A unified credit is a tax credit designed by the IRS to help eliminate or reduce tax. The unified tax credit applies to the estate tax and the gift tax. This tax credit helps eliminate the taxes that are typically a part of inheritance or gifts received. The unified tax credit allows taxpayers to add up the total amount of estate taxes and gift taxes that are owed and then apply to the IRS for a credit on the taxes due, a portion of which will probably be granted. Currently the unified tax credit is scheduled to end in 2010 unless Congress intervenes and continues the credit.