CHAPTER 217*
ESTATE TAX

      Sec. 12-391. Transfer of resident and nonresident estates. (a) With respect to estates of decedents who die prior to January 1, 2005, and except as otherwise provided in section 59 of public act 03-1 of the June 30 special session*, a tax is imposed upon the transfer of the estate of each person who at the time of death was a resident of this state. The amount of the tax shall be the amount of the federal credit allowable for estate, inheritance, legacy and succession taxes paid to any state or the District of Columbia under the provisions of the federal internal revenue code in force at the date of such decedent's death in respect to any property owned by such decedent or subject to such taxes as part of or in connection with the estate of such decedent. If real or tangible personal property of such decedent is located outside of this state and is subject to estate, inheritance, legacy, or succession taxes by any state or states, other than the state of Connecticut, or by the District of Columbia for which such federal credit is allowable, the amount of tax due under this section shall be reduced by the lesser of: (1) The amount of any such taxes paid to such other state or states or said district and allowed as a credit against the federal estate tax; or (2) an amount computed by multiplying such federal credit by a fraction, (A) the numerator of which is the value of that part of the decedent's gross estate over which such other state or states or said district have jurisdiction for estate tax purposes to the same extent to which this state would assert jurisdiction for estate tax purposes under this chapter with respect to the residents of such other state or states or said district, and (B) the denominator of which is the value of the decedent's gross estate. Property of a resident estate over which this state has jurisdiction for estate tax purposes includes real property situated in this state, tangible personal property having an actual situs in this state, and intangible personal property owned by the decedent, regardless of where it is located. The amount of any estate tax imposed under this subsection shall also be reduced, but not below zero, by the amount of any tax that is imposed under chapter 216 and that is actually paid to this state.

      (b) With respect to the estates of decedents who die prior to January 1, 2005, and except as otherwise provided in section 59 of public act 03-1 of the June 30 special session*, a tax is imposed upon the transfer of the estate of each person who at the time of death was a nonresident of this state, the amount of which shall be computed by multiplying (1) the federal credit allowable for estate, inheritance, legacy, and succession taxes paid to any state or states or the District of Columbia under the provisions of the federal internal revenue code in force at the date of such decedent's death in respect to any property owned by such decedent or subject to such taxes as a part of or in connection with the estate of such decedent by (2) a fraction, (A) the numerator of which is the value of that part of the decedent's gross estate over which this state has jurisdiction for estate tax purposes and (B) the denominator of which is the value of the decedent's gross estate. Property of a nonresident estate over which this state has jurisdiction for estate tax purposes includes real property situated in this state and tangible personal property having an actual situs in this state. The amount of any estate tax imposed under this subsection shall also be reduced, but not below zero, by the amount of any tax that is imposed under chapter 216 and that is actually paid to this state.

      (c) For purposes of this section:

      (1) "Connecticut taxable estate" means (A) the gross estate less allowable deductions, as determined under Chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue Code, plus (B) the aggregate amount of all Connecticut taxable gifts, as defined in section 12-643, made by the decedent for all calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2005. The deduction for state death taxes paid under Section 2058 of said code shall be disregarded.

      (2) "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended, except in the event of repeal of the federal estate tax, then all references to the Internal Revenue Code in this section shall mean the Internal Revenue Code as in force on the day prior to the effective date of such repeal.

      (3) "Gross estate" means the gross estate, for federal estate tax purposes.

      (d) (1) With respect to the estates of decedents who die on or after January 1, 2005, a tax is imposed upon the transfer of the estate of each person who at the time of death was a resident of this state. The amount of the tax shall be determined using the schedule in subsection (g) of this section. A credit shall be allowed against such tax for any taxes paid to this state pursuant to section 12-642 for Connecticut taxable gifts made on or after January 1, 2005.

