Estate Taxes

LOUISIANA STATE INHERITANCE TAX

The State of Louisiana has repealed all state inheritance taxes. Thus, there is no requirement to file a return with the State and no state inheritance taxes are owed.

FEDERAL ESTATE TAX

The Federal Estate Tax exemption is currently over $12  million per person.  For a husband and wife, who are living under a community property’s regime, that means their joint estate has to be in excess of $25 million dollars for there to be an estate tax imposed. Assets that are subject to the estate tax are taxed at 40 percent. The changes are now set permanently into the tax code – at least until the tax code changes again.

The fact that your estate may not be subject to a tax does not lessen the importance of having a properly drafted will to ensure that your property is left to your heirs according to your wishes and that your heirs will be able to easily access the property in your estate.

FEDERAL GIFT TAX

The Federal Gift Tax limits the amount that can be transferred to persons other than a spouse without incurring a tax.

Annual gifts of up to $17,000 can be made to an individual without incurring a gift tax. If the gift is made by a married couple from their jointly owned assets, it can be as much as $34,000 per year without being taxed. 

This is just a quick overview of estate tax laws. Please contact Many & LoCoco today to meet with one of our attorneys to fully understand these laws and how they may affect you.

Here is some additional information on this topic that explores frequently asked questions.

https://neworleansestatelaw.com/frequently-asked-questions/estate-taxes-faqs/