Randy and Sharon are retiring. Their attorney advised each of them to transfer to both of their children (Gerald and Shelia) and each of their 8 grandchildren (Eric, Stanley, Kyle, Kenny, Bebe, Butters, Timmy, and Jimmy) a total of $34,000 per year ($17,000 from Randy and $17,000 from Sharon). This means that each year, Randy and Sharon can "gift" to their family members a total of $34,000. Why would their attorney suggest that Randy and Sharon give away their assets in such a manner?
Question 39 options:
1)
Because Randy and Sharon are retired and are in a lower tax bracket than their children so Randy and Sharon will benefit by paying the gift tax based on their tax brackets instead of their children's tax bracket, which is much higher.
2)
Because the tax bracket that Randy and Sharon's children fall into is smaller than Randy and Sharon's tax bracket; therefore, their children will pay fewer taxes on this income than if they waited until Randy and Sharon were deceased to receive the income.
3)
Because their attorney is an unscrupulous evil-doer who thinks only of herself. She knows that she will receive a huge commission check from this transfer each year so she advises them to transfer this money each year.
4)
Because their attorney knows that they can each legally gift $17,000 to any one that they choose each year-tax free.