How can an estate plan be kept vital after death?

When a loved one passes away, you might think that the options for his or her estate plan have also been laid to rest. But that isn’t necessarily the case. Indeed, there may be postmortem tactics the deceased’s executor (or personal representative), spouse or beneficiaries can employ to help keep his or her estate plan on track.

Make a QTIP trust election

A qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust can be a great way to use the marital deduction to minimize estate tax at the first spouse’s death and limit the surviving spouse’s access to the trust principal. For the transfer of property to the trust to qualify for the deduction, a QTIP trust election must be made on an estate tax return.

QTIP trust assets ultimately are subject to tax as part of the surviving spouse’s estate. In some cases, including more assets in the estate of the first spouse to die can minimize the overall estate tax. In such a situation, the deceased spouse’s executor may decide not to make the QTIP trust election or to make a partial QTIP trust election.

Use a qualified disclaimer

A qualified disclaimer is an irrevocable refusal to accept an interest in property from a will or living trust. Under the right circumstances, a qualified disclaimer can be used to redirect property to other beneficiaries in a tax-efficient manner.

To qualify, a disclaimer must be in writing and delivered to the appropriate representative. The disclaimant has no power to determine who’ll receive the property. Rather, it must pass to the transferor’s spouse or to someone other than the disclaimant, according to the terms of the underlying document making the transfer — such as a will, a living or testamentary trust, or a beneficiary form.

Take advantage of exemption portability

Portability helps minimize federal gift and estate taxes by allowing a surviving spouse to use a deceased spouse’s unused gift and estate tax exemption amount. For 2023, the exemption is $12.92 million.

Bear in mind that portability isn’t automatically available. It requires the deceased spouse’s executor to make a portability election on a timely filed estate tax return. Unfortunately, many estates fail to make the election because they’re not liable for estate tax and, therefore, aren’t required to file a return. These estates should consider filing an estate tax return for the sole purpose of electing portability. The benefits can be significant.

Keep on track

Following the death of a loved one, there may be steps that can be taken to keep his or her estate plan on the right track toward accomplishing his or her goals. To help ensure your loved one’s plan isn’t derailed, discuss your options with FMD.

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