While the fundamental rules are the same for estates of those who died in 2012 and those who die this year, some of the important numbers are different. For example, the exemption amount (the value of property that can be transferred free of estate tax) in 2013 is $5.25 million; it was $5.12 million in 2012.
Rules limiting loss deductions to cash investments and personal liability notes. An exception for real estate treats certain nonrecourse commercial loans as amounts “at risk.”