That you can pass over as much as you want, without tax consequences, to your spouse.
On an estate tax return, all property that is included in the gross estate and passes to the surviving spouse is eligible for the marital deduction. The property must pass "outright." Since there is not limit to the amount that can be deducted, it is an unlimited marital deduction. For more information, see IRS Publication 950 at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p950.pdf
REAL aSSETS
As of 2021, a descendant can transfer an unlimited amount of assets to an eligible spouse free of estate tax through the unlimited marital deduction. This deduction allows for the tax-free transfer of assets between spouses, regardless of the amount, as long as the receiving spouse is a U.S. citizen.
They claim it on the estate taxes as a deduction. It has to be to an approved charity.
The unlimited marital deduction applies when one spouse bequeaths property, such as stock, to the other spouse at death without incurring federal estate tax. This deduction enables the transfer of assets between spouses to occur without tax consequences, provided the recipient spouse is a U.S. citizen. However, if the bequest is made to a non-citizen spouse, the unlimited marital deduction does not apply, and there are different rules regarding the amount that can be transferred tax-free.
An unlimited marital deduction can be received by a surviving spouse when there is an outright bequest of stock, regardless of the value of the bequest. This allows the transfer of assets between spouses to occur without incurring federal estate taxes at the time of transfer. The surviving spouse must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this deduction. If these conditions are met, the bequest of stock can be transferred tax-free to the surviving spouse.
The maximum deduction for a charitable bequest of the residuary estate is reduced by taxes and administrative expenses.
The marital deduction allows one spouse to transfer an unlimited amount of assets to the other spouse without incurring federal estate or gift taxes. To calculate it, determine the total value of the decedent's estate and identify the assets transferred to the surviving spouse. The amount eligible for the marital deduction is typically equal to the value of those assets. However, if the surviving spouse is not a U.S. citizen, special rules apply, and a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) election may be necessary to ensure the deduction.
In New York State, gifts between spouses are generally not included in the estate for estate tax purposes due to the unlimited marital deduction. This allows spouses to transfer assets to each other without incurring gift taxes during their lifetime or estate taxes at death. However, if the gifts exceed certain limits or if they are not properly documented, they may have implications for gift tax reporting. It's important for individuals to consult with an estate planning attorney for specific situations.
form_title=Hire an Estate Planning Service form_header=An estate planning service can plan for the myriad and variety needs of your estate. Please describe your estate:=_ What services do you expect out of this service?=_ What are your future plans for the estate?=_
The maximum deduction for a charitable bequest of the residuary estate is generally 100% of the value of the bequest, as long as the bequest is made to a qualified charitable organization. This deduction can reduce the taxable estate, potentially lowering estate taxes owed. However, specific regulations and limitations may apply based on the jurisdiction and the nature of the estate. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional or estate planner for tailored guidance.
Jerome Ostrov has written: 'Tax and Estate Planning with Real Estate, Partnerships, and LLCs' -- subject(s): Estate planning, Law and legislation, Partnership, Private companies, Real estate investment, Real estate investment trusts, Tax planning, Taxation 'Tax Planning with Real Estate (Pli Press's Tax Law & Estate Planning Library) (Pli Press's Tax Law & Estate Planning Library)'