2000
[DOCID: f:h8rh.txt]
Union Calendar No. 26
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 8
[Report No. 107-37]
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to phase out the estate and
gift taxes over a 10-year period, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 14, 2001
Ms. Dunn (for herself, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Cox, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. Brown
of South Carolina, Mr. Culberson, Mr. Everett, Mr. Goode, Mr. Cooksey,
Mr. Bachus, Mr. Pence, Mr. LaHood, Mr. Shadegg, Mr. Duncan, Mr.
Whitfield, Mr. Saxton, Mr. Bonilla, Mrs. Roukema, Mrs. Biggert, Mr.
Ferguson, Mr. Gilchrest, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Maloney of
Connecticut, Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas, Mr. Tancredo, Mr. Boucher, Mr.
Traficant, Mr. Keller, Mr. Burton of Indiana, Mr. Shows, Mr. Gary
Miller of California, Mr. Rogers of Michigan, Mr. Cunningham, Mr.
Royce, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Foley, Mr. Hayworth, Mr.
Weller, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Young of Alaska, Mr. Baird, Mr. Wamp, Mr. Dooley
of California, Mr. Ehlers, Mr. Cantor, Mr. Pombo, Mr. Simmons, Mr.
Camp, Mr. McIntyre, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Nethercutt, Ms. Hart, Mr. Barton of
Texas, Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Hall of Texas, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Sununu,
Mr. Grucci, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Ryan of Wisconsin, Mrs. Kelly, Mr.
Largent, Mr. Deal of Georgia, Mr. Cannon, Mr. Aderholt, Mr. Crane, Ms.
Granger, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Green of Wisconsin, Mr. Herger, Mr. English,
Mr. LoBiondo, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Lewis of California, Mr.
Oxley, Mr. Riley, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Watts of Oklahoma, Mrs. Northup,
Mr. Ose, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Lewis of Kentucky, Mr. Lucas of
Oklahoma, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Peterson of Pennsylvania, Mr. McCrery, Mrs.
Bono, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Ney, Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Skeen, Mr.
Hoekstra, Mr. LaTourette, Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Capito, Mr.
Ehrlich, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Boehlert, Mr. Ryun of Kansas,
Mr. Cramer, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. Schaffer, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Isakson, Ms.
Ros-Lehtinen, Mr. Burr of North Carolina, Mr. Barr of Georgia, Mr.
Hastings of Washington, Mr. Miller of Florida, Mr. Horn, Mr. Ramstad,
Mr. McHugh, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Norwood, Mr. Coble, Mr.
Nussle, Mr. Platts, Mr. Jones of North Carolina, Mr. Gekas, Mr. Rogers
of Kentucky, Mr. Bass, Mr. Terry, Mr. Schrock, Mr. Goodlatte, Mr.
Toomey, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Portman, Mr. Tauzin, Mr. Hansen, Mr. Armey, Mr.
Hilleary, Mr. McInnis, Mr. Combest, Mr. DeLay, Mrs. Cubin, Mr. Linder,
Mr. Mica, Mrs. McCarthy of New York, Mr. Frelinghuysen, Mr. Berry, Mr.
John, Mr. Condit, Mr. Sandlin, Mr. Sweeney, Mr. Knollenberg, Mr.
Phelps, Mr. Carson of Oklahoma, Mr. Ganske, Mr. Thune, Mr. Kerns, Ms.
Pryce of Ohio, Mr. Stump, Mr. Sensenbrenner, Mr. Otter, Mr. Rahall, Mr.
Sisisky, Mr. Hulshof, Mr. Lucas of Kentucky, Mr. Walden of Oregon, Mr.
Wynn, Mr. Ford, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Brady of Texas, Mr. Paul, Mr. Gordon,
Mrs. Jo Ann Davis of Virginia, Mr. Costello, Mr. Gillmor, Mr. Watkins,
Mr. Putnam, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Akin, Mr. Issa, Mr. Farr of California,
Mr. Barcia, Mrs. Myrick, Mr. Bartlett of Maryland, Mr. Chabot, Mr.
Kingston, Mr. Hefley, Mr. Gallegly, Mr. Gilman, Mr. Goss, Mr. Weldon of
Florida, Mr. DeMint, Mr. Souder, Mr. Fossella, Mr. Kolbe, Mr.
Bilirakis, Mr. Latham, Mr. Tiahrt, Mr. Taylor of North Carolina, Mr.
Scarborough, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Hostettler, Mr. Graham, Mr. Spence, Mr.
Tom Davis of Virginia, Mr. Boehner, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Bryant, Mr.
Dreier, Mr. Pickering, Mr. Thornberry, Mr. Weldon of Pennsylvania, Mr.
Baker, Mr. King, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. McKeon, Mr. Manzullo, Mr. Smith of
Washington, Mr. Lampson, and Mrs. Clayton) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
April 3, 2001
Additional sponsors: Ms. Berkley, Mr. Stearns, Mr. Thomas, and Mr.
Hastert
April 3, 2001
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on March
14, 2001]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to phase out the estate and
gift taxes over a 10-year period, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; ETC.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Death Tax
Elimination Act of 2001''.
(b) Amendment of 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly
provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in
terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(c) Table of Contents.--
Sec. 1. Short title; etc.
TITLE I--REPEAL OF ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION-SKIPPING TAXES
Sec. 101. Repeal of estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes.
TITLE II--REDUCTIONS OF ESTATE AND GIFT TAX RATES PRIOR TO REPEAL
Sec. 201. Additional reductions of estate and gift tax rates.
TITLE III--UNIFIED CREDIT REPLACED WITH UNIFIED EXEMPTION AMOUNT
Sec. 301. Unified credit against estate and gift taxes replaced with
unified exemption amount.
TITLE IV--CARRYOVER BASIS AT DEATH; OTHER CHANGES TAKING EFFECT WITH
REPEAL
Sec. 401. Termination of step-up in basis at death.
Sec. 402. Treatment of property acquired from a decedent dying after
December 31, 2010.
TITLE V--CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Sec. 501. Expansion of estate tax rule for conservation easements.
TITLE VI--MODIFICATIONS OF GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFER TAX
Sec. 601. Deemed allocation of GST exemption to lifetime transfers to
trusts; retroactive allocations.
Sec. 602. Severing of trusts.
Sec. 603. Modification of certain valuation rules.
Sec. 604. Relief provisions.
TITLE VII--EXTENSION OF TIME FOR PAYMENT OF ESTATE TAX
Sec. 701. Increase in number of allowable partners and shareholders in
closely held businesses.
TITLE I--REPEAL OF ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION-SKIPPING TAXES
SEC. 101. REPEAL OF ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION-SKIPPING TAXES.
(a) In General.--Subtitle B is hereby repealed.
