Estate Tax Relief Seems on Track in Annapolis

Democratic Leaders Adopt Idea Long-backed by Republicans

Benjamin Orr, executive director of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, said that if he could allocate $90 million a year from the state’s revenues for tax relief, reducing the estate tax wouldn’t be his choice.

Orr said affluent Marylanders already have estate-planning tools they can use to reduce their tax liability. He would rather see an increase in the state’s earned income tax credit, which benefits the working poor.

“The burden of taxation already falls disproportionately on those less able to pay,” he said. “If you’re able to leave an estate worth $1 million to your heirs, you’re not in too terrible a position.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-bz-estate-tax-20140130,0,3541419,full.story