      (2) If real or tangible personal property of such decedent is located outside of this state and is subject to estate, inheritance, legacy or succession taxes by any state or states, other than the state of Connecticut, or by the District of Columbia, the amount of tax due under this section shall be reduced by the lesser of: (A) The amount of any taxes paid to such other state or states or said district; or (B) an amount computed by multiplying the tax otherwise due pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, without regard to the credit allowed for any taxes paid to this state pursuant to section 12-642, by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the value of that part of the decedent's gross estate over which such other state or states or said district have jurisdiction for estate tax purposes to the same extent to which this state would assert jurisdiction for estate tax purposes under this chapter, with respect to the residents of such other state or states or said district, and (ii) the denominator of which is the value of the decedent's gross estate.

      (3) Property of a resident estate over which this state has jurisdiction for estate tax purposes includes real property situated in this state, tangible personal property having an actual situs in this state and intangible personal property owned by the decedent, regardless of where it is located.

      (e) (1) With respect to the estates of decedents who die on or after January 1, 2005, a tax is imposed upon the transfer of the estate of each person who at the time of death was a nonresident of this state. The amount of such tax shall be computed by multiplying (A) the amount of tax determined using the schedule in subsection (g) of this section by (B) a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the value of that part of the decedent's gross estate over which this state has jurisdiction for estate tax purposes, and (ii) the denominator of which is the value of the decedent's gross estate. A credit shall be allowed against such tax for any taxes paid to this state pursuant to section 12-642, on or after January 1, 2005.

      (2) Property of a nonresident estate over which this state has jurisdiction for estate tax purposes includes real property situated in this state and tangible personal property having an actual situs in this state.

      (f) (1) For purposes of the tax imposed under this section, the value of the Connecticut taxable estate shall be determined taking into account all of the deductions available under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically including, but not limited to, the deduction available under Section 2056(b)(7) of said code for a qualifying income interest for life in a surviving spouse.

      (2) An election under said Section 2056(b)(7) may be made for state estate tax purposes regardless of whether any such election is made for federal estate tax purposes. The value of the gross estate shall include the value of any property in which the decedent had a qualifying income interest for life for which an election was made under this subsection.

      (g) With respect to the estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2005, the tax based on the Connecticut taxable estate shall be as provided in the following schedule:

      (h) (1) For the purposes of this chapter, each decedent shall be presumed to have died a resident of this state. The burden of proof in an estate tax proceeding shall be upon any decedent's estate claiming exemption by reason of the decedent's alleged nonresidency.

      (2) Any person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter, believing that the decedent died a nonresident of this state, may file a request for determination of domicile in writing with the Commissioner of Revenue Services, stating the specific grounds upon which the request is founded provided (A) such person has filed such return, (B) at least two hundred seventy days, but no more than three years, has elapsed since the due date of such return or, if an application for extension of time to file such return has been granted, the extended due date of such return, (C) such person has not been notified, in writing, by said commissioner that a written agreement of compromise with the taxing authorities of another jurisdiction, under section 12-395a, is being negotiated, and (D) the commissioner has not previously determined whether the decedent died a resident of this state. Not later than one hundred eighty days following receipt of such request for determination, the commissioner shall determine whether such decedent died a resident or a nonresident of this state. If the commissioner commences negotiations over a written agreement of compromise with the taxing authorities of another jurisdiction after a request for determination of domicile is filed, the one-hundred-eighty-day period shall be tolled for the duration of such negotiations. When, before the expiration of such one-hundred-eighty-day period, both the commissioner and the person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter have consented in writing to the making of such determination after such time, the determination may be made at any time prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon. The period so agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon. The commissioner shall mail notice of his proposed determination to the person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter. Such notice shall set forth briefly the commissioner's findings of fact and the basis of such proposed determination. Sixty days after the date on which it is mailed, a notice of proposed determination shall constitute a final determination unless the person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter has filed, as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection, a written protest with the Commissioner of Revenue Services.

      (3) On or before the sixtieth day after mailing of the proposed determination, the person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter may file with the commissioner a written protest against the proposed determination in which such person shall set forth the grounds on which the protest is based. If such a protest is filed, the commissioner shall reconsider the proposed determination and, if the person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter has so requested, may grant or deny such person or the authorized representatives of such person an oral hearing.

