In the Media: What the End of “Step Up” Means for Heirs

The proposal to end the “step up” provision in the capital gains tax could mean substantive changes in how inheritances are taxed. Just published, SmolenPlevy Co-Founding Principal Jason Smolen takes a closer look at the proposal in Wealth Management, DailyFinance and MainStreet.

President Obama’s plan to close the “trust fund loophole”, first introduced during his 2015 State of the Union Address, could affect more than just the rich. Any beneficiary would have to look up the original cost of just about any asset they inherit—causing them to spend time and money sorting out the financial details.

Without the “step up” provision, beneficiaries may need to set up additional trusts to protect their assets from increased taxation. Some people can transfer assets to trusts, which would take them out of the tax picture, or sell the assets entirely instead of passing on potentially huge tax bills to their heirs.

The proposal is a long way from reality, but its adoption will make estate planning more complicated, according to Smolen. Families may need additional professional advice from estate attorneys and accountants to devise a strategy to maximize assets and minimize taxes.

Read Smolen’s exploration of the proposed changes on WealthManagement.com, Daily Finance and MainStreet.