(b) Effective Date.--The repeal made by subsection (a) shall apply
to the estates of decedents dying, and gifts and generation-skipping
transfers made, after December 31, 2010.
TITLE II--REDUCTIONS OF ESTATE AND GIFT TAX RATES PRIOR TO REPEAL
SEC. 201. ADDITIONAL REDUCTIONS OF ESTATE AND GIFT TAX RATES.
(a) Maximum Rate of Tax Reduced to 50 Percent.--
(1) In general.--The table contained in section 2001(c)(1)
is amended by striking the two highest brackets and inserting
the following:
``Over $2,500,000..............
$1,025,800, plus 50% of the
excess over
$2,500,000.''.
(2) Phase-in of reduced rate.--Subsection (c) of section
2001 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Phase-in of reduced rate.--In the case of decedents
dying, and gifts made, during 2002, the last item in the table
contained in paragraph (1) shall be applied by substituting
`53%' for `50%'.''.
(b) Repeal of Phaseout of
2000
Graduated Rates.--Subsection (c) of
section 2001 is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating
paragraph (3), as added by subsection (a), as paragraph (2).
(c) Additional Reductions of Rates of Tax.--Subsection (c) of
section 2001, as so amended, is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(3) Phasedown of tax.--In the case of estates of
decedents dying, and gifts made, during any calendar year after
2003 and before 2011--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (C), the tentative tax under this
subsection shall be determined by using a table
prescribed by the Secretary (in lieu of using the table
contained in paragraph (1)) which is the same as such
table; except that--
``(i) each of the rates of tax shall be
reduced by the number of percentage points
determined under subparagraph (B), and
``(ii) the amounts setting forth the tax
shall be adjusted to the extent necessary to
reflect the adjustments under clause (i).
``(B) Percentage points of reduction.--
The number of
``For calendar year:
percentage points is:
2004................................... 1.0
2005................................... 2.0
2006................................... 3.0
2007................................... 5.0
2008................................... 7.0
2009................................... 9.0
2010................................... 11.0.
``(C) Coordination with income tax rates.--The
reductions under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) shall not reduce any rate under
paragraph (1) below the lowest rate in section
1(c) applicable to the taxable year which
includes the date of death (or, in the case of
a gift, the date of the gift), and
``(ii) shall not reduce the highest rate
under paragraph (1) below the highest rate in
section 1(c) for such taxable year.
``(D) Coordination with credit for state death
taxes.--Rules similar to the rules of subparagraph (A)
shall apply to the table contained in section 2011(b)
except that the Secretary shall prescribe percentage
point reductions which maintain the proportionate
relationship (as in effect before any reduction under
this paragraph) between the credit under section 2011
and the tax rates under subsection (c).''.
(d) Effective Dates.--
(1) Subsections (a) and (b).--The amendments made by
subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to estates of decedents
dying, and gifts made, after December 31, 2001.
(2) Subsection (c).--The amendment made by subsection (c)
shall apply to estates of decedents dying, and gifts made,
after December 31, 2003.
TITLE III--UNIFIED CREDIT REPLACED WITH UNIFIED EXEMPTION AMOUNT
SEC. 301. UNIFIED CREDIT AGAINST ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES REPLACED WITH
UNIFIED EXEMPTION AMOUNT.
(a) In General.--
(1) Estate tax.--Subsection (b) of section 2001 (relating
to computation of tax) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Computation of Tax.--
``(1) In general.--The tax imposed by this section shall be
the amount equal to the excess (if any) of--
``(A) the tentative tax determined under paragraph
(2), over
``(B) the aggregate amount of tax which would have
been payable under chapter 12 with respect to gifts
made by the decedent after December 31, 1976, if the
provisions of subsection (c) (as in effect at the
decedent's death) had been applicable at the time of
such gifts.
``(2) Tentative tax.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
tentative tax determined under this paragraph is a tax computed
under subsection (c) on the excess of--
``(A) the sum of--
``(i) the amount of the taxable estate, and
``(ii) the amount of the adjusted taxable
gifts, over
``(B) the exemption amount for the calendar year in
which the decedent died.
``(3) Exemption amount.--For purposes of paragraph (2), the
term `exemption amount' means the amount determined in
accordance with the following table:
``In the case of
The exemption
calendar year:
amount is:
2002 and 2003........................ $700,000
2004................................. $850,000
2005................................. $950,000
2006 or thereafter................... $1,000,000.
``(4) Adjusted taxable gifts.--For purposes of paragraph
(2), the term `adjusted taxable gifts' means the total amount
of the taxable gifts (within the meaning of section 2503) made
by the decedent after December 31, 1976, other than gifts which
are includible in the gross estate of the decedent.''.
(2) Gift tax.--Subsection (a) of section 2502 (relating to
computation of tax) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Computation of Tax.--
``(1) In general.--The tax imposed by section 2501 for each
calendar year shall be the amount equal to the excess (if any)
of--
``(A) the tentative tax determined under paragraph
(2) for such calendar year, over
``(B) the aggregate amount of tax that would have
been payable under this chapter with respect to gifts
made by the donor in preceding calendar periods if the
tax had been computed under the provisions of section
2001(c) as in effect for such calendar year.
``(2) Tentative tax.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
tentative tax determined under this paragraph for a calendar
year is a tax computed under section 2001(c) on the excess of--
``(A) the aggregate sum of the taxable gifts for
such calendar year and for each of the preceding
calendar periods, over
``(B) the exemption amount under section 2001(b)(3)
for such calendar year.''.
(b) Repeal of Unified Credits.--
(1) Section 2010 (relating to unified credit against estate
tax) is hereby repealed.
(2) Section 2505 (relating to unified credit against gift
tax) is hereby repealed.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1)(A) Subsection (b) of section 2011 is amended--
(i) by striking ``adjusted'' in the table; and
(ii) by striking the last sentence.
(B) Subsection (f) of section 2011 is amended by striking
``, reduced by the amount of the unified credit provided by
section 2010''.
(2) Subsection (a) of section 2012 is amended by striking
``and the unified credit provided by section 2010''.
2000
(3) Subparagraph (A) of section 2013(c)(1) is amended by
striking ``2010,''.
(4) Paragraph (2) of section 2014(b) is amended by striking
``2010, 2011,'' and inserting ``2011''.
(5) Clause (ii) of section 2056A(b)(12)(C) is amended to
read as follows:
``(ii) to treat any reduction in the tax
imposed by paragraph (1)(A) by reason of the
credit allowable under section 2010 (as in
effect on the day before the date of the
enactment of the Death Tax Elimination Act of
2001) or the exemption amount allowable under
section 2001(b) with respect to the decedent as
a credit under section 2505 (as so in effect)
or exemption under section 2501 (as the case
may be) allowable to such surviving spouse for
purposes of determining the amount of the
exemption allowable under section 2501 with
respect to taxable gifts made by the surviving
spouse during the year in which the spouse
becomes a citizen or any subsequent year,''.
