Where Not to Die in 2012

“Most of the states are still in pretty poor shape, and if the economy doesn’t improve you might see more action by state legislatures seeking other sources of revenue,” says James Walschlager, an analyst with tax publisher CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly about State death taxes.

Al Davis, RIP

Oakland Raiders owner and former head coach Al Davis is famous for a lot of things, including his quote, “We don’t take what the defense gives us; we take whatever the hell we want.” Mr. Davis has gone on to his eternal rewards, leaving his family to face an adversary that is more intimidating than the Raiders in their glory years. But there is good news for the rest of us. Even when you are up against the IRS, there are ways to, in Mr. Davis’ immortal words, “Just win, Baby!”