While some may think we are in a good position to keep family forests intact because no estate tax is being collected in 2010, the tax rate will skyrocket to 55% in 2011 and the exemption level will dip to only $1 million, capturing many more unsuspecting land-rich and cash-poor families who own forests.

 

Write your Senators today, asking them to Fix the Estate Tax Before High Tax Rates and Low Exemption Levels Are Triggered in 2011. Specifically, our Senators should pass legislation to take effect in 2011, that exempts estates valued at $5 million or less (adjusted for inflation) from the estate tax and tax estates valued above $5 million at no more than a 35% tax rate. Additionally, the Senate should enact estate tax exemptions for families that choose to keep their land in the family and keep it a healthy, working forests.

 

A sample letter is available for you to e-mail or copy and modify, then send separately to tell your story.  If you have already written your Senators, it doesn't hurt to remind them again with another letter!