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Wealth Preservation · Authority Guide

Estate Tax Planning Within Preservation

Federal and state estate tax exposure can erode generational wealth significantly. Resilient households plan for both even below current thresholds.

In this guide

  1. 1 · Executive summary
  2. 2 · Key takeaways
  3. 3 · Key strategies
  4. 4 · Pro-tips checklist
  5. 5 · FAQ
  6. 6 · Related guides & tools

Executive summary

Federal and state estate tax exposure can erode generational wealth significantly. Resilient households plan for both even below current thresholds.

  • Annual gift exclusion ($18k+) used systematically
  • Trust-based gifting for larger transfers
  • State-level exposure varies (MA, OR, WA notable)

Key takeaways

  • Annual gift exclusion ($18k+) used systematically
  • Trust-based gifting for larger transfers
  • State-level exposure varies (MA, OR, WA notable)
  • Sunset of federal exemption planned for

Key strategies

  1. Strategy 1

    Annual gift exclusion ($18k+) used systematically

  2. Strategy 2

    Trust-based gifting for larger transfers

  3. Strategy 3

    State-level exposure varies (MA, OR, WA notable)

  4. Strategy 4

    Sunset of federal exemption planned for

Pro-tips checklist

  • Use the exemption while it's high
  • Coordinate with charitable plans

FAQ

What if the federal exemption drops in 2026?

Pre-position with irrevocable trusts now. Once removed, the exemption is gone.