      (4) Notice of the commissioner's determination shall be mailed to the person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter and such notice shall set forth briefly the commissioner's findings of fact and the basis of decision in each case decided adversely to such person.

      (5) The action of the commissioner on a written protest shall be final upon the expiration of one month from the date on which he mails notice of his action to the person required to make and file a tax return under this chapter unless within such period such person seeks review of the commissioner's determination pursuant to subsection (b) of section 12-395.

      (6) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to relieve any person filing a request for determination of domicile of the obligation to pay the correct amount of tax on or before the due date of the tax.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2065; 1961, P.A. 163, S. 1.; P.A. 97-165, S. 1, 16; P.A. 05-251, S. 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 54.)

      *Note: Section 59 of public act 03-1 of the June 30 special session is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: 1961 act makes subtrahend for computing estate tax federal credit allowed rather than 80% of estate tax payable to United States; P.A. 97-165 designated existing section as Subsec. (a), deleted existing computation and added new computation, added new Subsec. (b) re application of tax to nonresidents, added new Subsec. (c) re definition of gross estate and added new Subsec. (d) re procedure for determination of domicile, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to the estate of any person whose death occurs on or after July 1, 1997; P.A. 05-251 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) by adding provision re estates of decedents who die prior to January 1, 2005, deleted former Subsec. (c) defining "gross estate" and replaced it with new Subsec. (c) re definitions, new Subsec. (d) re tax on residents, Subsec. (e) re tax on nonresidents, Subsec. (f) re federal deductions, and Subsec. (g) re rate structure, and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (h), effective June 30, 2005, and applicable to estates of decedents who die on or after January 1, 2005; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to include references to Sec. 59 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-1, effective June 30, 2005.

      See Sec. 12-642 re gift tax.

      The purpose of the Connecticut estate tax is to make the state death taxes large enough to absorb the full credit available under the federal law against the federal estate tax and thus, in effect, to divert into the state treasury what would otherwise be taken by the federal government as part of the federal estate tax. If a surviving spouse is immune from obligation as to the federal estate tax, she is immune from obligation as to the Connecticut estate tax. 144 C. 134. Cited. 149 C. 334.

      Sec. 12-392. Payment of tax. Penalties for late filing. Extension of time. Method of filing. Notice to court of probate. (a)(1) The tax imposed by this chapter shall become due at the date of the taxable transfer and shall become payable, and shall be paid, without assessment, notice or demand, to the Commissioner of Revenue Services at the expiration of nine months from the date of death, and executors, administrators, trustees, grantees, donees, beneficiaries and surviving joint owners shall be liable for the tax and for any interest or penalty thereon until it is paid, except that no executor, administrator, trustee, grantee, donee, beneficiary or surviving joint owner shall be liable for a greater sum than the value of the property actually received by him or her. If the amount of tax reported to be due on the return is not paid within such nine months, there shall be imposed a penalty equal to ten per cent of such amount due and unpaid, or fifty dollars, whichever is greater. Such amount shall bear interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof, from the due date of such tax until the date of payment. Subject to the provisions of section 12-3a, the commissioner may waive all or part of the penalties provided under this chapter when it is proven to his satisfaction that the failure to pay any tax was due to reasonable cause and was not intentional or due to neglect.

      (2) The Commissioner of Revenue Services may, for reasonable cause shown, extend the time for payment. The commissioner may require the filing of a tentative return and the payment of the tax reported to be due thereon in connection with such extension. Any additional tax which may be found to be due on the filing of a return as allowed by such extension shall bear interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof from the original due date of such tax to the date of actual payment.

      (3) Whenever there is an overpayment of the tax imposed by this chapter, the Commissioner of Revenue Services shall return to the fiduciary or transferee the overpayment which shall bear interest at the rate of two-thirds of one per cent per month or fraction thereof, said interest commencing from the expiration of nine months after the death of the transferor or date of payment, whichever is later.