(6) Subsection (a) of section 2057 is amended by striking
paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new
paragraph:
``(2) Maximum deduction.--The deduction allowed by this
section shall not exceed the excess of $1,300,000 over the
exemption amount (as defined in section 2001(b)(3)).''.
(7) Subsection (b) of section 2101 is amended to read as
follows:
``(b) Computation of Tax.--
``(1) In general.--The tax imposed by this section shall be
the amount equal to the excess (if any) of--
``(A) the tentative tax determined under paragraph
(2), over
``(B) a tentative tax computed under section
2001(c) on the amount of the adjusted taxable gifts.
``(2) Tentative tax.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
tentative tax determined under this paragraph is a tax computed
under section 2001(c) on the excess of--
``(A) the sum of--
``(i) the amount of the taxable estate, and
``(ii) the amount of the adjusted taxable
gifts, over
``(B) the exemption amount for the calendar year in
which the decedent died.
``(3) Exemption amount.--
``(A) In general.--The term `exemption amount'
means $60,000.
``(B) Residents of possessions of the united
states.--In the case of a decedent who is considered to
be a nonresident not a citizen of the United States
under section 2209, the exemption amount under this
paragraph shall be the greater of--
``(i) $60,000, or
``(ii) that proportion of $175,000 which
the value of that part of the decedent's gross
estate which at the time of his death is
situated in the United States bears to the
value of his entire gross estate wherever
situated.
``(C) Special rules.--
``(i) Coordination with treaties.--To the
extent required under any treaty obligation of
the United States, the exemption amount allowed
under this paragraph shall be equal to the
amount which bears the same ratio to the exemption amount under section
2001(b)(3) (for the calendar year in which the decedent died) as the
value of the part of the decedent's gross estate which at the time of
his death is situated in the United States bears to the value of his
entire gross estate wherever situated. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, property shall not be treated as situated in the United
States if such property is exempt from the tax imposed by this
subchapter under any treaty obligation of the United States.
``(ii) Coordination with gift tax exemption
and unified credit.--If an exemption has been
allowed under section 2501 (or a credit has
been allowed under section 2505 as in effect on
the day before the date of the enactment of the
Death Tax Elimination Act of 2001) with respect
to any gift made by the decedent, each dollar
amount contained in subparagraph (A) or (B) or
the exemption amount applicable under clause
(i) of this subparagraph (whichever applies)
shall be reduced by the exemption so allowed
under section 2501 (or, in the case of such a
credit, by the amount of the gift for which the
credit was so allowed).''.
(8) Section 2102 is amended by striking subsection (c).
(9)(A) Paragraph (1) of section 2107(a) is amended by
striking ``the table contained in''.
(B) Paragraph (1) of section 2107(c) is amended to read as
follows:
``(1) Exemption amount.--For purposes of subsection (a),
the exemption amount under section 2001 shall be $60,000.''
(C) Paragraph (3) of section 2107(c) is amended by striking
the second sentence.
(D) The heading of subsection (c) of section 2107 is
amended to read as follows:
``(c) Exemption Amount and Credits.--''.
(10) Paragraph (1) of section 6018(a) is amended by
striking ``the applicable exclusion amount in effect under
section 2010(c)'' and inserting ``the exemption amount under
section 2001(b)(3)''.
(11) Subparagraph (A) of section 6601(j)(2) is amended to
read as follows:
``(A) the amount of the tentative tax which would
be determined under the rate schedule set forth in
section 2001(c) if the amount with respect to which
such tentative tax is to be computed were $1,000,000,
or''.
(12) The table of sections for part II of subchapter A of
chapter 11 is amended by striking the item relating to section
2010.
(13) The table of sections for subchapter A of chapter 12
is amended by striking the item relating to section 2505.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to estates of decedents dying and gifts made after December 31,
2001.
TITLE IV--CARRYOVER BASIS AT DEATH; OTHER CHANGES TAKING EFFECT WITH
REPEAL
SEC. 401. TERMINATION OF STEP-UP IN BASIS AT DEATH.
Section 1014 (relating to basis of property acquired from a
decedent) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Termination.--This section shall not apply with respect to
decedents dying after December 31, 2010.''.
SEC. 402. TREATMENT OF PROPERTY ACQUIRED FROM A DECEDENT DYING AFTER
DECEMBER 31, 2010.
(a) General Rule.--Part II of subchapter O of chapter 1 (relating
to basis rules of general application) is amended by inserting after
section 1021 the following new section:
``SEC. 1022. TREATMENT OF PROPERTY ACQUIRED FROM A DECEDENT DYING AFTER
DECEMBER 31, 2010.
``(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section--
``(1) property acquired from a decedent dying after
December 31, 2010, shall be treated for purposes of this
2000
subtitle as transferred by gift, and
``(2) the basis of the person acquiring property from such
a decedent shall be the lesser of--
``(A) the adjusted basis of the decedent, or
``(B) the fair market value of the property at the
date of the decedent's death.
``(b) Basis Increase for Certain Property.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of property to which this
subsection applies, the basis of such property under subsection
(a) shall be increased by its basis increase under this
subsection.
``(2) Basis increase.--For purposes of this subsection--
``(A) In general.--The basis increase under this
subsection for any property is the portion of the
aggregate basis increase which is allocated to the
property pursuant to this section.
``(B) Aggregate basis increase.--In the case of any
estate, the aggregate basis increase under this
subsection is $1,300,000.
``(C) Limit increased by unused built-in losses and
loss carryovers.--The limitation under subparagraph (B)
shall be increased by--
``(i) the sum of the amount of any capital
loss carryover under section 1212(b), and the
amount of any net operating loss carryover
under section 172, which would (but for the
decedent's death) be carried from the
decedent's last taxable year to a later taxable
year of the decedent, plus
``(ii) the sum of the amount of any losses
that would have been allowable under section
165 if the property acquired from the decedent
had been sold at fair market value immediately
before the decedent's death.
``(3) Decedent nonresidents who are not citizens of the
united states.--In the case of a decedent nonresident not a
citizen of the United States--
``(A) paragraph (2)(B) shall be applied by
substituting `$60,000' for `$1,300,000', and
``(B) paragraph (2)(C) shall not apply.
``(c) Additional Basis Increase for Property Acquired by Surviving
Spouse.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of property to which this
subsection applies and which is qualified spousal property, the
basis of such property under subsection (a) (as increased, if
any, under subsection (b)) shall be increased by its spousal
property basis increase.
