Alternate Valuation Date

The Alternate Valuation Date is a date six months after the date of a person's death. For estate tax purposes, the executor may choose to place a value on the estate either as of the date of death or on the alternate valuation date. To use the alternative valuation date, the estate value and tax must be less than on the date of death.
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Overview

The Alternate Valuation Date is an option provided under U.S. estate tax law that allows an executor to value the estate on a date six months after the decedent’s death instead of the date of death. This can be advantageous for estates that decline in value during this period, potentially resulting in lower estate taxes.

Examples

  1. Declining Asset Value: If an estate primarily consists of stocks that dropped significantly in value after the decedent’s death, the executor might choose the alternate valuation date to benefit from a lower tax obligation.

  2. Real Estate Market Dip: Consider an estate composed mainly of real estate. If the market value of the real estate decreases within the six-month period following death, opting for the alternate valuation can lower the estate’s taxable value.

  3. Timing of Payments: An estate could include assets such as bonds or annuities which might decline in value after the decedent’s death. By choosing the lower valuation date, the estate reduces its tax bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main benefit of using the Alternate Valuation Date?

The primary benefit is to potentially reduce estate taxes by taking advantage of any decrease in the value of the estate’s assets six months after the decedent’s death.

Is it mandatory to choose the Alternate Valuation Date?

No, opting for the Alternate Valuation Date is at the discretion of the executor and is typically chosen if it results in a lower estate tax liability.

Can all types of estates use the Alternate Valuation Date?

Only estates which will benefit from both a lower total estate value and a reduction in estate taxes due to a drop in asset values over the six-month period are allowed to use the Alternate Valuation Date.

What happens if the total estate value increases six months after death?

If the total estate value increases, it would generally be beneficial to use the date of death valuation since the higher value would result in higher estate taxes.

Are there any specific forms required to elect the Alternate Valuation Date?

Yes, the executor must use IRS Form 706, “United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return,” to elect the Alternate Valuation Date.

  • Date of Death Valuation: The traditional method of valuing the estate, based on the asset values as of the date of the decedent’s death.
  • Executor: The individual or institution appointed to administer the estate of a deceased person.
  • Estate Tax: A tax on the transfer of the estate of a deceased person.
  • Fair Market Value: The price that property would sell for on the open market.
  • Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax: A federal tax on a transfer of property that skips a generation.

Online References

  1. IRS Instructions for Form 706
  2. Investopedia’s Estate Tax Overview
  3. Understanding Alternate Valuation Date by Nolo

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. Estate Planning for Dummies by N. Brian Caverly and Jordan S. Simon
  2. The Complete Book of Estate Planning by Martin Shenkman
  3. Taxation of Estates, Gifts and Trusts by Regis W. Campfield, Martin B. Dickinson, and Joel Dobris
  4. The Tools & Techniques of Estate Planning by Stephan Leimberg

Fundamentals of Estate Taxation: Management Basics Quiz

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