      (b) (1) The tax imposed by this chapter shall be reported on a tax return which shall be filed on or before the date fixed for paying the tax, determined without regard to any extension of time for paying the tax. The commissioner shall design a form of return and forms for such additional statements or schedules as he may require to be filed. Such forms shall provide for the setting forth of such facts as the commissioner deems necessary for the proper enforcement of this chapter. He shall cause a supply of such forms to be printed and shall furnish appropriate blank forms to each taxpayer upon application or otherwise as he deems necessary. Failure to receive a form shall not relieve any person from the obligation to file a return under the provisions of this chapter. In any case in which the commissioner believes that it would be advantageous to him in the administration of the tax imposed by this chapter, the commissioner may require that a true copy of the federal estate tax return made to the Internal Revenue Service be provided.

      (2) Any tax return or other document, including any amended tax return under section 12-398, that is required to be filed under this chapter shall be filed, and shall be treated as filed, only if filed with both the Commissioner of Revenue Services and the court of probate for the district within which the decedent resided at the date of his death or, if the decedent died a nonresident of this state, in the court of probate for the district within which real estate or tangible personal property of the decedent is situated. The return shall contain a statement, to be signed under penalty of false statement by the person who is required to make and file the return under this chapter, that the return has been filed with both the Commissioner of Revenue Services and said court of probate.

      (3) (A) A tax return shall be filed, in the case of every decedent who died prior to January 1, 2005, and at the time of death was (i) a resident of this state, or (ii) a nonresident of this state whose gross estate includes any real property situated in this state or tangible personal property having an actual situs in this state, whenever the personal representative of the estate is required by the laws of the United States to file a federal estate tax return.

      (B) A tax return shall be filed, in the case of every decedent who dies on or after January 1, 2005, and at the time of death was (i) a resident of this state, or (ii) a nonresident of this state whose gross estate includes any real property situated in this state or tangible personal property having an actual situs in this state. If the decedent's Connecticut taxable estate is over two million dollars, such tax return shall be filed with the Commissioner of Revenue Services and a copy of such return shall be filed with the court of probate for the district within which the decedent resided at the date of his or her death or, if the decedent died a nonresident of this state, the court of probate for the district within which such real property or tangible personal property is situated. If the decedent's Connecticut taxable estate is two million dollars or less, such return shall be filed with the court of probate for the district within which the decedent resided at the date of his or her death or, if the decedent died a nonresident of this state, the court of probate for the district within which such real property or tangible personal property is situated, and no such return shall be filed with the Commissioner of Revenue Services. The judge of probate for the district in which such return is filed shall review each such return and shall issue a written opinion to the estate representative in each case in which the judge determines that the estate is not subject to tax under this chapter.

      (C) The duly authorized executor or administrator shall file the return. If there is more than one executor or administrator, the return shall be made jointly by all. If there is no executor or administrator appointed, qualified and acting, each person in actual or constructive possession of any property of the decedent is constituted an executor for purposes of the tax and shall make and file a return. If in any case the executor is unable to make a complete return as to any part of the gross estate, the executor shall provide all the information available to him with respect to such property, including a full description, and the name of every person holding a legal or beneficial interest in the property. If the executor is unable to make a return as to any property, each person holding a legal or equitable interest in such property shall, upon notice from the commissioner, make a return as to that part of the gross estate.

      (D) On or before the last day of the month next succeeding each calendar quarter, and commencing with the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2005, each court of probate shall file with the commissioner a report for the calendar quarter in such form as the commissioner may prescribe. The report shall pertain to returns filed with the court of probate during the calendar quarter.

      (4) The Commissioner of Revenue Services may, for reasonable cause shown, extend the time for filing the return.

      (5) If any person required to make and file the tax return under this chapter fails to file the return within the time prescribed, the commissioner may assess and compute the tax upon the best information obtainable. To the tax imposed upon the basis of such return, there shall be added an amount equal to ten per cent of such tax or fifty dollars, whichever is greater. The tax shall bear interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof, from the due date of such tax until the date of payment.

