1. Chester is preparing the estate tax return, Form 706, for his deceased brother John. John died December 15 of the current year. Which of the following will NOT be included in John’s gross estate?
2. Candace died on January 20, 2025. The assets included in her estate were valued as follows:
 
1/20/2025
7/20/2025
10/20/2025
House
$13,000,000
$12,900,000
$12,700,000
Stocks
  12,850,000
  12,700,000
  13,000,000
The executor sold the house on October 20, 2025, for $12,700,000. The alternate valuation date was properly elected. What is the value of Candace’s estate?
3. John, who was not married, died on October 12, 2025. He did not leave any of his assets to charity. Given the following information, may the executor of the estate make the alternate valuation election and, if so, what is the value of the gross estate on the alternate valuation date?
 
FMV
Date of
Death
FMV
Alternate
Valuation
Residence
$16,000,000 
$16,010,000 
Installment note
5,000 
500 
Stock
600,000 
350,000 
Expenses
(450,000)
(300,000)
4. After Mary died on June 30 of the current year, her executor identified the following items belonging to her estate:
  1. Personal residence with a fair market value of $400,000 and an existing mortgage of $100,000
  2. Certificate of deposit in the amount of $150,000 of which $10,000 was accrued interest payable at maturity on August 1
  3. Stock portfolio with a value at date of death of $2,000,000 and a basis of $500,000
  4. Life insurance policy, with her daughter named as an irrevocable beneficiary, in the amount of $150,000

Assuming that no alternate valuation date is elected, what is the gross value of Mary’s estate?

5. Following are the fair market values of Wald’s assets at the date of death:
Personal effects and jewelry
$ 2,298,000
Land bought by Wald with Wald’s funds 5 years prior to death and held with Wald’s sister as joint tenants with right of survivorship
11,490,000
The executor of Wald’s estate did not elect the alternate valuation date. The amount includible as Wald’s gross estate in the federal estate tax return is
6. Carl died on June 1, 2025. After determining that an estate tax return will be required, his executor decided to use the alternate valuation date for valuing the gross estate. Which of the following dates will be the alternate valuation date?
7. Which of the following items are included in a decedent’s gross estate?
  1. The decedent’s IRA, where the decedent’s spouse is the named beneficiary.
  2. A checking account with the decedent’s daughter as a joint tenant. The daughter’s funds were used to set up the account.
  3. Assets held in the decedent’s revocable grantor trust.
8. When Lisa’s husband died in 2022, a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust he had set up, named Lisa as the beneficiary for her life. Lisa died in 2025. Given the following information, determine the value of Lisa’s gross estate:
FMV at Date
of Death
Lisa’s revocable grantor trust
$   750,000
QTIP trust
 1,000,000
9. A decedent’s gross estate includes the value of all property to the extent of the decedent’s interest in the property at the time of death. Which one of the following items is NOT included in the gross estate?
10. Sam is single. Given the following information, determine the value of Sam’s gross estate:
FMV at    
Date of Death
Cash
$  15,000 
Life insurance on Sam’s life (payable to his estate)
200,000 
Jointly owned property (percentage includible-100%)
100,000 
11. Given the following information, determine the value of Sara’s gross estate:
FMV at    
Date of Death
Beneficiary for life of a QTIP trust (qualified terminable interest property)
$2,000,000 
Irrevocable trust (Sara was the grantor, but retained no interest in the trust)
1,000,000 
Revocable grantor type trust (Sara was the grantor)
500,000 
12. Mrs. Flame passed away on March 15, 2025. The assets included in her estate were properly valued as follows:
 
