The estate tax is a tax on your right to transfer property at your death.  Most relatively simple estates do not require the filing of an estate tax return.  However, if your estate is $5,340,000 in 2014, your estate’s representative must file the return.

Who should you hire to represent you, prepare and fill your return?  The answer depends on how large and complex is your estate, how many beneficiaries you have and are they cooperative?

Discuss this matter with several estate tax professionals.  Ask about their experience and referrals.  Most estates hire the services of both attorneys and CPAs.

For additional information on estate planning and estate tax matters go to http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Frequently-Asked-Questions.

Discussion Questions

1. What is included in your estate?  What is excluded?
2. What deductions are available to reduce the estate tax?
3. What might be advantages of hiring the services of estate attorneys and CPAs?

Teaching Suggestions

You may want to use the information in this blog post and the original source to discuss

• How can charitable gifts and bequests reduce estate and inheritance taxes.
• Different types of taxes imposed on a deceased’s estate.
• Arguments in support and against the estate tax.