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Flower Bond: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Significance
Definition & Meaning
A flower bond is a specific type of U.S. Treasury bond that can be redeemed before its maturity date under certain conditions, particularly for the payment of federal estate taxes. These bonds were issued before April 1971 and reached their final maturity in 1998. When a flower bond is surrendered for tax payment, it is considered as fulfilling the tax obligation for purposes of the statute of limitations and interest calculations. The fair market value of flower bonds used for estate tax payments is equal to their par value at the date of death, as they can be redeemed at par for this purpose. However, if the bonds cannot be used for tax payments, they are valued at their market price at the time of the owner's death.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Flower bonds are primarily relevant in the context of estate planning and tax law. They are used by individuals who wish to settle estate taxes using their bond holdings. Legal professionals may encounter flower bonds in estate tax filings and when advising clients on tax liabilities. Users can manage some aspects of this process themselves with the right legal forms, such as those provided by US Legal Forms, which can assist in the proper handling of estate taxes and bond redemptions.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: John owns flower bonds with a par value of $10,000. Upon his death, his estate uses these bonds to pay the federal estate tax. The bonds are accepted at their par value, fulfilling the tax obligation.
Example 2: Sarah has flower bonds worth $5,000 that cannot be redeemed for estate tax purposes. At the time of her death, the market value of these bonds is $4,500. Her estate must report the bonds at this market value for tax purposes. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
Flower bonds are governed by the Second Liberty Bond Act, codified at 31 U.S.C.S. § 752. This act outlines the issuance and redemption conditions of these bonds, particularly regarding their use for federal estate tax payments.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
U.S. Treasury Bond
A long-term debt security issued by the U.S. government.
Flower bonds are specifically redeemable for estate tax payments, while regular Treasury bonds are not.
Estate Tax
A tax on the transfer of the estate of a deceased person.
Flower bonds can be used to pay this tax, while other assets may not have the same redeemable feature.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you own flower bonds and are dealing with estate taxes, it is essential to understand the redemption process. You may want to consult with a tax professional or estate planner to ensure compliance with tax laws. Additionally, consider using US Legal Forms for templates and guidance on handling estate tax payments and bond redemptions effectively.
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