3/15/2025
7/15/2025
9/15/2025
Personal residence
$14,500,000
$14,600,000
$14,700,000
Stocks held
   2,000,000
   1,700,000
   1,750,000
The executor sold the home on July 15, 2025, for $14,600,000. The alternate valuation date was properly elected. What is the value of the estate reported for estate tax purposes?
13. Mr. C died on June 30 of the current year. Based on the following facts, compute Mr. C’s gross estate:
  1. Last year, C gave cash of $50,000 to his friend. No gift tax was paid on the gift.
  2. C held property jointly with his brother. Each paid $30,000 of the total purchase price of $60,000. Fair market value of the property at date of death was $100,000.
  3. Two years ago, C purchased a life insurance policy on his life and gave it as a gift to his sister. C retained the right to change the beneficiary. Upon C’s death, his sister received $150,000 under the policy.
  4. Ten years ago, C gave his son a summer home (fair market value when gifted was $125,000). C continued to use it until his death pursuant to an understanding with his son. Fair market value at date of death was $175,000.
14. Mr. Park died on December 1 of the current year. The alternate valuation method was not elected. The assets in his estate were valued as of the date of death as follows:
Home
$5,400,000
Car
30,000
Stocks, bonds, and savings
350,000
Jewelry
25,000
Dividends date of record November 15, not paid as of December 1
5,000
Accrued interest on savings as of December 1
2,500
Life insurance (proceeds receivable by the estate)
300,000
What is the amount of Mr. Park’s gross estate?
15. Harry, a single person, died in 2025. The executor does not elect the alternate valuation date. Given the following information, determine the value of Harry’s gross estate.
Assets of the Estate
FMV at Date of Death
Certificates of deposit
$   100,000
Mortgage receivable on sale of property
2,000,000
Paintings and collectibles
500,000
Income tax refund due from 2024 individual tax return
30,000
Household goods and personal effects
20,000
16. John, a single taxpayer, died on March 3, 2025. Based on the following information, determine the value of John’s gross estate.
FMV at Date
of Death
Life insurance on John’s life
(payable to John’s estate)
$1,250,000
John’s revocable grantor trust
  1,700,000
Stock given to John’s son
in 2024 (no gift tax was paid)
      50,000
17. Which of the following statements concerning the alternate valuation election is true?
18. Which of the following provisions regarding the election of the alternate valuation method for property included in the decedent’s gross estate is false?
19. Ms. Pub died on February 28, 2025. The assets that comprised her estate were valued as follows:
 
2/28/2025
6/28/2025
8/28/2025
House
$12,000,000
$11,900,000
$11,800,000
Stocks
   3,950,000
   3,975,000
   3,875,000
Bonds
   1,500,000
   1,500,000
   1,540,000
The executor sold the home on June 28, 2025, for $11,900,000. The executor properly elected the alternate-valuation-date method. What is the value of Ms. Pub’s estate?
20. Laura’s gross estate equals $16,000,000. Given the following information, determine Laura’s taxable estate:
Charitable contribution specified in Laura’s will
$100,000
Funeral expenses
10,000
Medical expenses claimed on Laura’s Form 1040
20,000
21. Sara, a cash-basis taxpayer, died September 30, 2025. Assume the following details regarding the assets of her estate:
  1. Sara’s home was appraised for $14,500,000 at the date of her death and sold on March 15, 2026, for $14,450,000.
  2. Sara had a time certificate in the amount of $100,000. The certificate was redeemed for funeral expenses on October 1, 2025. (Ignore interest for purposes of this question.)
  3. Sara had common stock valued at $350,000 at the date of death. On the alternate valuation date, the stock was valued at $250,000.
  4. Sara had personal and household furnishings that were appraised at $25,000 as of the date of death. The executor gave all of the items to a charity on November 1, 2025.

If the alternate valuation date is elected, what is the gross value that must be reported?

22. Which of the following provisions regarding the election of the alternate valuation method for property included in the decedent’s gross estate is false?
23. Ellie died on June 15 of the current year. The assets in her estate were valued on her date of death and alternate valuation date, respectively, as follows:
Asset
Date-of-Death
Valuation
Alternate
Valuation
Home
$18,250,000
$18,300,000
Stock
      425,000
      450,000
Bonds
      200,000
      125,000
Patent
      100,000
        95,000
The patent had 10 years of its life remaining at the time of Ellie’s death. The executor sold the home on August 1 of the current year for $18,275,000. If Ellie’s executor elects the alternate-valuation-date method, what is the value of Ellie’s estate?
24. Jason died on October 1, 2025. The alternate valuation method was not elected. The assets in his estate were valued as of the date of death as follows:
Home
$   300,000
Car
20,000
Stocks, bonds, and savings
1,750,000
Jewelry
50,000
Dividends declared July 1, 2025,
not paid as of October 1, 2025
1,000
Accrued interest on savings as
of October 1, 2025
6,500
What is the amount of Jason’s gross estate?
25. Mr. Duffy died on October 1, 2025. The alternate valuation method was not elected. The assets in his estate were valued as of the date of death as follows:
Home
$   300,000
Car
20,000
Stocks, bonds, and savings
1,700,000
Jewelry
40,000
Dividends declared July 1, 2025
not paid as of October 1, 2025
1,000
Accrued interest on savings as
of October 1, 2025
2,000
What is the amount of Mr. Duffy’s gross estate?
26. Which of the following items of property would be included in the gross estate of a decedent who died in the current year?
  1. Clothes and jewelry of the decedent.
  2. Cash of $400,000 given to the decedent’s friend 3 years ago. No gift tax was paid on the transfer.
  3. Land purchased by the decedent and held as joint tenants with rights of survivorship with the decedent’s brother.
27. Mr. X died on September 24 of the current year. His will required the transfer of all possessions to his sister. At the date of death, the assets transferred were
 