      (6) The commissioner shall provide notice of any (A) deficiency assessment with respect to the payment of any tax under this chapter, (B) assessment with respect to any failure to make and file a return under this chapter by a person required to file, and (C) tax return or other document, including any amended tax return under section 12-398 that is required to be filed under this chapter to the court of probate for the district within which the commissioner contends that the decedent resided at the date of his death or, if the decedent died a nonresident of this state, to the court of probate for the district within which the commissioner contends that real estate or tangible personal property of the decedent is situated.

      (c) No person shall be subject to a penalty under both subsections (a) and (b) of this section in relation to the same tax period.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2066; June, 1971, P.A. 5, S. 121; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 78-371, S. 5, 6; P.A. 80-307, S. 16, 31; P.A. 81-411, S. 24, 42; P.A. 95-26, S. 17, 52; P.A. 97-165, S. 2, 16; P.A. 05-251, S. 70; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 55; P.A. 06-159, S. 15, 16; 06-194, S. 17.)

      History: 1971 act changed deadline for payment from eighteen to nine months from date of death, effective July 1, 1971, and applicable to estates of persons dying on or after that date (estates of persons dying before July 1, 1971, are subject to estate tax laws applicable before that date); P.A. 77-614 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 78-371 increased interest rate on overdue tax from nine to twelve per cent per year and added provisions re refund of overpayment and interest to be paid on overpayment, effective July 1, 1978, and applicable to estates of persons dying on or after that date (estates of persons dying before July 1, 1978, are subject to succession and transfer tax laws applicable before that date); P.A. 80-307 temporarily increased interest rate on overdue tax to fifteen per cent and on overpayments to seven and one-half per cent for taxes due on or after July 1, 1980, but not later than June 30, 1981; P.A. 81-411 continued interest on taxes not paid when due at the rate set under P.A. 80-307, applicable with respect to taxes becoming due on or after July 1, 1980; P.A. 95-26 lowered interest rate from fifteen per cent per annum to one per cent per month on underpayment of taxes and from seven and one-half per cent per annum to two-thirds of one per cent per month on overpayment of taxes, effective July 1, 1995, and applicable to taxes due and owing on or after July 1, 1995, whether or not those taxes first became due before said date; P.A. 97-165 designated existing section as Subsec. (a), added provision that tax be self-assessing, exempted executors, administrators, trustees, grantees, donees, beneficiaries and surviving joint owners from liability that exceeds the value of property they receive, allowed commissioner to waive penalties and to require a tentative return and payment, and added new Subsec. (b) re filing of tax return on form provided by commissioner, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to the estate of any person whose death occurs on or after July 1, 1997; P.A. 05-251 amended Subsec. (b)(3) by designating existing provisions as Subparas. (A) and (C), making conforming changes in Subpara. (A) and adding Subpara. (B) re filing return of decedent dying on or after January 1, 2005, effective June 30, 2005; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 amended Subsec. (b)(3) to provide for place of filing depending on value of estate and require review and opinion from judge of probate in certain cases in Subpara. (B), and to add Subpara. (D) re report from courts of probate, effective June 30, 2005; P.A. 06-159 made technical change in Subsec. (b)(2) and (6), effective June 6, 2006; P.A. 06-194 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to add an alternative maximum penalty of fifty dollars, effective June 9, 2006, and applicable to taxes payable on or after that date.

      Sec. 12-393. Credit against tax on future interests. If, after the payment of the tax under the provisions of this chapter, there becomes payable a tax under the provisions of the succession tax law in force at the date of the decedent's death upon any future interest in any property owned by such decedent or subject to such tax as a part of or in connection with his estate, the tax paid under the provisions of this chapter shall be credited against such succession tax, but the amount so credited shall not in any event exceed the amount of the tax on such future interest.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2067.)

      Sec. 12-394. Assessment; after-discovered assets; notice; appeal. Section 12-394 is repealed, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to the estate of any person whose death occurs on or after July 1, 1997.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2068; 1971, P.A. 870, S. 23; P.A. 76-436, S. 316, 681; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 78-167, S. 1, 2, 7; 78-280, S. 5, 127; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-220, S. 4-6; P.A. 97-165, S. 15, 16.)

