Albert R. Hunt, Columnist

For Republicans, Estate-Tax Repeal Is Inviolable

In the deal-making on the GOP's plan, the untouchable provision is one whose sole benefits go to the very rich.

October 31, 2017 at 11:30 AM UTC

Albert R. Hunt is a former Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He was the executive editor of Bloomberg News, before which he was a reporter, bureau chief and executive Washington editor at the Wall Street Journal.

The heirs have it.
Photographer: Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

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Republicans are frantically trying to make a tax bill fiscally and politically palatable, juggling proposed individual and corporate rates, important deductions like state and local tax write-offs, and tax consequences for 401(k) plans.

But one provision appears inviolate: abolishing the estate tax for wealthy estates.