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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes monthly the applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for the month following the month in which the Revenue Ruling is published in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the AFRs and 7520 rate for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the immediate or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. Effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or the 7520 rate, including a client’s particular personal and financial circumstances, and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2019-23, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for October 2019. Revenue Ruling 2019-23 will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-41 dated Oct. 7, 2019. The downward trend that began in January 2019 continues, with all AFRs and the 7520 rate at or below 1.86% for October 2019.What is the Applicable AFR?

The applicable AFR is the minimum safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences — based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length (term) of the loan.

AFRs Trending Down. AFRs have decreased across the board from September 2019 levels, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally more attractive if made in October 2019. Consideration should be given to delaying the implementation of pending intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts until October 2019.

October 2019 AFRs Summary. The AFRs for October 2019 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 1.69% 1.68% 1.68% 1.67%
Mid-Term 1.51% 1.50% 1.50% 1.50%
Long-Term 1.86% 1.85% 1.85% 1.84%

Historical AFRs. The AFRs for October 2018 through October 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
October 2019 1.69% 1.68% 1.68% 1.67%
September 2019 1.85% 1.84% 1.84% 1.83%
August 2019 1.91% 1.90% 1.90% 1.89%
July 2019 2.13% 2.12% 2.11% 2.11%
June 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
May 2019 2.39% 2.38% 2.37% 2.37%
April 2019 2.52% 2.50% 2.49% 2.49%
March 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
February 2019 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
January 2019 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
December 2018 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
October 2019 1.51% 1.50% 1.50% 1.50
September 2019 1.78% 1.77% 1.77% 1.76%
August 2019 1.87% 1.86% 1.86% 1.85%
July 2019 2.08% 2.07% 2.06% 2.06%
June 2019 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
May 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
April 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
March 2019 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%
February 2019 2.63% 2.61% 2.60% 2.60%
January 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
December 2018 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
October 2019 1.86% 1.85% 1.85% 1.84%
September 2019 2.21% 2.20% 2.19% 2.19%
August 2019 2.33% 2.32% 2.31% 2.31%
July 2019 2.50% 2.48% 2.47% 2.47%
June 2019 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
May 2019 2.74% 2.72% 2.71% 2.70%
April 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
March 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
February 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
January 2019 3.15% 3.13% 3.12% 3.11%
December 2018 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs must be used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, either the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate Decreases to 1.8%. The 7520 rate has decreased from 2.2% for September 2019 to 1.8% for October 2019, making planning techniques like grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) more attractive than in prior months, when the 7520 rate was higher. Conversely, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs), techniques that perform better in a higher interest-rate environment, have become less attractive than in prior months.

Historical 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for October 2018 through October 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
October 2019 1.80%
September 2019 2.20%
August 2019 2.20%
July 2019 2.60%
June 2019 2.80%
May 2019 2.80%
April 2019 3.00%
March 2019 3.20%
February 2019 3.20%
January 2019 3.40%
December 2018 3.60%
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%

For more on AFRs, click here.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes monthly the applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for the month following the month in which the Revenue Ruling is published in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the AFRs and 7520 rate for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the immediate or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. Effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or the 7520 rate, including a client’s particular personal and financial circumstances, and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2019-20, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for September 2019.

Revenue Ruling 2019-20 appeared in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-36 dated Sept. 3, 2019. The downward trend that began in January 2019 continues, with all AFRs and the 7520 rate at or below 2.21% in September 2019.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences — based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length (term) of the loan.

AFRs Trending Down. AFRs have decreased across the board from August 2019 levels, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally more attractive if made in September 2019.

September 2019 AFRs Summary. The AFRs for September 2019 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 1.85% 1.84% 1.84% 1.83%
Mid-Term 1.78% 1.77% 1.77% 1.76%
Long-Term 2.21% 2.20% 2.19% 2.19%

