Harold Simmons Estate Uses Foundation Stock Sales to Reduce Estate Tax Liability

Harold Simmons Estate Uses Foundation Stock Sales to Reduce Estate Tax Liability The passage details a coordinated series of stock sales by the Harold Simmons Foundation that appear timed to lower the estate's taxable value, suggesting a potential tax‑avoidance scheme involving a billionaire's heirs and a charitable foundation. It provides specific dates, share quantities, and valuation impacts, offering concrete leads for financial‑forensic investigation. While the actors are wealthy private individuals rather than current officials, the scale and method could provoke public controversy if proven, and the information is not widely reported. Key insights: Harold Simmons died Dec 28, 2013 leaving an $8 B estate, primarily in Valhi stock.; Estate tax can be calculated on death date or six‑month alternate valuation date.; Valhi stock fell from $14.91 to $6.01, reducing estate tax liability by ~$1.1 B.