      Sec. 12-395. Appeal of determination of domicile. (a)(1) The provisions of sections 12-548 and 12-550 to 12-554, inclusive, shall apply to the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if the language of said sections 12-548 and 12-550 to 12-554, inclusive, had been incorporated in full into this chapter and had expressly referred to the tax imposed under this chapter, except to the extent that any such provision is inconsistent with a provision of this chapter.

      (2) A finding of domicile by a court of probate in accordance with subsection (b) of section 45a-309 shall not affect the determination, for purposes of this chapter of whether a decedent died a resident of this state, except in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.

      (b) Any person aggrieved by any determination of domicile by the Commissioner of Revenue Services under the provisions of subdivision (5) of subsection (h) of section 12-391 may, not later than one month after service upon the person of notice of such determination, make a written application for a hearing to the court of probate for the district within which the decedent resided at the date of his death, or within which the commissioner contends that the decedent resided at the date of his death or, if the decedent died a nonresident of this state, in the court of probate for the district within which real estate or tangible personal property of the decedent is situated, or within which the commissioner contends that real estate or tangible personal property of the decedent is situated. Such application shall set forth in detail the objection to the determination of said commissioner and a copy of same shall be mailed to said commissioner at the time of filing. The court of probate shall assign a time and place for a hearing upon such application not less than two nor more than four weeks after receipt thereof and shall cause a copy of the order of hearing to be sent to said commissioner and to the person aggrieved by said determination at least ten days before the time of such hearing. The commissioner or any person interested may appear before the court at such hearing and be heard on any matter involved in the determination. At such hearing, the court shall determine all matters properly before it, and shall enter upon its records a decree of domicile. A copy of the decree of the court of probate shall be forwarded by the judge or clerk of such court to the commissioner and to the person aggrieved because of such determination of the commissioner. The determination by the Commissioner of Revenue Services shall be conclusive upon the state and any person aggrieved by any determination of the commissioner unless a hearing is held as provided in this subsection, in which case the decree of the court of probate shall be conclusive upon the state and any person aggrieved by such determination of the commissioner unless an appeal is taken as provided for appeals from other decrees and orders of such court.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2069; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 97-165, S. 3, 16; P.A. 06-194, S. 18.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 97-165 replaced existing section with new Subsecs. (a) and (b) re application of Secs. 12-548 and 12-550 to 12-553, finding of domicile by probate court and hearing procedures, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to the estate of any person whose death occurs on or after July 1, 1997; P.A. 06-194 amended Subsecs. (a)(2) and (b) to eliminate references to appeals of orders, decisions, determinations or disallowances of amount of tax due, and limit section to determination of domicile, and amended Subsec. (a)(1) to include cite to Sec. 12-554, effective June 9, 2006.

      See Sec. 52-260 re witness fees.

      Sec. 12-395a. Written agreements of compromise by the commissioner. If the Commissioner of Revenue Services determines that a decedent at the time of his death was a resident of this state and the taxing authorities of another jurisdiction have determined that such decedent at the time of his death was a resident of such other jurisdiction and the estate of such decedent is subject to and has paid an estate tax that is imposed by such other jurisdiction, the commissioner may make a written agreement of compromise with such taxing authorities and the duly authorized executor or administrator of such estate that a certain sum, including any interest or penalties to the date of the signing of the agreement, shall be accepted in full satisfaction of any estate tax imposed by this state on such estate. Such agreement shall also fix the amount to be accepted by such other jurisdiction in full satisfaction of any estate tax imposed by such jurisdiction on such estate. The executor or administrator of such estate is hereby authorized to make such agreement.

      (P.A. 97-165, S. 5, 16.)

      History: P.A. 97-165 effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to the estate of any person whose death occurs on or after July 1, 1997.