Historical AFRs. The AFRs for September 2018 through September 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
September 2019 1.85% 1.84% 1.84% 1.83%
August 2019 1.91% 1.90% 1.90% 1.89%
July 2019 2.13% 2.12% 2.11% 2.11%
June 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
May 2019 2.39% 2.38% 2.37% 2.37%
April 2019 2.52% 2.50% 2.49% 2.49%
March 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
February 2019 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
January 2019 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
December 2018 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
September 2019 1.78% 1.77% 1.77% 1.76%
August 2019 1.87% 1.86% 1.86% 1.85%
July 2019 2.08% 2.07% 2.06% 2.06%
June 2019 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
May 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
April 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
March 2019 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%
February 2019 2.63% 2.61% 2.60% 2.60%
January 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
December 2018 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
September 2019 2.21% 2.20% 2.19% 2.19%
August 2019 2.33% 2.32% 2.31% 2.31%
July 2019 2.50% 2.48% 2.47% 2.47%
June 2019 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
May 2019 2.74% 2.72% 2.71% 2.70%
April 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
March 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
February 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
January 2019 3.15% 3.13% 3.12% 3.11%
December 2018 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs must be used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, either the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate Remains at 2.2%. The 7520 rate remains at 2.2% for September 2019, making planning techniques like grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) more attractive than in months where the 7520 rate. Conversely, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) have become less attractive, as they perform better in a higher interest-rate environment.

Historical 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for September 2018 through September 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
September 2018 2.20%
August 2018 2.20%
July 2019 2.60%
June 2019 2.80%
May 2019 2.80%
April 2019 3.00%
March 2019 3.20%
February 2019 3.20%
January 2019 3.40%
December 2018 3.60%
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%
September 2018 3.40%

For more on AFRs, click here.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes the applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the AFRs and 7520 rate for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the immediate or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. Effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or the 7520 rate, including a client’s particular personal and financial circumstances and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisers.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2019-16, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for July 2019. Revenue Ruling 2019-16 will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-28 dated July 8, 2019. The downward trend that began in January 2019 continues, with all AFRs and 7520 rate below 2.5% in July 2019.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences — based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length (term) of the loan.

AFRs Trending Down. AFRs have decreased across the board from June 2019 levels, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally more attractive.

July 2019 AFRs Summary. The AFRs for July 2019 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 2.13% 2.12% 2.11% 2.11%
Mid-Term 2.08% 2.07% 2.06% 2.06%
Long-Term 2.50% 2.48% 2.47% 2.47%

Historical AFRs. The AFRs for July 2018 through July 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
July 2019 2.13% 2.12% 2.11% 2.11%
June 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
May 2019 2.39% 2.38% 2.37% 2.37%
April 2019 2.52% 2.50% 2.49% 2.49%
March 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
February 2019 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
January 2019 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
December 2018 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
August 2018 2.42% 2.41% 2.40% 2.40%
July 2018 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
July 2019 2.08% 2.07% 2.06% 2.06%
June 2019 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
May 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
April 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
March 2019 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%
February 2019 2.63% 2.61% 2.60% 2.60%
January 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
December 2018 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
August 2018 2.80% 2.78% 2.77% 2.76%
July 2018 2.87% 2.85% 2.84% 2.83%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
July 2019 2.50% 2.48% 2.47% 2.47%
June 2019 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
May 2019 2.74% 2.72% 2.71% 2.70%
April 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
March 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
February 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
January 2019 3.15% 3.13% 3.12% 3.11%
December 2018 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%
August 2018 2.95% 2.93% 2.92% 2.91%
July 2018 3.06% 3.04% 3.03% 3.02%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs is used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate Trending Down. The 7520 rate also has continued its downward trend, making planning techniques like grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) more attractive. Conversely, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) have become less attractive.

7520 Rate for July 2019. The 7520 rate for July 2019 is 2.6%, down from 2.8% for May and June 2019.

Historical 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for July 2018 through July 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
July 2019 2.60%
June 2019 2.80%
May 2019 2.80%
April 2019 3.00%
March 2019 3.20%
February 2019 3.20%
January 2019 3.40%
December 2018 3.60%
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%
September 2018 3.40%
August 2018 3.40%
July 2018 3.40%

For more on AFRs, click here.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes the applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the AFRs and 7520 rate for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the quick or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. Effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or 7520 rate, including a client’s particular personal and financial circumstances and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisers.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2019-14, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for June 2019. Revenue Ruling 2019-14 will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-23 dated June 3, 2019. While the downward trend that began in January 2019 continues, with all AFRs and 7520 rate below 3% in June 2019, it is slowing down.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences – based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length (term) of the loan.

AFRs Trending Down. AFRs have decreased since January 2019, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally more attractive. While the June 2019 short-term AFRs have decreased vis-à-vis the AFRs for May 2019, the June 2019 mid- and long-term AFRs have inched up slightly since May 2019.