Adj. Basis
FMV
Apartment house
$275,000
$420,000
Stock
  525,000
  540,000
Dividends on above stock
(declared September 30)
     3,000
     3,000
Medical insurance reimbursement
(check received September 20
but not cashed)
      5,000
      5,000
Cash
    50,000
    50,000
The executrix of Mr. X’s estate did not elect the alternate valuation date. What is Mr. X’s gross estate for purposes of an estate tax return, Form 706?
28. Proceeds of a life insurance policy payable to the estate’s executor, as the estate’s representative, are
29. If the executor of a decedent’s estate elects the alternate valuation date and none of the property included in the gross estate has been sold or distributed, the estate assets must be valued as of how many months after the decedent’s death?
30. Which of the following statements about the alternate valuation date for valuing property included in the decedent’s gross estate is false?
31. With regard to the federal estate tax, the alternate valuation date
32. Mr. James died on October 1 of the current year. The alternate valuation method was not elected. The assets in his estate were valued as of the date of death as follows:
Home
$300,000
Car
20,000
Stocks, bonds, and savings
650,000
Jewelry
35,000
Dividends declared July 1,
not paid as of October 1
1,000
Accrued interest on savings
as of October 1
6,500
What is the amount of Mr. James’s gross estate?
33. Ed died on November 1 of the current year. The alternate valuation method was not elected. The assets in his estate as of the date of death were as follows:
Home
$300,000
Life insurance (proceeds
receivable by the estate)
800,000
Stocks, bonds, and savings
150,000
Jewelry
25,000
Car
15,500
Accrued interest on savings as
of November 1
6,000
Dividends declared July 1
not paid as of November 1
1,500
What is the amount of Ed’s gross estate?
34. Mr. Good died on April 15 of the current year. His assets and their fair market value at the time of his death were
Cash
$  10,000
Home
140,000
Life insurance payable to Mr. Good’s estate
200,000
Series EE bonds
90,000
Municipal bonds
180,000
Mr. Good had borrowed $10,000 against the cash value of his life insurance policy. Mr. Good’s estate is liable for the loan. What is the total amount of Mr. Good’s gross estate for federal estate tax purposes?
35. Which of the following amounts paid may be claimed as a credit on the estate tax return?
36. What amount of a decedent’s taxable estate is effectively tax-free if the maximum applicable credit amount is taken?
37. Which of the following statements is true regarding allowable deductions on Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return?
38. Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, was filed for the estate of John Doe. The gross estate tax was $250,000. Which of the following items cannot be credited against the gross estate tax to determine the net estate tax payable?
39. All of the following items can be claimed as deductions against a decedent’s estate EXCEPT
40. Which of the following tax credits are allowed on an estate tax return (Form 706)?
41. Which of the following items is NOT an allowable deduction on a decedent’s estate tax return?
42. Mr. Rich died in the current year. The following expenses and credit relate to the estate:
Administrative expenses
$     12,500
Funeral expenses
8,500
State inheritance tax
33,000
Applicable credit amount
5,541,800
What amount can the executrix of Mr. Rich’s estate deduct from the gross estate in figuring the taxable estate?
43. Following the death of her husband, the executrix of his estate paid the following:
  1. Medical expenses of the decedent, paid within 6 months of the date of death and not claimed on the decedent’s final income tax return
  2. Funeral expenses of her husband
  3. State inheritance taxes
  4. Qualified charitable contributions, as a bequest dictated by the will of her husband

Which of the preceding generally are allowable deductions in determining the taxable estate on Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return?

