[PatOConnell]

I am to inherit some land in Canada from my mother. I am both a US and Canadian citizen. Would it be better for me tax wise to inherit land (which I may or may not sell in the future) or upon my mothers death the land be sold and I inherit the money?

[Five Rings]

I will not comment on the Canadian issues involved here.

If your mother is a US citizen her estate is liable to tax on the value of the land on the day she passes away. In 2009 the first 3,500,000 in her estate is free of tax. In 2010 there is no Estate tax. In 2011 we do not know yet

Upon your Mother's death the value of the land at her date of death is your basis. That is, however much you sell it for over that amount is your taxable gain. Right now the tax rate on that is 15%.

If you believe the land will appreciate, by all means hold it. If not, sell the land and invest the proceeds in something that will give you a better return. There will be very little, if any, US tax on the inherited land.