where the deceased spouse's estate is under the exclusion amount or the disposition to the surviving spouse is outright, it still has nuances and unanswered questions. Also, if a married couple wants to do generation-skipping planning for their descendants, they must actively use the GST exemption of the first spouse to die, or that exemption will die with her. To sum up. The ever-increasing $5.25 million exclusion and GST exemption are real game changers — along with portability — and will make transfer taxes far less of a concern for many people. But those who live in a decoupled state like New York. New Jersey or Connecticut, or who own property there, still have very real planning concerns, as do those whose wealth exceeds the exclusion amount. July 7520 rate issued The IRS has issued the July 2013 applicable federal rates: the 7520 rate is 1.4%, an increase of 0.20% (20 basis points) from June's 1.2% 7520 rate. The annual, semiannual, quarterly and monthly mid-term rates are all 1.22%, an increase of 0.27% (27 basis points!) from June's annual, semiannual, quarterly and monthly mid-terms rates, which were all 0.95% (95 basis points). Blanche Lark Christerson is a managing director at Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management in New York City, and can be reached at blanuhe.christersongdb.com. The opinions and analyses expressed herein are those o€ the anther and do rut necessarily reflect those of Deutsche BardtAG or any affiliate thereof (collectively. the 'tank). Any suggestions contained herein are general, and do not take into aextunt an inchvidted's specific circumstances or applicable governing law. which may vary from jurdiction to joriedicton and be subject to change. No warranty or representation. express or implied. is made by the tank, nor does the Bank accept any liability with respect to the information and data set forth herein The information contained herein is not intended to be. arid duos not constitute. legal, tax, accoirtlitt or o