While the fundamental rules are the same for estates of those who died in 2012 and those who die this year, some of the important numbers are different. For example, the exemption amount (the value of property that can be transferred free of estate tax) in 2013 is $5.25 million; it was $5.12 million in 2012.
Items, such as interest, state and local income and sales taxes, charitable contributions, and medical deductions, claimed on Schedule A of Form 1040. Itemized deductions are subtracted from adjusted gross income to arrive at taxable income. The amount of itemized deductions is also subject to a reduction when adjusted gross income exceeds certain limits.