Rep. Cynthia Lummis: some are planning to die in 2010 to avoid estate tax in 2011

A number of articles are publishing comments by Rep. Cynthia Lummis [R-WY] regarding a perverse incentive in 2010 -- Estate tax rise has some planning death (Associated Press, 10/30/2010):

U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis says some of her Wyoming constituents are so worried about the reinstatement of federal estate taxes that they plan to discontinue dialysis and other life-extending medical treatments so they can die before Dec. 31.

Lummis, a Republican who holds her state's lone seat in the House, declined to name any of the people who have made the comments.

But she said many ranchers and farmers in the state would rather pass along their businesses — "their life's work" — to their children and grandchildren than see the federal government take a large chunk. . . .

Lummis said the children of some people choosing death over taxes told her of their parents' decision. She wouldn't identify them and said it would be their decision to come forward.

Comments

[Gerald Sutliff]

The idea that the estate taxes will allow the federal government to come in and take over ranches and farms is an "rural myth" that has no basis in reality.

Bush's tax "break" for the rich certainly didn't "save" any farms no will their ending cause any losses.

Where do people get these ideas?

[Ventura Cabrera]

Hi everyone,

I would like to say that, is not easy to understand why the term Taxes and manage them is so complicated in USA. But, I think that nobody wants to die for any reason because when you are alive you and yours have hopes. I dont understand why combine, " Taxes with Death"

Thanks for reading my comment!