Being a grandparent isn’t just about excessive Christmas presents, family photos, and paying a grandchild $20 to mow a 10 square-foot lawn. Unfortunately, although not commonly known and even less commonly understood, the generation-skipping transfer tax can be an expensive barrier when trying to pass assets to grandchildren and should be heeded appropriately.
What Is Generation Skipping Transfer Tax
Better known as GSTT, the generation-skipping transfer tax imposes significant added taxation on inherited assets that have skipped one or more generations or, more precisely, to anyone more than 37.5 years younger than the transferor. In essence, the GSTT was established to prevent assets from being distributed throughout multiple generations of a family without being sufficiently taxed.
For instance, if a grandparent bequeaths money directly to a grandchild rather than a child, estate taxes are essentially missed for an entire generation. In other words, rather than estate taxes being paid as money is transferred from grandparent to child and then again from child to grandchild, GSTT makes up for the loss and imposes an additional tax when attempting to skip a generation. Like it or not, GSTT can pose significant financial issues if not properly prepared for.
Proper Planning Is Key
As foreboding as the GSTT might sound, grandparents should be happy to learn they are not completely helpless to this significant additional tax given just a bit of preparation. Just as there is an estate tax exemption that allows for a certain amount of assets to be transferred free of estate taxes, a GSTT exemption also exists.
Likewise, gifts that fall under the annual gifting allowance are not subject to GSTT. Therefore, whether it’s for college tuition, a new car, or just a bit of spending money, grandparents can transfer assets directly to grandchildren without taxation as long as such transfers fall within certain parameters.
Ultimately, GSTT is yet another wrinkle that only further complicates the already intricate and vast minefield one must navigate to establish an effective and efficient estate plan. Seeking the guidance of an estate planning professional is always in one’s best interest if there are even the smallest amounts of confusion and apprehension over GSTT or any wealth transfer issues.
About Jeremy
Jeremy Wallace is founder and chief investment officer at Wallace Hart Capital Management, an independent financial services firm committed to offering comprehensive advice and customized services. Jeremy has 20 years of experience in the financial industry and is passionate about helping clients preserve and enhance their wealth so they can pursue their passions. Jeremy graduated from Emory University with a degree in international economics and a certificate in financial planning. Outside of the office, Jeremy spends most of his free time with his wife, Julie, and their three children, Isabel, Lincoln, and Reid. He is an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan, and he enjoys golfing with his wife and traveling with his family. Learn more about Jeremy by connecting with him on LinkedIn.
4/3/2019