``(2) Spousal property basis increase.--For purposes of
this subsection--
``(A) In general.--The spousal property basis
increase for property referred to in paragraph (1) is
the portion of the aggregate spousal property basis
increase which is allocated to the property pursuant to
this section.
``(B) Aggregate spousal property basis increase.--
In the case of any estate, the aggregate spousal
property basis increase is $3,000,000.
``(3) Qualified spousal property.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `qualified spousal property' means--
``(A) outright transfer property, and
``(B) qualified terminable interest property.
``(4) Outright transfer property.--For purposes of this
subsection--
``(A) In general.--The term `outright transfer
property' means any interest in property acquired from
the decedent by the decedent's surviving spouse.
``(B) Exception.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
where, on the lapse of time, on the occurrence of an
event or contingency, or on the failure of an event or
contingency to occur, an interest passing to the
surviving spouse will terminate or fail--
``(i)(I) if an interest in such property
passes or has passed (for less than an adequate
and full consideration in money or money's
worth) from the decedent to any person other
than such surviving spouse (or the estate of
such spouse), and
``(II) if by reason of such passing such
person (or his heirs or assigns) may possess or
enjoy any part of such property after such
termination or failure of the interest so
passing to the surviving spouse, or
``(ii) if such interest is to be acquired
for the surviving spouse, pursuant to
directions of the decedent, by his executor or
by the trustee of a trust.
For purposes of this subparagraph, an interest shall
not be considered as an interest which will terminate
or fail merely because it is the ownership of a bond,
note, or similar contractual obligation, the discharge
of which would not have the effect of an annuity for
life or for a term.
``(C) Interest of spouse conditional on survival
for limited period.--For purposes of this paragraph, an
interest passing to the surviving spouse shall not be
considered as an interest which will terminate or fail
on the death of such spouse if--
``(i) such death will cause a termination
or failure of such interest only if it occurs
within a period not exceeding 6 months after
the decedent's death, or only if it occurs as a
result of a common disaster resulting in the
death of the decedent and the surviving spouse,
or only if it occurs in the case of either such
event; and
``(ii) such termination or failure does not
in fact occur.
``(5) Qualified terminable interest property.--For purposes
of this subsection--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified terminable
interest property' means property--
``(i) which passes from the decedent, and
``(ii) in which the surviving spouse has a
qualifying income interest for life.
``(B) Qualifying income interest for life.--The
surviving spouse has a qualifying income interest for
life if--
``(i) the surviving spouse is entitled to
all the income from the property, payable
annually or at more frequent intervals, or has
a usufruct interest for life in the property,
and
``(ii) no person has a power to appoint any
part of the property to any person other than
the surviving spouse.
Clause (ii) shall not apply to a power exercisable only
at or after the death of the surviving spouse. To the
extent provided in regulations, an annuity shall be
treated in a manner similar to an income interest in
property (regardless of whether the property from which
the
2000
annuity is payable can be separately identified).
``(C) Property includes interest therein.--The term
`property' includes an interest in property.
``(D) Specific portion treated as separate
property.--A specific portion of property shall be
treated as separate property. For purposes of the
preceding sentence, the term `specific portion' only
includes a portion determined on a fractional or
percentage basis.
``(d) Definitions and Special Rules for Application of Subsections
(b) and (c).--
``(1) Property to which subsections (b) and (c) apply.--
``(A) In general.--The basis of property acquired
from a decedent may be increased under subsection (b)
or (c) only if the property was owned by the decedent
at the time of death.
``(B) Rules relating to ownership.--
``(i) Jointly held property.--In the case
of property which was owned by the decedent and
another person as joint tenants with right of
survivorship or tenants by the entirety--
``(I) if the only such other person
is the surviving spouse, the decedent
shall be treated as the owner of only
50 percent of the property,
``(II) in any case (to which
subclause (I) does not apply) in which
the decedent furnished consideration
for the acquisition of the property,
the decedent shall be treated as the
owner to the extent of the portion of
the property which is proportionate to
such consideration, and
``(III) in any case (to which
subclause (I) does not apply) in which
the property has been acquired by gift,
bequest, devise, or inheritance by the
decedent and any other person as joint
tenants with right of survivorship and
their interests are not otherwise
specified or fixed by law, the decedent
shall be treated as the owner to the
extent of the value of a fractional
part to be determined by dividing the
value of the property by the number of
joint tenants with right of
survivorship.
``(ii) Revocable trusts.--The decedent
shall be treated as owning property transferred
by the decedent during life to a revocable
trust to pay all of the income during the
decedent's life to the decedent or at the
direction of the decedent.
``(iii) Powers of appointment.--The
decedent shall not be treated as owning any
property by reason of holding a power of
appointment with respect to such property.
``(iv) Community property.--Property which
represents the surviving spouse's one-half
share of community property held by the
decedent and the surviving spouse under the
community property laws of any State or
possession of the United States or any foreign
country shall be treated for purposes of this
section as owned by, and acquired from, the
decedent if at least one-half of the whole of
the community interest in such property is
treated as owned by, and acquired from, the
decedent without regard to this clause.
``(C) Property acquired by decedent by gift within
3 years of death.--
``(i) In general.--Subsections (b) and (c)
shall not apply to property acquired by the
decedent by gift or by inter vivos transfer for
less than adequate and full consideration in
money or money's worth during the 3-year period
ending on the date of the decedent's death.
``(ii) Exception for certain gifts from
spouse.--Clause (i) shall not apply to property
acquired by the decedent from the decedent's
spouse unless, during such 3-year period, such
spouse acquired the property in whole or in
part by gift or by inter vivos transfer for
less than adequate and full consideration in
money or money's worth.
``(D) Stock of certain entities.--Subsections (b)
and (c) shall not apply to--
``(i) stock or securities a foreign
personal holding company,
``(ii) stock of a DISC or former DISC,
``(iii) stock of a foreign investment
company, or
``(iv) stock of a passive foreign
investment company unless such company is a
qualified electing fund (as defined in section
1295) with respect to the decedent.
``(2) Fair market value limitation.--The adjustments under
subsection (b) and (c) shall not increase the basis of any
interest in property acquired from the decedent above its fair
market value in the hands of the decedent as of the date of the
decedent's death.
``(3) Allocation rules.--
``(A) In general.--The executor shall allocate the
adjustments under subsections (b) and (c) on the return
required by section 6018.
``(B) Changes in allocation.--Any allocation made
pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be changed only as
provided by the Secretary.
