayers owe a balance due by April 15 to avoid penalties. File on…
Overview of Federal Withholding and Estimated Tax for Individuals
Pay federal tax during the year via withholding (Form W-4/W-4P) or quarterly estimated payments (Form 1040-ES). Deadlines are…
Understanding Tax Filing Deadlines and Extensions for Individuals
Tax returns are due April 15; Form 4868 filed by that date grants a six-month filing extension to…