Today, the Lower House agreed to amend the Inheritance Act (bill 31.930). If the Senate also agrees to the bill, the new law will enter into force on 1 January 2010. Although the fire letter that Kooijman Lambert Notaries sent to the Lower House last week resulted in many amendments to the bill, Kooijman Lambert Notaries is not yet satisfied with the result. Introduction of the bill approved by the House of Representatives may still have (fiscally disadvantageous) consequences for wills made in the past, already settled estates under which an heir/legatee acquired a monetary claim, interest-free money loans and gift constructions. However, the new law also has advantages. For instance, the children of cohabiting partners will soon be treated as their own children, and parents and disabled children will have a larger exemption. For shareholders, 'golden times' may dawn; under certain conditions, the shares in their BV can inherit 'for free'. If you want to know whether your situation is 'new succession law-proof' and whether you have really taken full advantage of all the tax benefits of the new law, it is wise to make an appointment with the specialists at Kooijman Lambert Notaries.
