Author Archives: David L. Silverman, J.D., LL.M. (Taxation)

From Washington & Albany — Income & Estate Tax Planning in 2015

I.    From Washington Income tax planning in 2015 will seek to reduce the effect of high federal and New York tax rates. Avoidance of unnecessary capital gain realization through basis increases or nonrecognition transactions will remain important. Estate tax planning … Continue reading

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From Federal Courts, NYS Courts & Tax Tribunals — Recent Developments & 2014 Decisions of Note

I.     Disputes Involving Sales of Assets to Grantor Trusts Reach the Tax Court In Estate of Woelbing v. Com’r, Docket No. 30261-13, filed on December 26, 2013, the IRS made several arguments seeking to negate the tax benefit sales of … Continue reading

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IRS & NYS DTF Matters; Recent Developments & 2014 Regs. & Rulings of Note

I. New York State Matters NYS Amends Estate & Gift Tax Beginning April 1, 2014, the NYS estate exemption will increase every 12 months through 2017. On April 1, 2014, the NYS exemption became $2.0625; on April 1, 2015, $3.125 … Continue reading

Posted in Estate Planning, Federal Gift Tax, Federal Income Tax, Grantor Trusts, Income Taxation of Nongrantor trusts, Portability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Evolution of Trusts in American Jurisprudence

I. Introduction A trust is a relationship whereby a trustee holds property for the benefit the beneficiary, or cestui que trust. A division of ownership occurs between the trustee, who holds legal title, and the beneficiary, who holds equitable title. … Continue reading

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Private Letter Ruling Requests

I. Introduction Private letter rulings are in the nature of “advisory” rulings by the IRS concerning the tax implication of income or estate transactions contemplated by taxpayers. As stated in Rev. Proc. 2015-1, the IRS generally issues a letter ruling … Continue reading

Posted in Federal Income Tax, Federal Tax Litigation, IRS, IRS Rulings & Regulations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Federal Tax Litigation

I. Introduction In general, the statute of limitations for the IRS to assess is three years after the date the return is filed or two years from the date the tax is paid. After audit, the IRS may issue a … Continue reading

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August Comment: NYS Estate, Gift & Trust Tax Update

I. Introduction A number of important changes to New York estate, trust and gift tax law were recently enacted. Briefly, (i) the New York estate tax exemption will reach parity with the federal exemption by 2019; (ii) the federal estate … Continue reading

Posted in Estate Planning, Gift Tax Planning, Grantor Trusts, Income Taxation of Nongrantor trusts, Income Taxation of Nongrantor trusts, Monthly Comment, NYS DTF Matters, NYS Residency, NYS Tax Litigation, Portability, Tax News & Comment, Trusts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Avoiding Boot Gain in Like Kind Exchanges

I. Introduction Circular 230 disclosure: Any tax advice herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. … Continue reading

Posted in Avoiding Boot, Capital Gains, Federal Income Tax, IRS, IRS Audits, Like Kind Exchanges, Like Kind Exchanges of Real Estate Under IRC Sec. 1031 (2013 Revised Ed.), Like Kind Exchanges of Real Estate Under IRC Section 1031, Tax Planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Taxation of Foreign Nongrantor Trusts: Throwback Rule

I. Introduction  The throwback rule is intended to prevent a foreign trust from accumulating income, thereby delaying the reporting of that income by U.S. beneficiaries until the time when the income is eventually distributed. The throwback rules defeat this income … Continue reading

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From Washington & Albany — August 2014

I.   From Albany: Perils of Being a Rich State in the Federal System If the United States were the European Union, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey could be compared to Germany and France, which subsidize less wealthy E.U. members. … Continue reading

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From Federal Courts, NYS Courts & NYS Tax Tribunals — August 2014

I. From The Court of Appeals A unanimous Court of Appeals, reversing, dismissed the long-held interpretation by the Department of Taxation of Tax Law §605[b][1][b], in a dispute adjudicated first at the administrative level in the Division of Tax Appeals, … Continue reading

Posted in Federal Tax Litigation, IRS Matters, New York State Income Tax, New York State Tax Litigation, NYS Dept. of Tax'n & Finance, NYS DTF Matters, NYS Residency, NYS Tax Litigation, Tax News & Comment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IRS & NYS DTF Matters — August 2014

I.   IRS Matters – August 2014 On July 11, a second federal judge ordered the IRS to account for missing emails of former director Lois Lerner. U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton has demanded an affidavit from an “appropriate official” … Continue reading

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Tax News & Comment — August 2014

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Income Taxation of Nongrantor Trusts

Posted in Income Taxation of Nongrantor trusts, Income Taxation of Nongrantor trusts, Income Taxation of Nongrantor trusts, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From Washington & Albany — Washington: New Taxes Arrive; Governor Cuomo: NY Taxes Too High

I.         From Washington A rainbow of new federal income taxes arrived on January 1, 2014, led by the new 3.8 percent “Medicare” tax imposed by IRC §1411. Although enacted as part of the health care legislation of President Obama, … Continue reading

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