Death benefits received by beneficiaries or the estate of an employee for or on behalf of an employer is generally included in gross income. Note, however that a distinction must be made between employer paid that benefits and benefits derived from a life insurance plan that is provided by the employer.

• To what extent is the estate tax a worthwhile tax?
• To what extent do you think it is a good tax or a bad tax? Be sure to include the appropriate social and economic ramifications.