Estate taxes and asset accumulation

Abstract

This paper describes changes in the estate tax over the last few decades in the United States and analyzes its motivation and effects on tax revenue and asset accumulation. Utilizing both aggregate and individual data for the last four decades, we find evidence of individuals responding to higher estate tax rates by shifting away from asset accumulation. We also find some weaker evidence that much of it occurs through reductions in the most liquid forms of assets. © Family Firm Institute, Inc.