Ray D. Madoff argues for having the federal estate tax

On July 6, 2010, the Los Angeles Times published an op-ed by Ray D. Madoff (professor at Boston College Law School, author), Inherited wealth shouldn't get a free pass on taxes.  Madoff makes the following points against repealing the federal estate tax:

• The wealthy would receive a windfall.
• Congress would lose revenue.
• "[F]ailing to tax large inheritances promotes concentrations of wealth that harm our democracy."

Previously, I wrote about another op-ed by Madoff:

• Ray D. Madoff's opinion on fixing the federal estate tax: an unbalanced proposal (11/21/09)
• Readers respond to Ray D. Madoff's recent New York Times op-ed proposal(11/29/09)

Comments

[Gerald Sutliff]

Professor Madoff certainly hits the mark or should I say "is on the money"?
I'm writing to bring attention to the writings of Edward N. Wolff who among other things argues that passive wealth be taxed, albeit at lower rate. Estate Taxes are a form of passive wealth taxes but people have the habit of trying to extend there lives and/or using tax dodges when and where ever they can, even unto death. Wolff's book, "Top Heavy" should be read by all of use working stiffs.
Professor Madoff has touched a nerve and hope he keeps writing.