``(4) Inflation adjustment of basis adjustment amounts.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of decedents dying
in a calendar year after 2011, the $1,300,000, $60,000,
and $3,000,000 dollar amounts in subsections (b) and
(c)(2)(B) shall each be increased by an amount equal to
the product of--
``(i) such dollar amount, and
``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment
determined under section 1(f)(3) for such
calendar year, determined by substituting
`2010' for `1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
``(B) Rounding.--If any increase determined under
subparagraph (A) is not a multiple of--
``(i) $100,000 in the case of the
$1,300,000 amount,
``(ii) $5,000 in the case of the $60,000
amount, and
``(iii) $250,000 in the case of the
$3,000,000 amount,
2000
such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest
multiple thereof.
``(e) Property Acquired From the Decedent.--For purposes of this
section, the following property shall be considered to have been
acquired from the decedent:
``(1) Property acquired by bequest, devise, or inheritance,
or by the decedent's estate from the decedent.
``(2) Property transferred by the decedent during his
lifetime in trust to pay the income for life to or on the order
or direction of the decedent, with the right reserved to the
decedent at all times before his death--
``(A) to revoke the trust, or
``(B) to make any change in the enjoyment thereof
through the exercise of a power to alter, amend, or
terminate the trust.
``(3) Any other property passing from the decedent by
reason of death to the extent that such property passed without
consideration.
``(f) Coordination With Section 691.--This section shall not apply
to property which constitutes a right to receive an item of income in
respect of a decedent under section 691.
``(g) Certain Liabilities Disregarded.--In determining whether gain
is recognized on the acquisition of property--
``(1) from a decedent by a decedent's estate or any
beneficiary, and
``(2) from the decedent's estate by any beneficiary,
and in determining the adjusted basis of such property, liabilities in
excess of basis shall be disregarded.
``(h) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.''.
(b) Information Returns, Etc.--
(1) In general.--Subpart C of part II of subchapter A of
chapter 61 is amended to read as follows:
``Subpart C--Returns Relating to Transfers During Life or at Death
``Sec. 6018. Returns relating to large
transfers at death.
``Sec. 6019. Returns relating to large
lifetime gifts.
``SEC. 6018. RETURNS RELATING TO LARGE TRANSFERS AT DEATH.
``(a) In General.--If this section applies to property acquired
from a decedent, the executor of the estate of such decedent shall make
a return containing the information specified in subsection (c) with
respect to such property.
``(b) Property to Which Section Applies.--
``(1) Large transfers.--This section shall apply to all
property (other than cash) acquired from a decedent if the fair
market value of such property acquired from the decedent
exceeds the dollar amount applicable under section
1022(b)(2)(B) (without regard to section 1022(b)(2)(C)).
``(2) Transfers of certain gifts received by decedent
within 3 years of death.--This section shall apply to any
appreciated property acquired from the decedent if--
``(A) subsections (b) and (c) of section 1022 do
not apply to such property by reason of section
1022(d)(1)(C), and
``(B) such property was required to be included on
a return required to be filed under section 6019.
``(3) Nonresidents not citizens of the united states.--In
the case of a decedent who is a nonresident not a citizen of
the United States, paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be applied--
``(A) by taking into account only--
``(i) tangible property situated in the
United States, and
``(ii) other property acquired from the
decedent by a United States person, and
``(B) by substituting the dollar amount applicable
under section 1022(b)(3) for the dollar amount referred
to in paragraph (1).
``(4) Returns by trustees or beneficiaries.--If the
executor is unable to make a complete return as to any property
acquired from or passing from the decedent, the executor shall
include in the return a description of such property and the
name of every person holding a legal or beneficial interest
therein. Upon notice from the Secretary such person shall in
like manner make a return as to such property.
``(c) Information Required To Be Furnished.--The information
specified in this subsection with respect to any property acquired from
the decedent is--
``(1) the name and TIN of the recipient of such property,
``(2) an accurate description of such property,
``(3) the adjusted basis of such property in the hands of
the decedent and its fair market value at the time of death,
``(4) the decedent's holding period for such property,
``(5) sufficient information to determine whether any gain
on the sale of the property would be treated as ordinary
income,
``(6) the amount of basis increase allocated to the
property under subsection (b) or (c) of section 1022, and
``(7) such other information as the Secretary may by
regulations prescribe.
``(d) Property Acquired From Decedent.--For purposes of this
section, section 1022 shall apply for purposes of determining the
property acquired from a decedent.
``(e) Statements To Be Furnished to Certain Persons.--Every person
required to make a return under subsection (a) shall furnish to each
person whose name is required to be set forth in such return (other
than the person required to make such return) a written statement
showing--
``(1) the name, address, and phone number of the person
required to make such return, and
``(2) the information specified in subsection (c) with
respect to property acquired from, or passing from, the
decedent to the person required to receive such statement.
The written statement required under the preceding sentence shall be
furnished not later than 30 days after the date that the return
required by subsection (a) is filed.
``SEC. 6019. RETURNS RELATING TO LARGE LIFETIME GIFTS.
``(a) In General.--If the value of the aggregate gifts of property
made by an individual to any United States person during a calendar
year exceeds $25,000, such individual shall make a return for such year
setting forth--
``(1) the name and TIN of the donee,
``(2) an accurate description of such property,
``(3) the adjusted basis of such property in the hands of
the donor at the time of the gift,
``(4) the donor's holding period for such property,
``(5) sufficient information to determine whether any gain
on the sale of the property would be treated as ordinary
income, and
``(6) such other information as the Secretary may by
regulations prescribe.
``(b) Exceptions.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to--
``(1) Cash.--Any gift of cash.
``(2) Gifts to charity.--Any gift to an organization
described in section 501(c) and exempt from tax under section
501(a) but only if no interest in the property is held for the
benefit of any person other than such an organization.
``(3) Waiver of certain pension rights individual waives,
before the death of a participant, any survivor benefit, or
right to such benefit, under section 401(a)(11) or 417,
subsection (a) shall not apply to such waiver.
``(4) Reporting elsewhere.--Any gift required to be
reported to the Secretary under any other provision of this
title.
``(c) Statements To Be Furnished to Certain Persons.--Every person
required to make a return under subsection (a) shall furnish to each
person whose name is required to be set forth in
2000
such return a written
statement showing--
``(1) the name, address, and phone number of the person
required to make such return, and
``(2) the information specified in subsection (a) with
respect to property received by the person required to receive
such statement.
The written statement required under the preceding sentence shall be
furnished on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar
year for which the return under subsection (a) was required to be
made.''
(2) Time for filing section 6018 returns.--
(A) Returns relating to large transfers at death.--
Subsection (a) of section 6075 is amended to read as
follows:
``(a) Returns Relating to Large Transfers at Death.--The return
required by section 6018 with respect to a decedent shall be filed with
the return of the tax imposed by chapter 1 for the decedent's last
taxable year or such later date specified in regulations prescribed by
the Secretary.''
(B) Returns relating to large lifetime gifts.--
(i) The heading for section 6075(b) is
amended to read as follows:
``(b) Returns Relating to Large Lifetime Gifts.--''.
