Tax time

Estate Planning

Estate Planning and Taxes, the Perfect Pair

Apr-17 2023

It's that time of year again: tax season.

While it's not exactly the most exciting time of year, it's a good opportunity to take a closer look at your finances and ensure that you're taking advantage of all the tax breaks available to you. But tax season isn't just about filing your taxes - it's also a good time to think about estate planning.

Estate planning is the process of preparing for the management and transfer of your assets and liabilities in the event of your death or incapacity. It's something that everyone should do, regardless of age or wealth. A well-crafted estate plan can help ensure that your wishes are carried out, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are taken care of after you're gone.

So, what does tax season have to do with estate planning?

Well, for starters, your estate plan can help you reduce your tax liability. Here are a few ways your estate plan can help you save on taxes:

Gifting

One way to reduce your taxable estate is to make gifts to your loved ones. Based on your state, you can give up to a certain amount per year to each individual without triggering gift taxes. By making annual gifts, you can reduce the value of your estate and, in turn, reduce your estate tax liability.

Charitable giving

If you're charitably inclined, you can use your estate plan to make gifts to your favorite charities. Charitable gifts are tax-deductible, so by making a charitable bequest in your estate plan, you can reduce your estate tax liability while supporting a cause that's important to you.

Trusts

Revocable Living Trusts are a powerful estate planning tool that may help you reduce your tax liability. One of the benefits of trusts is that they can help you avoid probate, the court-supervised process of distributing your assets after you pass away. By avoiding probate, the assets in the trust can be transferred to beneficiaries quickly and without incurring significant costs, which can help reduce estate tax liability.

These are just a few examples of how your estate plan can help you save on taxes. But the benefits of estate planning go beyond tax savings. A comprehensive estate plan can also help you:

  • Protect your assets from creditors

  • Provide for your loved ones in the event of your incapacity or death

  • Minimize the potential for family disputes

  • Ensure that your wishes are carried out after you're gone

So, this tax season, take some time to review your estate plan. If you don't have one yet, you can get started right here. Your estate plan is an important part of your overall financial plan, and it's something that can benefit you and your loved ones for years to come.