As the U.S. Congress reviews proposed legislation affecting the federal estate tax law, which is currently scheduled to be fully repealed as of January 1, 2010, individuals may want to consider whether their states impose separate inheritance or estate taxes, and whether such taxes may apply to their estates or beneficiaries. A focus on state estate and inheritance taxes has become increasingly relevant as states create new ways to bolster their tax revenues. Some states are increasing their inheritance and estate taxes, and other states without these taxes are enacting legislation to create them.

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