In the computation of estate taxes, what happens to lifetime taxable gifts?

In the computation of estate taxes, lifetime taxable gifts are added to the net value of the estate. This practice aligns with the principle that an individual's total wealth should be considered when determining the tax liability upon death. The rationale is that any significant gifts made during a person's lifetime reduce the assets left in their estate but are still part of the individual's overall taxable estate.

When a person makes gifts, they may fall under the gift tax threshold. If the gifts exceed certain limits, they necessitate reporting and tax implications. Therefore, for estate tax purposes, these gifts are included in the calculation to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the deceased's total wealth. This approach prevents individuals from circumventing estate taxes by gifting away their assets before death. Understanding this concept is crucial for both estate planning and for those involved in administering estates following a person's passing.