Federal Estate Tax Increases, Members May Reduce Amount Owed, Expert Says

MADISON, Wis. – Credit unions are reminded to get this year’s updates on the federal estate tax, which will see a series of increases over the next five years on who will be affected. MEMBERS Capital Advisors Financial Consultant Bobbie Shockert Lazarz said this year’s federal estate tax is assessed on those who die leaving a net taxable estate of more than $1.5 million. The amount will increase to $2 million in 2006 and to $3.5 million in 2009. In 2010, the estate tax is scheduled to be repealed for one year. “Unless Congress passes new legislation before then, the estate tax will come back into existence with the exclusion amount at the 2001 level of $1 million,” Shockert Lazarz said. She said that if a member’s estate will be subject to estate taxes, an estate planning attorney can help determine whether certain types of trusts can help reduce the amount owed. MEMBERS Capital is the investment advisory arm of CUNA Mutual Group.