Im not Sam but I can answer this hypothetical. When faced with a choice, many wealthy people with large estates would rather donate to charity than give it to the government in the form of estate taxes. If there are no estate taxes, they may be less inclined to donate as much or as often. Here's an example: (this is a case I recently worked on). Couple has $6 million estate. They are very comfortable with their retirement situation. Faced with a potential 48% marginal estate tax, they decide to donate to charity. They create a Charitable Remainder Trust. They donate a low basis investment ($50,000) with a current market value of $600,000. The trust sells the asset (no income tax consequence) and pays the couple an income for 20 years (could be lifetime, etc...). The couple takes that income stream (say $27,000/year) and creates a Wealth Replacement Trust. They use those funds to purchase a $1.5 million 2nd to die policy with their heirs as beneficiaries. The couple receives a $215,000 tax deduction for their gift (present value of the charitable donation) prorated over 3 years (due to 30% AGI limitation of tax deduction on investment assets. They could then use those tax savings and gift that amount to a 529 plan for their grandchild. Net result: Charity receives a huge donation. Taxable estate is reduced by $600,000 Heirs recieve an equal if not greater inheritance (on the 2nd death) Couple receives tax deduction. Most of the advanced estate strategies often involve charities. If the government no longer takes their share, they may be less inclined to donate. Wealthy people hate estate taxes.
