The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the annual gift tax exclusion increased as of January 1, 2009 from $12,000 to $13,000.
ESTATE TAX APPLICABLE CREDIT AND EXCLUSION AMOUNTS FOR 2009
The estate tax applicable exclusion for decedents dying in 2009 has been increased to $3,500,000 per person from $2,000,000 from 2008.
TAX INCENTIVES FOR WATER STOCK
Enhanced Like-Kind Exchanges
P.L.110-234 amends the like-kind exchange rules under Code Sec. 1031 to permit the exchange of water rights in the form of mutal ditch, reservoir and irrigation company stock. The new like-kind exchange treatment would apply to exchanges completed after the date of enactment.
IMPACT This provision creates an exception to the general rule that stock is not property for like-kind exchange treatment and could open the door to future changes to the strick like-kind exchange rules. For the time being, however, this provision narrowly applies to certain stock representing a holding of water rights that is recognized as real property under state law.
(from the CCH Tax Briefing: Farm/Military Tax Relief Acts of 2008 May 27, 2008 Speical Report: 2008 CCH)
Donald H. Alspaugh
Admitted: 1973, Colorado
Donald H. Alspaugh was raised in west Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.A. in government. Following service as a Missile Combat Crew Commander in the Air Force, he received his law degree from University of Colorado in 1972. He began his private practice in Longmont, Colorado following graduation from law school. Don joined Schey & Schey, P.C., as a partner and officer in 1985. In the community, Don has served as the President of the Education Foundation of St. Vrain Valley, served on the Boards of the Addiction Treatment Center Longmont and the Friends of the Longmont Senior Center. Don also co-chaired the capital campaign for the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Longmont.
Don’s practice focuses on Elder Law issues, Medicare planning, wills, trusts, estate planning and administration, real estate development, real estate transactions, and business planning. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
For More Information Contact:
SCHEY, PILLER, ALSPAUGH & WONG, P.C. 636 Coffman Street, Suite 200 P. O. Box 267 Longmont, CO 80502 Tel: 303-776-3511 FAX: 303/772-2297 Email Donald H. Alspaugh
QUESTION: If I am injured in an automobile accident, how much time do I have to begin a Lawsuit against the resposible party?
ANSWER: A person has to initiate a lawsuit against the party responsible for the injuries not later than three years from the date of the accident. Suit cannot be brought If that deadline is missed. Also, if a person suffers injuries in the accident which result in death, the deadline is shortened to two years.