It is becoming more and more apparent that proper estate planning is as important as ever. In December 2010, Congress did finally enact estate and gift tax legislation to deal with the temporary repeal of the estate tax resulting from the Bush-era tax cuts. The repeal was to be effective only for 2010, after which the entire estate tax regime was to revert back to pre-2001 levels.

So, if legislation has been enacted, why is planning now so important? Well, quite simply, because Congress once again started with the goal of simplifying the tax law only to pass a bill that dramatically increases complexity. None of us should be surprised. And, with the federal budget in the shape it's in, IRS examiners are looking even more closely at estates to determine if there is additional revenue available for the Treasury (meaning, can they re-characterize an item in the estate to generate more tax).

Over the next few weeks you will be receiving emails from us on a variety of planning opportunities in this area such as:

• Removing life insurance from your estate
• Using trusts for wealth transfer
• Inter-family sales of assets

We are focusing on critical issues in the estate and gift area to help ensure that none of the lingering potential surprises are ones you experience. Give us a call if you would like a complete estate review now. We're here to help!!!