June 2019 AFRs Summary. The AFRs for June 2019 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
Mid-Term 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
Long-Term 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%

Historical AFRs. The AFRs for June 2018 through June 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
June 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
May 2019 2.39% 2.38% 2.37% 2.37%
April 2019 2.52% 2.50% 2.49% 2.49%
March 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
February 2019 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
January 2019 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
December 2018 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
August 2018 2.42% 2.41% 2.40% 2.40%
July 2018 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
June 2018 2.34% 2.33% 2.32% 2.32%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
June 2019 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
May 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
April 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
March 2019 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%
February 2019 2.63% 2.61% 2.60% 2.60%
January 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
December 2018 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
August 2018 2.80% 2.78% 2.77% 2.76%
July 2018 2.87% 2.85% 2.84% 2.83%
June 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
June 2019 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
May 2019 2.74% 2.72% 2.71% 2.70%
April 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
March 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
February 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
January 2019 3.15% 3.13% 3.12% 3.11%
December 2018 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%
August 2018 2.95% 2.93% 2.92% 2.91%
July 2018 3.06% 3.04% 3.03% 3.02%
June 2018 3.05% 3.03% 3.02% 3.01%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs is used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate Trending Down. The 7520 rate also has continued its downward trend, making planning techniques like grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) more attractive. Conversely, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) have become less attractive.

7520 Rate for June 2019. The 7520 rate for June 2019 remain the same as for May 2019, 2.8%.

Historical 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for June 2018 through June 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
June 2019 2.80%
May 2019 2.80%
April 2019 3.00%
March 2019 3.20%
February 2019 3.20%
January 2019 3.40%
December 2018 3.60%
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%
September 2018 3.40%
August 2018 3.40%
July 2018 3.40%
June 2018 3.40%

For more on AFRs, click here.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes the applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the AFRs and 7520 rate for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the quick or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. Effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or 7520 rate, including a client’s particular personal and financial circumstances and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2019-12, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for May 2019. Revenue Ruling 2019-12 appears in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-19, dated April 16, 2019. The downward trend that began in January 2019 continues, with all AFRs and 7520 rate below 3% in May 2019.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences – based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length or term of the loan.

AFRs Trending Down. AFRs have been decreasing steadily since January 2019, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally more attractive.

May 2019 AFRs Summary. The AFRs for May 2019 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 2.39% 2.38% 2.37% 2.37%
Mid-Term 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
Long-Term 2.74% 2.72% 2.71% 2.70%

Historical AFRs. The AFRs for May 2018 through May 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
May 2019 2.39% 2.38% 2.37% 2.37%
April 2019 2.52% 2.50% 2.49% 2.49%
March 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
February 2019 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
January 2019 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
December 2018 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
August 2018 2.42% 2.41% 2.40% 2.40%
July 2018 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
June 2018 2.34% 2.33% 2.32% 2.32%
May 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
May 2019 2.37% 2.36% 2.35% 2.35%
April 2019 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
March 2019 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%
February 2019 2.63% 2.61% 2.60% 2.60%
January 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
December 2018 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
August 2018 2.80% 2.78% 2.77% 2.76%
July 2018 2.87% 2.85% 2.84% 2.83%
June 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
May 2018 2.69% 2.67% 2.66% 2.66%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
May 2019 2.74% 2.72% 2.71% 2.70%
April 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
March 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
February 2019 2.91% 2.89% 2.88% 2.87%
January 2019 3.15% 3.13% 3.12% 3.11%
December 2018 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%
August 2018 2.95% 2.93% 2.92% 2.91%
July 2018 3.06% 3.04% 3.03% 3.02%
June 2018 3.05% 3.03% 3.02% 3.01%
May 2018 2.94% 2.92% 2.91% 2.90%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs is used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate Trending Down. The 7520 rate also has continued its downward trend, making planning techniques like grantor retained annuity trusts (“GRATs”) and charitable lead annuity trusts (“CLATs”) more attractive. Conversely, qualified personal residence trusts (“QPRTs”) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (“CRATs”) have become less attractive.

7520 Rate for May 2019. The 7520 rate for May 2019 is 2.8%.

Historical 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for May 2018 through May 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
May 2019 2.80%
April 2019 3.00%
March 2019 3.20%
February 2019 3.20%
January 2019 3.40%
December 2018 3.60%
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%
September 2018 3.40%
August 2018 3.40%
July 2018 3.40%
June 2018 3.40%
May 2018 3.20%
April 2018 3.20%
March 2018 3.00%
February 2018 2.80%
January 2018 2.60%

For more on Applicable Federal Rates, click here.

The applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month are published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the rates for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the quick or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. The effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques also involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or 7520 rate, including a client’s particular personal and financial circumstances, and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2019-03, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for January 2019. Revenue Ruling 2019-03 will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-02 dated January 7, 2019.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum acceptable or safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences — based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length or term of the loan.

AFRs Trending Up. Following an across-the-board increase for November and December 2018, short- and mid-term AFRs for January 2019 generally decreased, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally more attractive.

January 2019 AFRs Summary. The AFRs for January 2019 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
Mid-Term 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
Long-Term 3.15% 3.13% 3.12% 3.11%

Historical AFRs. The AFRs for January 2018 through January 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
January 2019 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
December 2018 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
August 2018 2.42% 2.41% 2.40% 2.40%
July 2018 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
June 2018 2.34% 2.33% 2.32% 2.32%
May 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
April 2018 2.12% 2.11% 2.10% 2.10%
March 2018 1.96% 1.95% 1.95% 1.94%
February 2018 1.81% 1.80% 1.80% 1.79%
January 2018 1.68% 1.67% 1.67% 1.66%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
January 2019 2.89% 2.87% 2.86% 2.85%
December 2018 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
August 2018 2.80% 2.78% 2.77% 2.76%
July 2018 2.87% 2.85% 2.84% 2.83%
June 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
May 2018 2.69% 2.67% 2.66% 2.66%
April 2018 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
March 2018 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
February 2018 2.31% 2.30% 2.29% 2.29%
January 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
January 2019 3.15% 3.13% 3.12% 3.11%
December 2018 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%
August 2018 2.95% 2.93% 2.92% 2.91%
July 2018 3.06% 3.04% 3.03% 3.02%
June 2018 3.05% 3.03% 3.02% 3.01%
May 2018 2.94% 2.92% 2.91% 2.90%
April 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
March 2018 2.88% 2.86% 2.85% 2.84%
February 2018 2.66% 2.64% 2.63% 2.63%
January 2018 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs is used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate for January 2019. The 7520 rate for January 2019 is 3.4%.

7520 Rate Trending Down. The 7520 rate increased to 3.6% for November 2018 and December 2018. It decreased to 3.4% in January 2019, making planning techniques like qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) less attractive. Conversely, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) have become generally more attractive as a result of this decrease.

Historical 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for January 2018 through January 2019 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
January 2019 3.40%
December 2018 3.60%
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%
September 2018 3.40%
August 2018 3.40%
July 2018 3.40%
June 2018 3.40%
May 2018 3.20%
April 2018 3.20%
March 2018 3.00%
February 2018 2.80%
January 2018 2.60%

The applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month are published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the rates for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the quick or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. The effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate-planning techniques also involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or 7520 rate, including a client’s particular circumstances, and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2018-30, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for December 2018. Revenue Ruling 2018-30 appeared in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2018-49, dated Dec. 3, 2018.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum acceptable or safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences – based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length or term of the loan.

AFRs Trending Up. Following a slight decrease in the mid-term and long-term rates for October 2018, AFRs increased across the board for November and again for December 2018, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally less attractive.

December AFRs Summary. The AFRs for December 2018 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
Mid-Term 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
Long-Term 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%

2018 Historical AFRs. The AFRs for January through December 2018 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
December 2018 2.76% 2.74% 2.73% 2.72%
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
August 2018 2.42% 2.41% 2.40% 2.40%
July 2018 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
June 2018 2.34% 2.33% 2.32% 2.32%
May 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
April 2018 2.12% 2.11% 2.10% 2.10%
March 2018 1.96% 1.95% 1.95% 1.94%
February 2018 1.81% 1.80% 1.80% 1.79%
January 2018 1.68% 1.67% 1.67% 1.66%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
December 2018 3.07% 3.05% 3.04% 3.03%
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
August 2018 2.80% 2.78% 2.77% 2.76%
July 2018 2.87% 2.85% 2.84% 2.83%
June 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
May 2018 2.69% 2.67% 2.66% 2.66%
April 2018 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
March 2018 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
February 2018 2.31% 2.30% 2.29% 2.29%
January 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
December 2018 3.31% 3.28% 3.27% 3.26%
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%
August 2018 2.95% 2.93% 2.92% 2.91%
July 2018 3.06% 3.04% 3.03% 3.02%
June 2018 3.05% 3.03% 3.02% 3.01%
May 2018 2.94% 2.92% 2.91% 2.90%
April 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
March 2018 2.88% 2.86% 2.85% 2.84%
February 2018 2.66% 2.64% 2.63% 2.63%
January 2018 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs is used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate for December 2018. The 7520 rate for December 2018 is 3.6%.

