The Internal Revenue Service has released Rev. Proc. 2020-45 with inflation adjustments for 2021 and, consistent with earlier predictions, the changes in the most significant federal estate and trust planning numbers will be as follows:
- The base applicable exclusion amount (and generation-skipping tax exemption) will be $11,700,000 (was $11,580,000 for 2020).
- The annual gift tax exclusion will be $15,000 (unchanged).
- The annual gift tax exclusion for a non-citizen spouse will be $159,000 (was $157,000).
- The “2 percent” amount for purposes of section 6166 will be $1,590,000 (was $1,570,000).
- The limitation on the special use valuation reduction under section 2032A will be $1,190,000 (was $1,180,000).
- The top (37%) income tax bracket for estates and trusts will begin at $13,050 (was $12,950).
- The alternative minimum tax exemption for estates and trusts will be $25,700 (was $25,400), and the phaseout of the exemption will start at $85,650 (was $84,800).