44. B died in the current year. The state of residence was not a community property state. From the items listed below, what are the allowable deductions from the gross estate?
Funeral expenses
$  3,500
Executor and administrative fees
5,000
Mortgage on jointly held property, one-half purchase price paid by B
70,000
Transfers of cash to B’s spouse
60,000
Expense of filing estate’s income tax return
500
45. Based on the following information, what is the total allowable deduction against the decedent’s estate?
  1. $10,000 in mortgages and notes (receivable)
  2. $5,000 in income in respect of a decedent
  3. $12,000 in funeral expenses
  4. $20,000 in attorney fees
46. Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, was filed for John Doe in 2025. His gross estate tax was $25 million. Which group of credits is allowable in computing his net estate tax?
47. Charlie Jones is preparing Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, for his brother John, who died June 30, 2025. Charlie has identified gross estate items totaling $24 million. Considering the following potential deductions and other information, what will be John’s taxable estate?
Funeral expenses paid out of the estate
$ 10,000
Value of the residence owned jointly with John’s spouse that will pass to the spouse (this property is included in the gross estate)
240,000
Mortgage on residence
20,000
Value of property given to charitable organizations per John’s will
50,000
48. Which of the following is NOT an allowable deduction against a decedent’s gross estate?
49. Ordinary and necessary administration expenses paid by the fiduciary of an estate are deductible
50. Alan Curtis, a U.S. citizen, died on March 1 of the current year, leaving an adjusted gross estate with a fair market value of $1.4 million at the date of death. Under the terms of Alan’s will, $375,000 was bequeathed outright to his widow. The remainder of Alan’s estate was left to his mother. Alan made no taxable gifts during his lifetime. In computing the taxable estate, the executor of Alan’s estate should claim a marital deduction of
51. In general, which of the following items are allowable deductions against a decedent’s estate (Form 706)?
52. All of the following would be allowed as deductions from the gross estate in computing the taxable estate EXCEPT
53. Which of the following is NOT a credit against gross estate tax in determining net estate tax?
54. An executor paid the following on behalf of an estate: $3,500 for attorney’s fees, $1,000 for a burial lot, $5,000 of state estate tax, and a $750 credit card debt of the decedent. What amount can be deducted from the gross estate?
55. Chuck is preparing Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, for his client Jim, who died June 30, 2025. Chuck has identified gross estate items totaling $16,000,000. Considering the following potential deductions and other information, what will be Jim’s taxable estate?
Funeral costs paid out of the estate
$  35,000
Value of the residence owned jointly with Jim’s spouse that will pass to the spouse (this property is included in the gross estate)
450,000
Mortgage on residence
100,000
Charitable donation of property per Jim’s will
75,000
56. Mike and Carol, a married couple, have two assets at the time of Mike’s death: a $10,000,000 life insurance policy owned by Mike naming Carol as the sole beneficiary, and $8,000,000 of real estate owned by the couple as joint tenants with right of survivorship. What is the amount of the marital deduction to Mike’s estate for these two assets?
57. Which of the following expenses may NOT be deducted on an estate tax return?
58. If a person died in 2025, an estate tax return must be filed if the value of the gross estate at the date of death was more than
59. On June 30, 2025, Rita died with a taxable estate of $14,630,000 and estate taxes payable of $256,000. Victor, the executor, filed the estate tax return on December 31, 2025. He distributed all the assets of the estate without paying the estate tax liability. Dustin (one of several beneficiaries) received $35,000. What are the possible tax assessments against Victor and/or Dustin?
60. Anna died January 20, 2025. John, the executor, filed Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, on June 30, 2025. John paid the tax due and distributed the assets on September 30, 2025. The assets were properly valued at $14 million on the date of death. The alternate valuation method was not elected. Generally, what is the last day that estate tax may be assessed upon recipients of property?
61. Mr. Brown died on September 30, 2025. His gross estate was valued at $10,480,000. Unless an extension is granted, Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, must be filed on or before
62. Unless an extension is received, Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, must be filed
63. Mr. Alexis died April 30, 2025. His gross estate totaled $17.5 million. Assuming no extension is granted, the executor must file Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, on or before (ignore weekends and holidays)
64. Charlie Jones died June 15, 2025. His taxable estate is $15 million. Assuming the estate chooses to have an estate tax apply, what date is Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, due?
65. Eileen, a U.S. citizen, died on December 17, Year 1. The value of her gross estate at the date of death was determined to be in excess of $13.99 million. Assuming the estate chooses to have an estate tax apply, without regard to extensions, what is the due date of Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return?
