How To Avoid Paying Inheritance Tax

When approaching the notion of how to avoid paying inheritance tax, there are things you should keep in mind. All pre-planning employed by your benefactors should be investigated. State and Federal governments cannot be trusted. Honest attorneys are few and far between.

1. Maybe your deceased loved ones were smarter than you thought.  First and foremost, you shouldn’t underestimate the intelligence of your benefactors. More specifically, know that many individuals have purposefully or intuitively bequeathed funds and properties to beneficiaries in a way that employs legal loopholes. As an example, bequeathing properties with retroactive interest where value is concerned often negates taxes otherwise owed by receivers of such valued interests after the owner’s death. 
2. Figures don’t lie…but liars can figure. The complexities of the US Tax Code were basically put in place to benefit wealthy individuals. But upon investigation you’ll find that this ponderous tome can also be employed to benefit the regular working stiff.  So keep in mind that if you have common sense, patience and a good pair of reading glasses that you can avoid paying inheritance tax (or at least a portion of it) by sifting through the laws in place.
3. Attorneys don’t have to be your enemies. A reputable attorney can actually be found with proper investigation. So don’t be put off by approaching one of them if  you feel you are in over your head as you claim what is rightfully yours. But it is advised that you pay such barristers no more than 10% of the final settlement while learning how to avoid paying inheritance tax.  (And such fees should be made also tax deductible...as any reputable litigator will tell you.)   

Otherwise, bear in mind that any bequest you receive should be subject to taxation…but none so severe that it insults the beloved deceased’s wishes for you to receive what they’ve left you.