How to Keep the Wealthy From Fleeing Connecticut

moving-family

 

When it comes to saving on taxes the wealthy have to continually consider all their options because lawmakers never seem to stop pushing for more legislation aimed at making the wealthy pay more taxes. Lately, it seems that there are more and more reports of the nation’s wealthiest individuals living in high-tax locations deciding to pack up their bags and head for states that are more tax-friendly.

Connecticut continues to face this problem because the state reportedly continues to spend more than it should. Because of the overspending the state keeps creating new efforts to squeeze more taxes from its wealthiest citizens. The problem is, many of these wealthy individuals are moving out. According to a recent report in the Hartford Courant, two of the biggest offenders are Connecticut’s estate tax and it’s gift tax.

Connecticut relies on wealthy taxpayers more than most states, but the number of wealthy individuals coming to the state is slowing down, while the number of wealthy taxpayers leaving is increasing. In fact, after the state introduced a huge tax increase in 2011, more than 27,000 residents moved out and took close to $4 billion in annual adjusted gross income with them.

Perhaps the best way to deter the exodus of high net worth individuals is to repeal, or at least reform the estate tax and to completely eliminate the gift tax, as Connecticut is the only state with a tax of that kind.

www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-smith-repeal-ct-estate-tax-0515-20160513-story.html
Posted in

Combining Profits with Purpose: A New Era of Impact Investing

A Panel Discussion with Peter Borish, Linda Horner & Dr. Kal Mentak In an era where traditional philanthropy and capitalism often seem at odds, a new wave of thinking is reshaping the landscape—one that integrates financial success with meaningful social impact. This was the central theme of a compelling panel discussion featuring Peter Borish, Linda…

The AI Revolution: Avoiding a Future Controlled by the Few

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at an inflection point. While most discussions center around the potential and risks of AI, Aldo Carrascoso, CEO and Co-Founder of Vivum AI, offers a different perspective—AI is at its own “War of Currents” moment, much like the battle between AC and DC electricity in the early 20th century. In a…

Partnerships for Strategic Conservation – Barry Gold

Barry Gold Outlines a Bold Vision for Conservation and Sustainable Development Africa is on the brink of a transformation—one that will define the future of the continent and, ultimately, the planet. With its population projected to double from 1.3 billion today to 2.2 billion by 2050 and reach nearly 4 billion by 2100, the demand…

Restoring Gorongosa National Park

Greg Carr’s Mission to Restore Gorongosa National Park: A Story of Conservation and Community Greg Carr’s journey from a successful technology entrepreneur to a dedicated philanthropist restoring Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park is nothing short of remarkable. What began as a search for a meaningful way to give back has evolved into one of the most…