In 2001, the [George W.] Bush administration, and the Republicans who then controlled the Congress, purported to repeal the Estate Tax. The provisions of the 2001 Tax Bill progressively reduced rates and increased exemptions through 2009. Then the tax was repealed in its entirety beginning in 2010.
In an exercise of spectacular intellectual dishonesty, however, and to "make the numbers come out right" according to the Congressional Budget Office's "scoring process", the tax reappears in 2011 at the 2001 rate - 55% with a $1 million exemption.
Assuming, then, that Granny is even modestly wealthy, the incentives for pushing her under a bus next year are higher than we might care to think about. If there is no convenient bus, then a close encounter with a pillow may well serve.
[Full disclosure: both of my parents are dead and I am not named as a beneficiary in any one's will].
It is not right to tempt the Ungodly but that is what the Congress has done. Wealthy parents and grandparents, particularly those who are ill and frail, may want to keep a wary eye on their descendants.
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At the time, I recall reading someone who suggested that the Act be entitled "The Throw Momma From The Train Act of 2001" for exactly taht reason. Could have been George Will.
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