7520 Rate Trending Up. The 7520 rate increased steadily during the beginning of 2018, remained at 3.40% for June 2018 to October 2018, and increased to 3.6% for November 2018 and December 2018, making planning techniques like qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) increasingly attractive. Conversely, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) have become generally less attractive as a result of this upward trend.

2018 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for January through December 2018 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
December 2018 3.60%
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%
September 2018 3.40%
August 2018 3.40%
July 2018 3.40%
June 2018 3.40%
May 2018 3.20%
April 2018 3.20%
March 2018 3.00%
February 2018 2.80%
January 2018 2.60%

The applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month are published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the rates for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the quick or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. The effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques also involve numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or 7520 rate, including a client’s particular circumstances. This should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2018-28, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for November 2018. Revenue Ruling 2018-28 will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2018-45 dated Nov. 5, 2018.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum acceptable or safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences — based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length or term of the loan.

AFRs Trending Up. Following a slight decrease in the mid-term and long-term rates for October 2018, AFRs for November 2018 increased across the board, making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally less attractive.

November AFRs Summary. The AFRs for November 2018 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
Mid-Term 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
Long-Term 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%

2018 Historical AFRs. In reverse chronological order, the AFRs for January through November 2018 are as follows:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
November 2018 2.70% 2.68% 2.67% 2.67%
October 2018 2.55% 2.53% 2.52% 2.52%
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
August 2018 2.42% 2.41% 2.40% 2.40%
July 2018 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
June 2018 2.34% 2.33% 2.32% 2.32%
May 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
April 2018 2.12% 2.11% 2.10% 2.10%
March 2018 1.96% 1.95% 1.95% 1.94%
February 2018 1.81% 1.80% 1.80% 1.79%
January 2018 1.68% 1.67% 1.67% 1.66%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
November 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
October 2018 2.83% 2.81% 2.80% 2.79%
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
August 2018 2.80% 2.78% 2.77% 2.76%
July 2018 2.87% 2.85% 2.84% 2.83%
June 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
May 2018 2.69% 2.67% 2.66% 2.66%
April 2018 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
March 2018 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
February 2018 2.31% 2.30% 2.29% 2.29%
January 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
November 2018 3.22% 3.19% 3.18% 3.17%
October 2018 2.99% 2.97% 2.96% 2.95%
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%
August 2018 2.95% 2.93% 2.92% 2.91%
July 2018 3.06% 3.04% 3.03% 3.02%
June 2018 3.05% 3.03% 3.02% 3.01%
May 2018 2.94% 2.92% 2.91% 2.90%
April 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
March 2018 2.88% 2.86% 2.85% 2.84%
February 2018 2.66% 2.64% 2.63% 2.63%
January 2018 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan that can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs is used to determine the gift- or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income-, gift-, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120 percent of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate for November 2019. The 7520 rate for November 2018 is 3.6 percent.

7520 Rate Trending Up. The 7520 rate increased steadily during the beginning of 2018, remained at 3.40 percent for June 2018 to October 2018, and increased to 3.6 percent for November 2018, making planning techniques like qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) increasingly attractive. Conversely, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) have become generally less attractive as a result of this upward trend.

2018 7520 Rates. In reverse chronological order, the 7520 rates for January through November 2018 are as follows:

7520 RATE
November 2018 3.60%
October 2018 3.40%
September 2018 3.40%
August 2018 3.40%
July 2018 3.40%
June 2018 3.40%
May 2018 3.20%
April 2018 3.20%
March 2018 3.00%
February 2018 2.80%
January 2018 2.60%

The applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month are published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the rates for the following month provides a window of opportunity for the quick or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. The effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques also involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or 7520 rate, including a client’s particular circumstances, and should be undertaken only with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2018-23, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for September 2018. Revenue Ruling 2018-23 will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2018-36 dated Sept. 4, 2018.

