Preparing Form 706: The Federal Estate Tax Return

Description

Course materials include each schedule and page of the federal estate tax return (Form 706). Special focus will be given to introduce practitioners to Form 706, review a sample return on the death of the first spouse and a return making a portability election for the estate of the deceased spouse. A review of the basics in preparing Form 706, and making the portability election for the estate of the deceased spouse.Master the portability of the deceased spousal unused exclusion amount, which is a fast-growing compliance opportunity for clients. Review how the portability election can provide significant estate tax insurance for the surviving spouse and income tax insurance for beneficiaries. Also, study the completion of each of the schedules and make available elections. Further, discuss requirements arising from the most recent changes in federal estate tax law, and the latest edition of Form 706. We'll also review income tax basis consistency reporting rules with the preparation of Form 706. Additional content will be leveraged to increase basic understanding. Federal estate tax returns remain the most difficult and trap-strewn of all returns required for the estate. This course will prepare beginning practitioners to identify problems and traps before they arise, and recommend steps to protect a practice. Two sample estate tax returns are discussed in a schedule-by-schedule format.Note: A companion course, Advanced Issues: The Art of the Estate Tax Return , presents an in-depth discussion of issues, tax-saving strategies and planning alternatives with Form 706 using the instructor's book,Art of the Estate Tax Return (2nd ed.), Bloomberg BNA Books.

Highlights

• Filing requirements, new forms and IRS return review procedures
• Estate tax return terminology
• Action steps upon receipt of the engagement to prepare Form 706
• Introduction to each schedule and page on the return
• When to use or eschew simplified reporting while making DSUEA elections
• Recent developments with basis consistency rules and integration with the Form 706
• QTIP elections with otherwise bypass/credit-shelter trusts
• Identify common practitioner errors arising with over-stated marital deductions and how to correctly report the taxable estate
• Practice forms to attach to the estate tax return
• Marital deduction elections
• Practice tips for penalty avoidance
• Reporting elections: Sec. 6166, QTIP, reverse QTIP, QDOT, alternate value and Sec. 2032A

Objectives

• Recall exceptions from the 10% penalty for early distributions from retirement plans, IRAs and annuities.
• Consider the far reach of the once per year rollover rule and what circumstances have fatal consequences.
• Recognize the retirement plan information are furnished to IRS annually and what is not.
• Determine how to prepare Form 5329 and start the statute of limitations on penalties.

Designed For

Attorneys, CPAs and tax practitioners.