Estate tax reform, championed by several national associations, has returned to the congressional center stage. Several major estate tax reform or repeal bills have already been introduced in the new 105th Congress. One of the major bills is S.2, the "Family Tax Relief Act," introduced by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS). In part, S.2 would reduce the estate taxes currently imposed on closely-held family businesses and increase the effective exemption from the current level of $600,000 to $1 million over eight years. Another bill, S.75, the "Family Heritage Preservation Act" introduced by Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), would outright repeal the federal estate and gift tax. LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS HAVE LONG PUSHED FOR REPEAL OR MEANINGFUL REDUCTION OF THE ESTATE TAX BURDENS ON FAMILIES WHO ARE OFTEN FORCED TO SELL OFF PORTIONS OF THEIR INHERITANCE JUST TO PAY THE TAX. A NEW BILL CURRENTLY BEFORE CONGRESS MAY CHANGE THIS SITUATION. Photo provided courtesy of the Washington, D.C. Convention & Visitors Bureau.