A comprehensive first look at the new Tax Act changes in estate planning. Among the myriad changes in the 1997 Tax Relief Act—the most sweeping tax reform agenda in years—are a significant number that affect estate planning. This concise, easy-to-follow book examines and evaluates all these revisions, providing in-depth explanations of exactly what they are, how they'll impact your planning goals, and—perhaps most importantly—how to capitalize on them. In addition to the increase in the Unified Credit (Exclusion), Estate Planning after the 1997 Tax Act brings you the very latest on capital gains, marital bequests, IRAs, planning for certain trusts, leasing of specially valued property, and other new rules that apply directly—and indirectly—to estate planning. Along with practical planning tips and techniques, helpful sample clauses, and invaluable advice, here's where you'll find essential information on: Family and closely held businesses—valuation, redemption, sales of stock, distribution of property, estate tax deferral benefits Gift planning—education and tuition breaks, gift-appreciated assets, effects of prior-made gifts on the estate tax return Retirement assets—repeal of excise tax, phaseout of IRA deductions, Roth IRAs, funding credit shelter trusts with pension assets Estate planning for real estate—exclusion on home sale gain, conservation easements, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts The Generation Skipping Transfer (GST) tax—changes to the deceased parent's exemption, indexing the GST exemption. Authoritative and accessible, this is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to understand—and benefit from—the ways in which the new tax law changes estate planning.