subject: Intellectual Property and Estate Tax [print this page] Did you know that intellectual property you own can be calculated into your estate tax? It is an interesting concept that is worth further investigation.
With widespread internet access, the creation of intellectual property is no longer restricted to large corporations or wealthy people who can afford to develop such property. Any person can develop value through a copyright, a patentable invention or a trademark. As intellectual property continues to grow as a wealth creation tool, individuals will be faced with the challenge of determining the value of the property, and the effect that such property will have on estate taxes.
Estate taxes on intellectual property, especially those based on copyrights, can have a substantial effect. When determining a person's estate for purposes of estate taxes, it is first necessary to determine one's gross estate. A person's gross estate includes probate property and other tangible and intangible assets, such as retirement accounts or joint property. The current exemption for estate taxes is $3.5 million and will remain at this level through 2012.
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