(ii) Paragraph (1) of section 6075(b) is
amended by striking ``(relating to gift
taxes)'' and inserting ``(relating to returns
relating to large lifetime gifts)''.
(iii) Paragraph (3) of section 6075(b) is
amended--
(I) by striking ``estate tax
return'' and inserting ``section 6018
return'', and
(II) by striking ``(relating to
estate tax returns)'' and inserting
``(relating to returns relating to
large transfers at death)''.
(3) Penalties.--Part I of subchapter B of chapter 68
(relating to assessable penalties) is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:
``SEC. 6716. FAILURE TO FILE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN
TRANSFERS AT DEATH AND GIFTS.
``(a) Information Required To Be Furnished to the Secretary.--Any
person required to furnish any information under section 6018 or 6019
who fails to furnish such information on the date prescribed therefor
(determined with regard to any extension of time for filing) shall pay
a penalty of $10,000 ($500 in the case of information required to be
furnished under section 6018(b)(2) or 6019) for each such failure.
``(b) Information Required To Be Furnished to Beneficiaries.--Any
person required to furnish in writing to each person described in
section 6018(e) or 6019(c) the information required under such section
who fails to furnish such information shall pay a penalty of $50 for
each such failure.
``(c) Reasonable Cause Exception.--No penalty shall be imposed
under subsection (a) or (b) with respect to any failure if it is shown
that such failure is due to reasonable cause.
``(d) Intentional Disregard.--If any failure under subsection (a)
or (b) is due to intentional disregard of the requirements under
sections 6018 and 6019, the penalty under such subsection shall be 5
percent of the fair market value (as of the date of death or, in the
case of section 6019, the date of the gift) of the property with
respect to which the information is required.
``(e) Deficiency Procedures Not To Apply.--Subchapter B of chapter
63 (relating to deficiency procedures for income, estate, gift, and
certain excise taxes) shall not apply in respect of the assessment or
collection of any penalty imposed by this section.''
(4) Clerical amendments.--
(A) The table of sections for part I of subchapter
B of chapter 68 is amended by adding at the end the
following new item:
``Sec. 6716. Failure to file information
with respect to certain
transfers at death and gifts.''
(B) The item relating to subpart C in the table of
subparts for part II of subchapter A of chapter 61 is
amended to read as follows:
``Subpart C. Returns relating to
transfers during life or at
death.''
(c) Exclusion of Gain on Sale of Principal Residence Made Available
to Heir of Decedent in Certain Cases.--Subsection (d) of section 121
(relating to exclusion of gain from sale of principal residence) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) Property acquired from a decedent.--The exclusion
under this section shall apply to property sold by--
``(A) the estate of a decedent, and
``(B) any individual who acquired such property
from the decedent (within the meaning of section 1022),
determined by taking into account the ownership and use by the
decedent.''
(d) Transfers of Appreciated Carryover Basis Property To Satisfy
Pecuniary Bequest.--
(1) In general.--Section 1040 (relating to transfer of
certain farm, etc., real property) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 1040. USE OF APPRECIATED CARRYOVER BASIS PROPERTY TO SATISFY
PECUNIARY BEQUEST.
``(a) In General.--If the executor of the estate of any decedent
satisfies the right of any person to receive a pecuniary bequest with
appreciated property, then gain on such exchange shall be recognized to
the estate only to the extent that, on the date of such exchange, the
fair market value of such property exceeds such value on the date of
death.
``(b) Similar Rule for Certain Trusts.--To the extent provided in
regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a rule similar to the rule
provided in subsection (a) shall apply where--
``(1) by reason of the death of the decedent, a person has
a right to receive from a trust a specific dollar amount which
is the equivalent of a pecuniary bequest, and
``(2) the trustee of a trust satisfies such right with
property.
``(c) Basis of Property Acquired in Exchange Described in
Subsection (a) or (b).--The basis of property acquired in an exchange
with respect to which gain realized is not recognized by reason of
subsection (a) or (b) shall be the basis of such property immediately
before the exchange increased by the amount of the gain recognized to
the estate or trust on the exchange.''
(2) The item relating to section 1040 in the table of
sections for part III of subchapter O of chapter 1 is amended
to read as follows:
``Sec. 1040. Use of appreciated carryover
basis property to satisfy
pecuniary bequest.''
(e) Anti-Abuse Rules.--Section 7701 is amended by redesignating
subsection (n) as subsection (o) and by inserting after subsection (m)
the following new subsection:
``(n) Purported Gifts May Be Disregarded.--For purposes of subtitle
A, the Secretary may treat a transfer which purports to be a gift as
having never been transferred if, in connection with such transfer--
``(1)(A) the transferor (or any person related to or
designated by the transferor or such person) has received
anything of value in connection with such transfer from the
transferee directly or indirectly, or
``(B) there is an understanding or expectation that the
transferor (or such person) will receive anything of value in
connection with such tran
2000
sfer from the transferee directly or
indirectly, and
``(2) the Secretary determines that such treatment is
appropriate to prevent avoidance of tax imposed by subtitle
A.''
(f) Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Carryover Basis.--
(1) Recognition of gain on transfers to nonresidents.--
(A) Subsection (a) of section 684 is amended by
inserting ``or to a nonresident not a citizen of the
United States'' after ``or trust''.
``(B) Subsection (b) of section 684 is amended by
striking ``any person'' and inserting ``any United
States person''.
(C) The section heading for section 684 is amended
by inserting ``and nonresident aliens'' after
``estates''.
(D) The item relating to section 684 in the table
of sections for subpart F of part I of subchapter J of
chapter 1 is amended by inserting ``and nonresident
aliens'' after ``estates''.
(2) Capital gain treatment for inherited art work or
similar property.--
(A) In general.--Subparagraph (C) of section
1221(a)(3) (defining capital asset) is amended by
inserting ``(other than by reason of section 1022)''
after ``is determined''.
(B) Coordination with section 170.--Paragraph (1)
of section 170(e) (relating to certain contributions of
ordinary income and capital gain property) is amended
by adding at the end the following: ``For purposes of
this paragraph, the determination of whether property
is a capital asset shall be made without regard to the
exception contained in section 1221(a)(3)(C) for basis
determined under section 1022.''.
(3) Definition of executor.--Section 7701(a) (relating to
definitions) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(47) Executor.--The term `executor' means the executor or
administrator of the decedent, or, if there is no executor or
administrator appointed, qualified, and acting within the
United States, then any person in actual or constructive
possession of any property of the decedent.''.
(4) Certain trusts.--Subparagraph (A) of section 4947(a)(2)
is amended by inserting ``642(c),'' after ``170(f)(2)(B),''.
