Loopholes > Federal > Estate Tax Filing Exclusion
DEDUCTION HIGH SAVINGS ESTATE

Estate Tax Filing Exclusion

IRC §6018

Estates are not required to file a return or pay estate tax if the gross estate is below the basic exclusion amount (inflation-adjusted).

Eligibility

Applies to U.S. citizens or residents whose gross estate plus adjusted taxable gifts is less than the section 2010(c) exclusion amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Estate Tax Filing Exclusion?

Applies to U.S. citizens or residents whose gross estate plus adjusted taxable gifts is less than the section 2010(c) exclusion amount.

How does the Estate Tax Filing Exclusion work?

Estates are not required to file a return or pay estate tax if the gross estate is below the basic exclusion amount (inflation-adjusted).

What law authorizes the Estate Tax Filing Exclusion?

The Estate Tax Filing Exclusion is authorized under IRC §6018 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).

Statutory Text — IRC §6018

Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code

§ 6018. Estate tax returns(a) Returns by executor(1) Citizens or residentsIn all cases where the gross estate at the death of a citizen or resident exceeds the basic exclusion amount in effect under section 2010(c) for the calendar year which includes the date of death, the executor shall make a return with respect to the estate tax imposed by subtitle B. (2) Nonresidents not citizens of the United StatesIn the case of the estate of every nonresident not a citizen of the United States if that part of the gross estate which is situated in the United States exceeds $60,000, the executor shall make a return with respect to the estate tax imposed by subtitle B. (3) Adjustment for certain giftsThe amount applicable under paragraph (1) and the amount set forth in paragraph (2) shall each be reduced (but not below zero) by the sum of—(A) the amount of the adjusted taxable gifts (within the meaning of section 2001(b)) made by the decedent after December 31, 1976, plus (B) the aggregate amount allowed as a specific exemption under section 2521 (as in effect before its repeal by the Tax Reform Act of 1976) with respect to gifts made by the decedent after September 8, 1976. (b) Returns by beneficiariesIf the executor is unable to make a complete return as to any part of the gross estate of the decedent, he shall include in his return a description of such part and the name of every person holding a legal or beneficial interest therein. Upon notice from the Secretary such person shall in like manner make a return as to such part of the gross estate. (Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 739; Pub. L. 89–809, title I, § 108(g), Nov. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 1574; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), title XX, § 2001(c)(1)(J), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834, 1852; Pub. L. 97–34, title IV, § 401(a)(2)(B), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 299; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title V, § 544(b)(3), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1011A(g)(12), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3482; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7304(b)(2)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2353; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11801(a)(43), (c)(19)(C), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–521, 1388–528; Pub. L. 105–34, title V, § 501(a)(1)(C), title X, § 1073(b)(4), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 845, 948; Pub. L. 107–16, title V, § 542(b)(1), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 81; Pub. L. 111–312, title III, §§ 301(a), 303(b)(3), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3300, 3303.) Editorial Notes References in TextSection 2521 of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(B), was repealed by section 2001(b)(3) of Pub. L. 94–455, applicable to gifts made after Dec. 31, 1976. The Tax Reform Act of 1976, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(B), is Pub. L. 94–455, Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1520. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1976 Amendments note set out under section 1 of this title and Tables.

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