A Recent History of the Estate Tax

A Recent History of the Estate Tax

  • October 10, 2007--In a departure from prior history, the House of Representatives defeated a bill to permanently repeal the estate tax. The bill, H.R. 3056, which aimed to end the estate tax and prevent the Internal Revenue Service from hiring private contractors to collect back taxes, was downed by a vote of 212-196.
  • Spring 2007--Congress held seven votes on repealing or reducing the estate tax--more than any other tax issue-- during the course of the budget debates. None passed. However, the degree of activity indicates that the topic is hot and more proposals can be expected, most likely in the fall of 2007.
  • January 3, 2007--The 110th Congress convenes in Washington, D.C. While unlikely to repeal the estate tax, this Congress may consider some version of estate tax reform. Estate tax supporters should be wary of newly elected senators who may want to raise the exemption level imprudently high.

  • November 7, 2006--Democrats take control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. As a result, it is unlikely that proposals to repeal the estate tax will be considered in the next Congress.
  • August 3, 2006-By a vote of 56-42, the Senate rejects a motion to vote on HR 5970, the estate tax reduction bill that is linked to the minimum wage. Senator Frist reserves the right to bring the package back to the Senate floor for another vote in the time remaining to the 109th Congress.
  • July 29, 2006-In the early hours of Saturday morning, the House passes yet another estate tax bill, HR 5970, costing 75-80% of full repeal. This bill also contains a proposed rise in the minimum wage, some popular tax extenders, and a number of pork barrel provisions to entice senators who are wobbling on estate tax reduction.
  • June 22, 2006-At Sen. Frist's request, the House Ways and Means Chair, Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA), creates a compromise estate tax bill that would cost 75% of full repeal. The House passes the bill, but not enough Senate votes can be assured so Frist never presents it.
  • June 8, 2006-The Senate rejects a motion to vote on HR 8, full repeal of the estate tax.
  • September 7, 2005-The Senate postpones a vote on full repeal of the federal estate tax in order to deal with the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Posted in
»