(5) Other amendments.--
(A) Section 1246 is amended by striking subsection
(e).
(B) Subsection (e) of section 1291 is amended--
(i) by striking ``(e),'', and
(ii) by striking ``; except that'' and all
that follows and inserting a period.
(C) Section 1296 is amended by striking subsection
(i).
(6) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for part II
of subchapter O of chapter 1 is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 1021 the following new item:
``Sec. 1022. Treatment of property
acquired from a decedent dying
after December 31, 2010.''.
(g) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amendments made by this section shall apply to estates of
decedents dying after December 31, 2010.
(2) Purported gifts, etc.--The amendments made by
subsections (e) and (f)(1) shall apply to transfers after
December 31, 2010.
(3) Section 4947.--The amendment made by subsection (f)(4)
shall apply to deductions for taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2010.
(h) Study.--The Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's
delegate shall conduct a study of--
(1) opportunities for avoidance of the income tax, if any,
and
(2) potential increases in income tax revenues,
by reason of the enactment of this Act. The study shall be submitted to
the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Finance of the Senate not later than December 31, 2002.
TITLE V--CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
SEC. 501. EXPANSION OF ESTATE TAX RULE FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS.
(a) Where Land Is Located.--Clause (i) of section 2031(c)(8)(A)
(defining land subject to a conservation easement) is amended--
(1) by striking ``25 miles'' each place it appears and
inserting ``50 miles''; and
(2) striking ``10 miles'' and inserting ``25 miles''.
(b) Clarification of Date for Determining Value of Land and
Easement.--Section 2031(c)(2) (defining applicable percentage) is
amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The values
taken into account under the preceding sentence shall be such values as
of the date of the contribution referred to in paragraph (8)(B).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2000.
TITLE VI--MODIFICATIONS OF GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFER TAX
SEC. 601. DEEMED ALLOCATION OF GST EXEMPTION TO LIFETIME TRANSFERS TO
TRUSTS; RETROACTIVE ALLOCATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 2632 (relating to special rules for
allocation of GST exemption) is amended by redesignating subsection (c)
as subsection (e) and by inserting after subsection (b) the following
new subsections:
``(c) Deemed Allocation to Certain Lifetime Transfers to GST
Trusts.--
``(1) In general.--If any individual makes an indirect skip
during such individual's lifetime, any unused portion of such
individual's GST exemption shall be allocated to the property
transferred to the extent necessary to make the inclusion ratio
for such property zero. If the amount of the indirect skip
exceeds such unused portion, the entire unused portion shall be
allocated to the property transferred.
``(2) Unused portion.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
unused portion of an individual's GST exemption is that portion
of such exemption which has not previously been--
``(A) allocated by such individual,
``(B) treated as allocated under subsection (b)
with respect to a direct skip occurring during or
before the calendar year in which the indirect skip is
made, or
``(C) treated as allocated under paragraph (1) with
respect to a prior indirect skip.
``(3) Definitions.--
``(A) Indirect skip.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `indirect skip' means any transfer
of property (other than a direct skip) subject to the
tax imposed by chapter 12 made to a GST trust.
``(B) GST trust.--The term `GST trust' means a
trust that could have a generation-skipping transfer
with respect to the transferor unless--
``(i) the trust instrument provides that
more than 25 percent of the trust corpus must
be distributed to or may be withdrawn by one or
more individuals who are non-skip persons--
``(I) before the date that the
individual attains age 46,
``(II) on or before one or more
dates specified in the trust
instrument that will occur before the date that such individual attains
age 46, or
``(III) upon the occurrence of an
2000
event that, in accordance with
regulations prescribed by the
Secretary, may reasonably be expected
to occur before the date that such
individual attains age 46;
``(ii) the trust instrument provides that
more than 25 percent of the trust corpus must
be distributed to or may be withdrawn by one or
more individuals who are non-skip persons and
who are living on the date of death of another
person identified in the instrument (by name or
by class) who is more than 10 years older than
such individuals;
``(iii) the trust instrument provides that,
if one or more individuals who are non-skip
persons die on or before a date or event
described in clause (i) or (ii), more than 25
percent of the trust corpus either must be
distributed to the estate or estates of one or
more of such individuals or is subject to a
general power of appointment exercisable by one
or more of such individuals;
``(iv) the trust is a trust any portion of
which would be included in the gross estate of
a non-skip person (other than the transferor)
if such person died immediately after the
transfer;
``(v) the trust is a charitable lead
annuity trust (within the meaning of section
2642(e)(3)(A)) or a charitable remainder
annuity trust or a charitable remainder
unitrust (within the meaning of section
664(d)); or
``(vi) the trust is a trust with respect to
which a deduction was allowed under section
2522 for the amount of an interest in the form
of the right to receive annual payments of a
fixed percentage of the net fair market value
of the trust property (determined yearly) and
which is required to pay principal to a non-
skip person if such person is alive when the
yearly payments for which the deduction was
allowed terminate.
For purposes of this subparagraph, the value of
transferred property shall not be considered to be
includible in the gross estate of a non-skip person or
subject to a right of withdrawal by reason of such
person holding a right to withdraw so much of such
property as does not exceed the amount referred to in
section 2503(b) with respect to any transferor, and it
shall be assumed that powers of appointment held by
non-skip persons will not be exercised.
``(4) Automatic allocations to certain gst trusts.--For
purposes of this subsection, an indirect skip to which section
2642(f) applies shall be deemed to have been made only at the
close of the estate tax inclusion period. The fair market value
of such transfer shall be the fair market value of the trust
property at the close of the estate tax inclusion period.
``(5) Applicability and effect.--
``(A) In general.--An individual--
``(i) may elect to have this subsection not
apply to--
``(I) an indirect skip, or
``(II) any or all transfers made by
such individual to a particular trust,
and
``(ii) may elect to treat any trust as a
GST trust for purposes of this subsection with
respect to any or all transfers made by such
individual to such trust.
``(B) Elections.--
``(i) Elections with respect to indirect
skips.--An election under subparagraph
(A)(i)(I) shall be deemed to be timely if filed
on a timely filed gift tax return for the
calendar year in which the transfer was made or
deemed to have been made pursuant to paragraph
(4) or on such later date or dates as may be
prescribed by the Secretary.
``(ii) Other elections.--An election under
clause (i)(II) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) may
be made on a timely filed gift tax return for
the calendar year for which the election is to
become effective.
``(d) Retroactive Allocations.--
``(1) In general.--If--
``(A) a non-skip person has an interest or a future
interest in a trust to which any transfer has been
made,
``(B) such person--
``(i) is a lineal descendant of a
grandparent of the transferor or of a
grandparent of the transferor's spouse or
former spouse, and
``(ii) is assigned to a generation below
the generation assignment of the transferor,
and
``(C) such person predeceases the transferor,
then the transferor may make an allocation of any of such
transferor's unused GST exemption to any previous transfer or
transfers to the trust on a chronological basis.
