Estate Tax Protection and Planning 

You work really hard to earn the assets you have and generally no one knows when they will pass away.  So, we can’t plan to die with only $.05 and we may want to pass on wealth to future generations or other family members.   

Given the recent passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” the inheritance tax exclusion amount that was scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025 and go back to about $7 million has been extended.  The inheritance tax exclusion amount in 2026 will be $15 million, and will adjust for inflation going forward from there.  

If you end up having more than the inheritance tax exclusion amount (whatever that ends up being at the date of your death), you need to make sure your trust is drafted in such a way to take advantage of twice the exclusion amount for a married couple (one exclusion amount each).  If you are single, you should consider other options to minimize your estate taxes which we can discuss. 

Uncle Sam’s Cut 

You work your entire life to save and have enough money to comfortably retire – and ideally leave something for your loved ones when you pass away. 

During your life you pay all kinds of taxes: income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, and so on. And at the end, the government still wants to tax you on the assets you have left at your death. 

This is known as the estate tax, sometimes called the “inheritance tax” or “death tax.” 

The best way to protect your assets and your family’s future from excessive taxation is to hire an attorney who specializes in estate tax planning. We can help you reduce – if not entirely avoid – the federal estate tax burden.