This comprehensive treatise systematically outlines the planning and preparation that should take place to efficiently and effectively thwart post mortem tax consequences and preserve estate assets. All guidance is backed up by extensive citations to cases and rulings.

This treatise utilizes a chronological approach to the administration of estates and trusts, starting at the moment of death and continuing through the period of administration, and including the critical first nine months after death.

Practitioners are guided on the unique tax planning opportunities available for the decedent's final return, including disclaiming bequests, unified credit, basis adjustment, election on stock valuations, charitable contributions, and retirement plan distributions.

Better understand the post mortem impact that federal income taxes have on estates, trusts, and beneficiaries. Run a checklist for income and deductions, debts and expenses. Take the extra steps to insure that many unique tax planning opportunities applicable to a decedent's final return are fully realized.