``(2) Special rules.--If the allocation under paragraph (1)
by the transferor is made on a gift tax return filed on or
before the date prescribed by section 6075(b) for gifts made
within the calendar year within which the non-skip person's
death occurred--
``(A) the value of such transfer or transfers for
purposes of section 2642(a) shall be determined as if
such allocation had been made on a timely filed gift
tax return for each calendar year within which each
transfer was made,
``(B) such allocation shall be effective
immediately before such death, and
``(C) the amount of the transferor's unused GST
exemption available to be allocated shall be determined
immediately before such death.
``(3) Future interest.--For purposes of this subsection, a
person has a future interest in a trust if the trust may permit
income or corpus to be paid to such person on a date or dates
in the future.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (2) of section 2632(b) is
amended by striking ``with respect to a prior direct skip'' and
inserting ``or subsection (c)(1)''.
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) Deemed allocation.--Section 2632(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by subsection (a)), and the
amendment made by subsection (b), shall apply to transfers
subject to chapter 11 or 12 made after December 31, 2000, and
to estate tax inclusion periods ending after December 31, 2000.
(2) Retroactive allocations.--S
2000
ection 2632(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by subsection (a))
shall apply to deaths of non-skip persons occurring after
December 31, 2000.
SEC. 602. SEVERING OF TRUSTS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 2642 (relating to
inclusion ratio) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Severing of trusts.--
``(A) In general.--If a trust is severed in a
qualified severance, the trusts resulting from such
severance shall be treated as separate trusts
thereafter for purposes of this chapter.
``(B) Qualified severance.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) In general.--The term `qualified
severance' means the division of a single trust
and the creation (by any means available under
the governing instrument or under local law) of
two or more trusts if--
``(I) the single trust was divided
on a fractional basis, and
``(II) the terms of the new trusts,
in the aggregate, provide for the same
succession of interests of
beneficiaries as are provided in the
original trust.
``(ii) Trusts with inclusion ratio greater
than zero.--If a trust has an inclusion ratio
of greater than zero and less than 1, a
severance is a qualified severance only if the
single trust is divided into two trusts, one of
which receives a fractional share of the total
value of all trust assets equal to the
applicable fraction of the single trust
immediately before the severance. In such case,
the trust receiving such fractional share shall
have an inclusion ratio of zero and the other
trust shall have an inclusion ratio of 1.
``(iii) Regulations.--The term `qualified
severance' includes any other severance
permitted under regulations prescribed by the
Secretary.
``(C) Timing and manner of severances.--A severance
pursuant to this paragraph may be made at any time. The
Secretary shall prescribe by forms or regulations the
manner in which the qualified severance shall be
reported to the Secretary.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to severances after December 31, 2000.
SEC. 603. MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN VALUATION RULES.
(a) Gifts for Which Gift Tax Return Filed or Deemed Allocation
Made.--Paragraph (1) of section 2642(b) (relating to valuation rules,
etc.) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) Gifts for which gift tax return filed or deemed
allocation made.--If the allocation of the GST exemption to any
transfers of property is made on a gift tax return filed on or
before the date prescribed by section 6075(b) for such transfer
or is deemed to be made under section 2632 (b)(1) or (c)(1)--
``(A) the value of such property for purposes of
subsection (a) shall be its value as finally determined
for purposes of chapter 12 (within the meaning of
section 2001(f)(2)), or, in the case of an allocation
deemed to have been made at the close of an estate tax
inclusion period, its value at the time of the close of
the estate tax inclusion period, and
``(B) such allocation shall be effective on and
after the date of such transfer, or, in the case of an
allocation deemed to have been made at the close of an
estate tax inclusion period, on and after the close of
such estate tax inclusion period.''.
(b) Transfers at Death.--Subparagraph (A) of section 2642(b)(2) is
amended to read as follows:
``(A) Transfers at death.--If property is
transferred as a result of the death of the transferor,
the value of such property for purposes of subsection
(a) shall be its value as finally determined for
purposes of chapter 11; except that, if the
requirements prescribed by the Secretary respecting
allocation of post-death changes in value are not met,
the value of such property shall be determined as of
the time of the distribution concerned.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to transfers subject to chapter 11 or 12 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 made after December 31, 2000.
SEC. 604. RELIEF PROVISIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 2642 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(g) Relief Provisions.--
``(1) Relief from late elections.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall by
regulation prescribe such circumstances and procedures
under which extensions of time will be granted to
make--
``(i) an allocation of GST exemption
described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection
(b), and
``(ii) an election under subsection (b)(3)
or (c)(5) of section 2632.
Such regulations shall include procedures for
requesting comparable relief with respect to transfers
made before the date of the enactment of this
paragraph.
``(B) Basis for determinations.--In determining
whether to grant relief under this paragraph, the
Secretary shall take into account all relevant
circumstances, including evidence of intent contained
in the trust instrument or instrument of transfer and
such other factors as the Secretary deems relevant. For
purposes of determining whether to grant relief under
this paragraph, the time for making the allocation (or
election) shall be treated as if not expressly
prescribed by statute.
``(2) Substantial compliance.--An allocation of GST
exemption under section 2632 that demonstrates an intent to
have the lowest possible inclusion ratio with respect to a
transfer or a trust shall be deemed to be an allocation of so
much of the transferor's unused GST exemption as produces the
lowest possible inclusion ratio. In determining whether there
has been substantial compliance, all relevant circumstances
shall be taken into account, including evidence of intent
contained in the trust instrument or instrument of transfer and
such other factors as the Secretary deems relevant.''.
(b) Effective Dates.--
(1) Relief from late elections.--Section 2642(g)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by subsection (a))
shall apply to requests pending on, or filed after, December
31, 2000.
(2) Substantial compliance.--Section 2642(g)(2) of such
Code (as so added) shall apply to transfers subject to chapter
11 or 12 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 made after
December 31, 2000. No implication is intended with respect to
54a
the availability of relief from late elections or the
application of a rule of substantial compliance on or before
such date.
TITLE VII--EXTENSION OF TIME FOR PAYMENT OF ESTATE TAX
SEC. 701. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE PARTNERS AND SHAREHOLDERS IN
CLOSELY HELD BUSINESSES.
(a) In General.--Paragraphs (1)(B)(ii), (1)(C)(ii), and
(9)(B)(iii)(I) of section 6166(b) (relating to definitions and special
rules) are each amended by striking ``15'' and inserting ``45''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2001.
Union Calendar No. 26
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 8
[Report No. 107-37]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to phase out the estate and
gift taxes over a 10-year period, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
April 3, 2001
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
0