      Sec. 12-396. Purpose of chapter; construction. Section 12-396 is repealed, effective June 30, 2005.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2070; 1961, P.A. 163, S. 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 89-211, S. 25; P.A. 05-251, S. 113.)

      Sec. 12-397. Reimbursement of others than legal representatives. If the tax or any part thereof is paid by, or collected out of that part of the estate passing to or in the possession of, any person other than the executor or administrator in his capacity as such, such person shall be entitled to reimbursement out of any part of the estate still undistributed or to a just and equitable contribution by the persons whose interest in the estate of the decedent would have been reduced if the tax had been paid before the distribution of the estate or whose interest is subject to equal or prior liability for the payment of taxes, debts or other charges against the estate.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2071.)

      Cited. 136 C. 141.

      Sec. 12-398. Amended return. Additional assessment. Disclosure of return information by court of probate. Tax lien. Certificate of release of lien. (a) If the amount of federal estate tax reported on an estate's federal estate tax return is changed or corrected by the United States Internal Revenue Service or other competent authority, the person required to make and file the estate tax return under this chapter shall provide notice of such change or correction to the commissioner by filing, on or before the date that is ninety days after the final determination of such change or correction, or as otherwise required by the commissioner, an amended return under this chapter, and shall concede the accuracy of such determination or state wherein it is erroneous, and thereafter promptly furnish to the commissioner any information, schedules, records, documents or papers relating to such change or correction as the commissioner requires. The time for filing such return may be extended by the commissioner upon due cause shown. If, upon examination, the commissioner finds that the estate is liable for the payment of an additional tax, the commissioner shall, within a reasonable time from the receipt of such return, notify the estate of the amount of such additional tax, together with interest thereon computed at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof from the date when the original tax became due and payable. Within thirty days of the mailing of such notice, the estate shall pay to the commissioner, in cash or by check, draft or money order, drawn to the order of the Commissioner of Revenue Services, the amount of such additional tax and interest. If, upon examination of such return and related information, the commissioner finds that the estate has overpaid the tax due the state and has not received from or been allowed by the United States government, or any agency thereof, a credit or a benefit, as a deduction or otherwise, for or by reason of such overpayment, the estate shall be paid by the State Treasurer, upon order of the Comptroller, the amount of such overpayment.

      (b) If a person required to make and file the estate tax return under this chapter files an amended federal estate tax return with the United States Internal Revenue Service, such person shall also file, not later than ninety days following such amended federal estate tax filing, an amended return under this chapter and shall give such other information as the commissioner may require. The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54, prescribing exceptions to the requirements of this section as he deems appropriate. If, upon examination of such amended return, the commissioner finds that the estate is liable for the payment of an additional tax, he shall, within a reasonable time from the receipt of such amended return, notify the estate of the amount of such additional tax, together with interest thereon computed at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof from the date when the original tax became due and payable. Not later than thirty days following the mailing of such notice, the estate shall pay to the commissioner, in cash or by check, draft or money order, drawn to the order of the Commissioner of Revenue Services, the amount of such additional tax and interest. If, upon examination of such amended return, the commissioner finds that the estate has overpaid the tax due the state and has not received from or been allowed by the United States government, or any agency thereof, a credit or a benefit, as a deduction or otherwise, for or by reason of such overpayment, the estate shall be paid by the State Treasurer, upon order of the State Comptroller, the amount of such overpayment.

      (c) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 1-200, 1-205, 1-206, 1-210 to 1-213, inclusive, 1-225 to 1-232, inclusive, 1-240 and 19a-342 a court of probate shall not disclose to any person or state or municipal board, commission, department or agency, estate tax returns and estate tax return information that are provided to such court under this chapter, except the Probate Court shall, upon request, disclose such returns and return information to the Probate Court Administrator and to the Commissioner of Revenue Services, and may disclose such a return or return information to an executor, administrator, trustee, grantee, donee, beneficiary, surviving joint owner or other interested party, when any such person establishes, to the satisfaction of such court, that he or she has a material interest which will be affected by information contained in such return.

