Sens. Kyl, Lincoln Introduce Estate Tax Bill Amendment
Published: July 22, 2010
Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) Tuesday night introduced an amendment to the bill which would permanently reform the federal estate tax. The amendment would permanently set the estate tax rate at 35 percent, with a $5 million exemption amount phased in over 10 years and indexed for inflation. It would also provide a “stepped up basis” for inherited assets.
Lincoln posted a message about the amendment on her website in which she said:
“It’s time to take decisive action on the estate tax, and provide the permanent solution that Arkansas’s hardworking farmers and small businesses are desperately seeking,” Lincoln said. “Uncertainty in the estate tax law has caused incredible difficulties for these individuals, which is why I have fought for a quick resolution to the issue that is both permanent and fair. One way to improve upon an already strong legislative initiative that includes tax incentives and a number of other benefits for small businesses is to ensure that we reach a permanent solution on the estate tax to provide small business owners and farmers with the certainty they need.”
If Congress does not act this year, the federal estate tax is scheduled to increase to 55 percent with only a $1 million exemption at the beginning of 2011.
