C14-54 Tax Strategy Problem

Cate cole died in 2015, and her will left her entire estate in equal shares to her two adult children, Calvin and Corrine, Both children anticipate being in the top income tax bracket for at least ten years. The Cate cole Estate is a calendar year taxpayer. The year 2017 is almost over, and to date the estate has received $18,000 of interest income from a certificate of deposit (CD). The executor does not expect to collect any more income before the end of the year. However, in january 2018, the estate will collect $1500 of interest income from the CD. the executor has distributed all the estate's assets except for the CD, which matures in early january 2018. The executor anticipates distributing the funds from the CD when it matures, after which he will close the estate. because the taxable estate did not exceed the basic exclusion amount (or exemption equivalent), the executor did not deduct administration expenses on the estate tax return. the estate owes administration expenses totaling $25,000. propose an income tax minimization strategy for timing, between 2017 and 2018, the payment of the administration expenses, and prepare a schedule to support your recommendation.