      (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 1-200, 1-205, 1-206, 1-210 to 1-213, inclusive, 1-225 to 1-232, inclusive, 1-240 and 19a-342 the Probate Court Administrator shall not disclose to any person or state or municipal board, commission, department or agency, estate tax returns and estate tax return information that are provided to such administrator, except that the Probate Court Administrator shall, upon request, disclose such returns and return information to the Commissioner of Revenue Services and a return and return information concerning a decedent to the court of probate for the district within which the decedent resided at the date of his death or, if the decedent died a nonresident of this state, to the court of probate for the district within which real estate or tangible personal property of the decedent is situated, and may disclose such a return or return information to an executor, administrator, trustee, grantee, donee, beneficiary, surviving joint owner or other interested party, when any such person establishes, to the satisfaction of such administrator, that he has a material interest which will be affected by information contained in such return.

      (d) The tax imposed under this chapter shall be a lien in favor of the state of Connecticut upon the real property so transferred from the due date until paid, with the interest and costs that may accrue in addition thereto, except that such lien shall not be valid as against any lienor, mortgagee, judgment creditor or bona fide purchaser until notice of such lien is filed or recorded in the town clerk's office or place where mortgages, liens and conveyances of such property are required by statute to be filed or recorded. The lien upon any real property transferred, or a portion thereof, may be discharged by the payment of such amount of tax thereon as the commissioner may specify. Any person shall be entitled to a certificate that the tax upon the transfer of any real property has been paid, and such certificate may be recorded in the office of the town clerk of the town within which such real property is situated, and it shall be conclusive proof that the tax on the transfer of such real property has been paid and such lien discharged.

      (e) Any person shall be entitled to a certificate of release of lien with respect to the interest of the decedent in such real property, if either the court of probate for the district within which the decedent resided at the date of his death or, if the decedent died a nonresident of this state, for the district within which real estate or tangible personal property of the decedent is situated, or the Commissioner of Revenue Services finds, upon evidence satisfactory to said court or said commissioner, as the case may be, that payment of the tax imposed under this chapter with respect to the interest of the decedent in such real property is adequately assured, or that no tax imposed under this chapter is due. If the decedent's Connecticut taxable estate is two million dollars or less, the certificate of release of lien shall be issued by the court of probate. Such certificate may be recorded in the office of the town clerk of the town within which such real property is situated, and it shall be conclusive proof that such real property has been released from the operation of such lien. The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 that establish procedures to be followed by a court of probate or by said commissioner, as the case may be, for issuing certificates of release of lien, and that establish the requirements and conditions that must be satisfied in order for a court of probate or for the commissioner, as the case may be, to find that the payment of such tax is adequately assured or that no tax imposed under this chapter is due.

      (f) The amount of any tax, penalty or interest due and unpaid under the provisions of this chapter may be collected under the provisions of section 12-35. The warrant provided under section 12-35 shall be signed by the commissioner or his authorized agent.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2072; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 97-165, S. 4, 16; 97-203, S. 18, 20; P.A. 00-174, S. 62, 83; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 57.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 97-165 replaced existing section with new Subsecs. (a) to (f) re procedure in the case of change or correction to the federal estate tax, disclosure of return and return information by the probate court, imposed a tax lien on real property of all estates and provision for collection, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to the estate of any person whose death occurs on or after July 1, 1997; P.A. 97-203 deleted requirement for Attorney General approval, effective July 1, 1997, but failed to take effect, P.A. 97-165 having deleted the former section; P.A. 00-174 amended Subsec. (a) by adding reference to other competent authority, deleting requirement for an affidavit for certain information required to be submitted, adding provisions re filing of amended return and making technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 1, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 amended Subsec. (e) to provide that certificate shall be issued by the court of probate if the decedent's estate is two million dollars or less, effective June 30, 2005.

      Sec. 12-399. When chapter void. Changes in federal credit. Section 12-399 is repealed, effective February 28, 2003.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2073; 1961, P.A. 163, S. 3; P.A. 96-180, S. 26, 166; P.A. 03-2, S. 57.)