The Death Tax is coming

Words: Stephen BorgIf Congress does not act by December 31, 2012 the Death Tax will hit thousands more family-owned businesses.

As members of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) we are asking you to contact your Member of Congress and Senators to urge them to pass legislation addressing the estate tax before the end of the year. Action is urgently needed to prevent the estate tax from saddling thousands of more family-owned businesses with a crippling tax increase.

Current estate tax law that provides for a $5million per person exemption, is indexed for inflation, and provides for spousal portability is set to expire if Congress fails to act. If current law expires, the estate tax would revert back to merely a $1 million exemption not indexed for inflation, with no spousal portability, and a top rate of 55%. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that 13 times more families, 20 times more farms, and 9 times more small businesses will be forced to pay the estate tax under this scenario.

While the MCAA has always supported and continues to support the full repeal of the estate tax, it is imperative that our members contact their Member of Congress to express that at a minimum, current law must be extended.

Congress must act by the end of 2012 to prevent this immense tax increase our nation’s small businesses and families and we urge that you contact your Member of Congress immediately to tell them to act on the Estate Tax. This tax increase would have a massive detrimental impact on our struggling economy and family-owned businesses and your voice must be heard.
About: Legislative
From Raw Material To Art: Bringing Toothless To Life
December 2025

“The next project is already waiting in the wings, but that’s another story.” That was how I ended my article on the T-60 helmet from the world of Fallout in the July 2024 issue of Masonry Magazine. And that is exactly where this new chapter begins.

News and Events
Read More
Outreach Outlook: A Year of Momentum and Building Our Future Together
December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a natural time for reflection. This month marks a personal milestone for me, my one-year anniversary as the National Director of Youth Outreach & Education. What an incredible year it has been for the newly established Outre

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
GEN NXT: Logan Sullivan
December 2025

This month, the MCAA got to talk to Pennsylvania native Logan Sullivan. A young mason starting out in the industry whose enthusiasm for the craft of bricklaying is evident. His passion and genuine love for the craft could be felt throughout the interview,

Justin Stengel
GEN NXT
Read More
The 2026 Masonry Innovations
December 2025

Be the first to know what's to come in the new year! The masonry industry is always advancing, from new material color-ways to brand new technology, see what our MAP Members are bringing to the table in 2026!

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More