Bethesda CPA Services

Estate, Inheritance and Capital Gain Planning for Bethesda Households

Plan for Maryland's $5 million estate tax return threshold

Maryland's 2026 estate tax return, Form MET 1, is required when a resident's federal gross estate plus adjusted taxable gifts and certain earlier Maryland QTIP property reaches $5,000,000. That is one-third of the $15,000,000 federal basic exclusion for 2026, so an estate can owe Maryland tax and must file within nine months of death even when no federal Form 706 is required. We list home equity, retirement accounts, life insurance and stock positions at current values. We then coordinate the Maryland and federal figures, including any portability election, with the family's estate attorney. Comptroller of Maryland 2026 Form MET 1 and instructions.

Identify bequests that carry Maryland inheritance tax

Maryland's inheritance tax is separate from the estate tax and is collected through the Register of Wills at 10% on property passing to beneficiaries outside the exempt group. Exempt heirs are spouses, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, a child's spouse and registered domestic partners. Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends generally are not exempt. We match each will, trust and beneficiary designation to its recipient so the family can see which transfers carry the tax, and inheritance tax paid is then credited on the Maryland estate tax return. Maryland Register of Wills inheritance tax information.

Time large stock and home sales around the 2% capital gain tax

Maryland legislation enacted in 2025 adds a 2% tax on net capital gain when federal adjusted gross income exceeds $350,000, regardless of filing status. Vesting stock awards, a bonus year or a large brokerage sale can push income past that line. Gain on a primary residence is excluded only when the home sells for less than $1,500,000. We model the year of a planned sale, the lots to be sold and the household's other income before the transaction closes. Comptroller of Maryland Technical Bulletin No. 58, taxation of individual capital gain income.

How we scope the work

We start with the decision or filing you need to complete, the entities and people involved, and the deadline. After reviewing the available records, we identify missing information and propose the services and deliverables. For ongoing work, we establish a close and filing calendar so bookkeeping, tax projections, and owner reporting use consistent information.

For a review or compilation request, bring the lender, grant, board, or regulatory requirement. We confirm the engagement type and applicable professional requirements before accepting the work. Audits of Maryland entities are not currently offered; KAS confirms Maryland CPA firm permit requirements before accepting such engagements. Review and compilation engagements for Maryland entities are accepted where Maryland rules allow.