What is the Applicable AFR? The applicable AFR is the minimum acceptable or safe-harbor interest rate that must apply to loans between related parties (intra-family loans) to avoid adverse income or gift-tax consequences – based on the month in which the loan is made, how frequently interest is compounded, and the length or term of the loan.

AFRs Trending Up. Following a slight decrease in the mid-term and long-term rates in August 2018, AFRs increased across the board in September 2018 – making intra-family loans and installment sales to grantor trusts generally less attractive.

2018 AFRs. The AFRs for January through September 2018 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

AFR ANNUAL SEMI-ANNUAL QUARTERLY MONTHLY
Short-Term AFRs – For demand notes and notes with a term of three years or less.
September 2018 2.51% 2.49% 2.48% 2.48%
August 2018 2.42% 2.41% 2.40% 2.40%
July 2018 2.38% 2.37% 2.36% 2.36%
June 2018 2.34% 2.33% 2.32% 2.32%
May 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
April 2018 2.12% 2.11% 2.10% 2.10%
March 2018 1.96% 1.95% 1.95% 1.94%
February 2018 1.81% 1.80% 1.80% 1.79%
January 2018 1.68% 1.67% 1.67% 1.66%
Mid-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of three years but no greater than nine years.
September 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
August 2018 2.80% 2.78% 2.77% 2.76%
July 2018 2.87% 2.85% 2.84% 2.83%
June 2018 2.86% 2.84% 2.83% 2.82%
May 2018 2.69% 2.67% 2.66% 2.66%
April 2018 2.72% 2.70% 2.69% 2.68%
March 2018 2.57% 2.55% 2.54% 2.54%
February 2018 2.31% 2.30% 2.29% 2.29%
January 2018 2.18% 2.17% 2.16% 2.16%
Long-Term AFRs – For notes with a term in excess of nine years.
September 2018 3.02% 3.00% 2.99% 2.98%
August 2018 2.95% 2.93% 2.92% 2.91%
July 2018 3.06% 3.04% 3.03% 3.02%
June 2018 3.05% 3.03% 3.02% 3.01%
May 2018 2.94% 2.92% 2.91% 2.90%
April 2018 3.04% 3.02% 3.01% 3.00%
March 2018 2.88% 2.86% 2.85% 2.84%
February 2018 2.66% 2.64% 2.63% 2.63%
January 2018 2.59% 2.57% 2.56% 2.56%

Note that the “blended annual rate” under Code Section 7872(e)(2)(A) may be used to determine the interest on a demand loan (i.e., a loan which can be called in at any time) with a fixed principal amount outstanding for an entire year.

What is the 7520 Rate? The 7520 rate for the month in which a lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs is used to determine the gift or estate-tax value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest. In the case of a charitable life estate or remainder, however, the 7520 rate for the month in which the lifetime gift or testamentary transfer occurs or a rate for either of the two preceding months may be used to determine its income, gift, or estate-tax value. The 7520 rate is equal to 120% of the applicable mid-term rate using semi-annual compounding, adjusting the resulting rate to produce an equivalent yield for annual compounding, and then rounding it to the nearest two-tenths of a percent.

7520 Rate Trending Up. While the 7520 rate increased during the beginning of 2018 — making planning techniques like qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) and charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) increasingly attractive. Conversely, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs) have become generally less attractive as a result of this upward trend – it has remained at 3.40% since June 2018.

2018 7520 Rates. The 7520 rates for January through September 2018 are as follows, in reverse chronological order:

7520 RATE
September 2018 3.40%
August 2018 3.40%
July 2018 3.40%
June 2018 3.40%
May 2018 3.20%
April 2018 3.20%
March 2018 3.00%
February 2018 2.80%
January 2018 2.60%

The applicable federal rates (AFRs) under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 1274(d) and the Code Section 7520 rate (7520 rate) for a particular month are published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a Revenue Ruling that is released around the 18th day of the immediately preceding month. Advance knowledge of the rates for the future month provides a window of opportunity for the quick or delayed implementation of income, gift, and estate-tax planning techniques in response to upward or downward trends. The effective implementation and management of interest-sensitive estate planning techniques also involves numerous other factors in addition to the relevant AFR or 7520 rate, including a client’s particular circumstances, and should be undertaken with the advice of competent tax counsel and financial advisors.

 

The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2018-21, which provides the AFRs and 7520 rate for August 2018.

Continue Reading Applicable Federal Rates and Code Section 7520 Rate for August 2018