Instructions:
1. Read the reading materials (Part I and Part II) that accompany this assignment.
2. Prepare a brief memorandum summarizing the history of the federal estate tax. This summary will include
such information as: (1) the intent in creating the statute; (2) when the statute became effective; (3) how
the statute has changed over time (rates, exemptions, etc.); and, (4) the current status of the statue.
3. Following the history and summary, you will conclude the memorandum by offering an
assessment/opinion on what role if any you see for the estate tax going forward given your
understanding of both the existing wealth distribution pattern existing in the US as well as your
personal “ideal” distribution pattern (so an assessment given actual distribution pattern and an
opinion on what should be the case given your personal “ideal”). For background information,
please read the linked articles provided by the instructor. Basically, in your view is the estate tax a
death” tax that should be abolished or is it a necessary mechanism to maintain a “healthier” wealth
distribution pattern? If the latter, what rate/exemption structure seems right to you (remember,
you will have just summarized the history so you will see how things have changed over time)?
4. While you should provide attributions as necessary, I am not requiring or expecting you to follow
any style guide. The initial draft of the paper is due on or before the start of class on 3/27/24and
the final draft of the paper is due on or before the start of class on . All drafts should be
submitted to me electronically in Word format. I will grade the paper and provide you with the
results (pass/fail score) within 3 business days of submission. Students may continue to submit
revisions based on my feedback on the assignment until they earn a passing score (90.00%). While
some students will earn credit on the first draft, often several drafts and revisions are required.
Keep this in mind when determining when in the semester to begin the assignment.