66. Mr. Metro, a U.S. citizen, died on June 30, 2025. The value of his gross estate at the date of death was determined to be in excess of $13.99 million. Without regard to extensions, what is the due date of Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return?
67. Which of the following rules does NOT apply to the filing of an estate tax return of a U.S. citizen?
68. The executor of an estate may request an extension of time to pay the estate tax. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
69. An extension of time to pay the estate tax may be granted if the executor can show reasonable cause as to why the estate is unable to pay the tax in a timely manner. Which of the following statements is NOT an illustration of reasonable cause?
70. Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, is due to be filed (before extensions)
71. Kramer (age 63) established a trust and named his second wife, Theresa (age 50), as income beneficiary for 20 years. After 20 years, Kramer’s son Trevor (age 40) and nephew Bob (age 25) are to receive lifetime income interests. Trevor died 22 years after the trust was established, and Bob died 34 years after the trust was established. After the death of both Trevor and Bob, the remainder passes equally to Kramer’s granddaughter Sara (age 20) and great-granddaughter Hope (age 1). Assuming both Sara and Hope were alive when Bob died, how many times is the generation-skipping transfer tax levied?
72. Which of the following is a correct statement of the events that may trigger a generation-skipping transfer tax?
73. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a skip person as it pertains to the GSTT tax?
74. Edwin gave his grandson Todd $30,000. Todd is 15 years old and lives with his parents. Which of the following statements regarding the generation-skipping transfer tax is true?
75. The generation-skipping transfer tax is imposed
76. Which of the following is a true statement about the taxable amount of a generation-skipping transfer?
77. Pearl gave $13.99 million in securities to her granddaughter Ruby in 2025. Pearl, a widow, had never made any gift to Ruby prior to the 2025 transfer. Pearl allocated $1,399,000 of her GST exemption to this direct skip. What is the generation-skipping transfer tax amount, and who must pay it?
78. In 2015, Jim’s will established a trust for his son Kevin and his grandsons. In 2025, a taxable termination occurred when Kevin died, and trust assets were distributed to grandsons Mark and John. Jim’s executor allocated $1,500,000 of his exemption to the trust, which had a value of $6,500,000 at that time. When the taxable termination occurred in 2025, trust assets had a value of $9,000,000. State death taxes attributable to trust property were $500,000. What is the generation-skipping transfer tax due on the taxable termination?
79. Which of the following is subject to the generation-skipping transfer tax?
80. Kramer (age 63) established a trust and named his second wife, Theresa (age 50), as income beneficiary for 20 years. After 20 years, Kramer’s son Trevor (age 40) and nephew Bob (age 25) are to receive lifetime income interests. After the death of both Trevor and Bob, the remainder passes equally to Kramer’s granddaughter Sara (age 20) and great-granddaughter Hope (age 1). How many younger generations are there in this trust arrangement?
81. Jane Life, age 55 years exactly, wants to provide for the financial security of her secretary, Sue, and other unrelated friends. She establishes a trust. Sue, age 65, will receive income from the trust for her life. On Sue’s death, Sam, another friend who is currently 51, will receive income for his lifetime. Upon his death, the remainder interest will be divided equally between Kevin (age 39) and Stan (age 43). How many times will this trust be subject to a GSTT?
82. When Sam died, his property was placed in trust, with his son David and David’s daughter Carole eligible to receive principal and income at the trustee’s discretion. When the property was placed in trust, its value was $5 million, and the GST exemption was not allocated to this trust. Carole received a distribution of $8 million when the trust’s value totaled $10 million. The appraisal to value trust assets cost $40,000 and was paid by the trust. What is the taxable amount of the generation-skipping transfer, and who is responsible for the tax payment?
83. In 2025, which of the following statements about the generation-skipping transfer exemption is false?
84. In 2015, Jim’s will established a trust for his son Kevin and his grandsons. In 2025, a taxable termination occurred when Kevin died, and trust assets were distributed to grandsons Mark and John. Jim’s executor allocated $1,500,000 of his exemption to the trust in 2015, which had a value of $6,500,000 at that time. When the taxable termination occurred in 2025, the trust assets’ value increased to $12,500,000. State death taxes attributable to trust property were $500,000. What is the inclusion ratio used to calculate the GSTT?
85. A trust is created by a parent for a child. The trust allows for distributions to the grandchild during the child’s lifetime. A taxable distribution occurs when a distribution is made from the trust to the grandchild. What type of tax is applied to this distribution?

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *