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Guide to High-Net-Worth Estate Planning in 2026

  • Writer: Riley Johnston
    Riley Johnston
  • Jan 27
  • 15 min read

With the federal estate tax exemption set to drop in 2026, high-net-worth families face a critical turning point. Over 70% of wealthy individuals currently lack a comprehensive plan, putting millions at risk.

This guide to high-net-worth estate planning equips you with a step-by-step roadmap to preserve assets, minimize taxes, and secure your legacy.

What will you discover?

  1. Essential estate planning steps for 2026.

  2. Tax-saving strategies and trust structures.

  3. Business succession and asset protection tips.

  4. Ways to integrate philanthropy into your plan.

Looming tax law changes threaten family wealth, but with proactive high-net-worth estate planning, you can protect your future. Start building your 2026-ready estate plan today.

Understanding High-Net-Worth Estate Planning in 2026

Navigating high-net-worth estate planning in 2026 requires a clear understanding of changing laws, complex assets, and evolving family needs. With new tax rules on the horizon, early and informed action is essential to protect your legacy.

Defining High-Net-Worth for Estate Planning

High-net-worth estate planning typically applies to individuals and families with $5 million, $10 million, or $20 million or more in assets. These assets often include:

  • Privately owned businesses

  • Real estate holdings in multiple states

  • Investment portfolios

  • Collectibles and luxury items

Unique challenges for high-net-worth estate planning include managing multi-state assets, ensuring privacy, and addressing the needs of blended families.

Example: A business owner with $15 million in assets, including a company, real estate, and investments, must plan for multi-generational wealth transfer and tax efficiency.

Statistic: Over 70% of high-net-worth individuals lack a comprehensive estate plan (DK Law Group).

Early, proactive high-net-worth estate planning is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and ensure long-term asset protection.

The 2026 Estate Tax Landscape: Key Changes and Impacts

Significant tax changes are coming for high-net-worth estate planning. The federal estate tax exemption is set to decrease from $13.61 million (2024) to roughly $7 million per person in 2026. The top federal estate tax rate will remain at 40%.

Other key points:

  1. Gift tax and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax rules will shift, impacting how much wealth can be transferred tax-free.

  2. Many states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes, with lower exemptions than the federal level.

  3. The timeline for these changes is clear: On January 1, 2026, the lower exemption takes effect for everyone.

Example: A family with a $15 million estate may see their tax liability double, risking millions in additional taxes if no action is taken.

Table: 2024 vs. 2026 Estate Tax Exemptions and Rates

Year

Estate Tax Exemption

Top Tax Rate

2024

$13.61M

40%

2026

~$7M (est.)

40%

Statistic: The number of families impacted by the federal estate tax could double after the exemption drops.

For more details on how to prepare, see Estate tax planning strategies.

Common Estate Planning Pitfalls for the Wealthy

High-net-worth estate planning can stumble over several common mistakes:

  1. Not updating the estate plan after life events or changes in tax law.

  2. Relying only on a will instead of using trusts for privacy and probate avoidance.

  3. Overlooking business succession planning.

  4. Failing to provide liquidity for estate tax payments.

  5. Missing the needs of blended or multi-generational families.

Example: A family dispute erupts when an outdated will fails to include stepchildren, leading to costly litigation.

Statistic: Two out of three adults in the U.S. have no estate plan at all (DK Law Group).

Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid Pitfalls:

  • Review your plan annually

  • Update documents after major life changes

  • Use both wills and trusts

  • Plan business succession early

  • Ensure liquidity for tax obligations

Effective high-net-worth estate planning means anticipating changes and acting before they become problems.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building a High-Net-Worth Estate Plan

A solid high-net-worth estate planning process relies on a structured, methodical approach. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you safeguard your legacy, minimize taxes, and avoid common mistakes.

Step 1: Inventory and Value All Assets

The first step in high-net-worth estate planning is to list and value everything you own. This includes personal property, business interests, real estate, retirement accounts, life insurance, and collectibles.

  • Use professional appraisals for complex assets like business interests or rare art.

  • Include assets held in multiple states or countries.

  • Document ownership structure (individual, joint, trust, LLC, etc.).

Example: A business owner with $10M in real estate and $5M in private company shares needs precise valuations to estimate estate tax exposure.

Table: Asset Inventory Example

Asset Type

Value

Ownership

Location

Family Business

$5,000,000

LLC

California

Primary Residence

$3,000,000

Joint

Texas

Investment Account

$4,000,000

Individual

New York

Art Collection

$1,500,000

Trust

Florida

Over 70% of high-net-worth families overlook hidden or hard-to-value assets, which can lead to tax surprises.

Step 2: Define Family and Legacy Goals

Clear goals are the foundation of high-net-worth estate planning. Identify heirs, beneficiaries, and any philanthropic intentions.

  • Specify succession wishes for business interests.

  • Address special situations: blended families, minor children, or special needs.

  • Hold family meetings to align expectations and reduce future conflicts.

  • Create a written legacy statement for clarity.

Example: A family with three children, a blended household, and a $15M estate structures their plan to provide for all heirs and set up a charitable fund.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. List all intended heirs and charities.

  2. Define specific bequests and business succession plans.

  3. Review Family succession checklist for business owners for actionable steps if you own a business.

Did you know? Only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation without a written succession plan.

Step 3: Assemble Your Professional Team

High-net-worth estate planning requires expertise from several disciplines. Build a coordinated team for best results.

  • Estate planning attorney: Drafts legal documents and structures.

  • CPA: Advises on taxes and reporting.

  • Wealth advisor: Guides investments and charitable giving.

  • Trust officer: Manages trust administration.

  • Insurance specialist: Assesses risk and coverage.

Statistics: More than 90% of high-net-worth estate plans involve multi-disciplinary teams for optimal outcomes.

Example: A coordinated team helped a family reduce estate taxes by $2M through trust and gifting strategies.

Checklist:

  • Engage professionals early.

  • Hold regular team meetings.

  • Share all asset and family information with advisors.

Step 4: Draft Core Legal Documents

Legal documents are the backbone of high-net-worth estate planning. Ensure each critical document is in place and up to date.

Key Documents:

  • Will: Directs asset distribution and appoints guardians.

  • Revocable Living Trust: Avoids probate, offers privacy.

  • Irrevocable Trusts: Provides asset protection and tax benefits.

  • Power of Attorney: Financial and healthcare decisions.

  • Living Will/Advance Directive: Medical wishes.

Example: A revocable living trust helped a family owning property in three states avoid multiple costly probates.

Table: Core Estate Planning Documents

Document

Purpose

Who Needs It?

Will

Distribute assets, guardians

Everyone

Revocable Trust

Probate avoidance, privacy

Multi-state asset holders

Irrevocable Trust

Tax & asset protection

High net worth, business

Power of Attorney

Manage finances/health

All adults

Living Will

Medical directives

All adults

Probate costs can reach 2-5% of estate value, making trusts a vital tool for the wealthy.

Step 5: Review and Update Regularly

High-net-worth estate planning is not a one-time event. Regular reviews keep your plan aligned with changing laws, assets, and family needs.

  • Review your plan yearly or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, business sale).

  • Adjust for tax law changes, such as the 2026 estate tax exemption drop.

  • Update beneficiary designations and asset lists.

  • Meet with your professional team for risk assessments.

Example: A missed plan update after a divorce led to an unintended disinheritance in a $12M estate.

Checklist: Events Requiring Estate Plan Review

  • Marriage or divorce

  • Birth or adoption

  • Death of heir or spouse

  • Major asset acquisition or sale

  • Business succession or exit

Two out of three adults have no estate plan, making regular reviews essential for wealth preservation.

Tax Minimization and Lifetime Gifting Strategies

Navigating tax rules is a cornerstone of high-net-worth estate planning. By using smart gifting and tax strategies, families can preserve more wealth for future generations. Let’s break down the practical steps, tools, and real-world examples that can help minimize your estate’s tax burden.

Utilizing Annual Gift Tax Exclusions and Lifetime Exemptions

Annual exclusions are a powerful tool in high-net-worth estate planning. For 2024, you can give $18,000 per recipient tax-free. In 2026, this amount will rise to $19,000, as detailed in the Gift tax exclusion for 2026 guide. Couples can combine their exclusions and give $36,000 (2024) or $38,000 (2026) per recipient.

Key facts:

  • Lifetime exemption: $13.61M per person in 2024, dropping to about $7M in 2026.

  • Over 50 percent of high-net-worth families use annual gifting to reduce future estate taxes.

  • Gifts above the annual exclusion count against your lifetime exemption.

Example: A couple gifts $500,000 in marketable securities over 10 years to each child, removing $1M from their taxable estate.

Year

Annual Exclusion (per recipient)

Lifetime Exemption

Top Gift Tax Rate

2024

$18,000

$13.61M

40%

2026

$19,000

~$7M

40%

Step-by-step guide:

  1. List all potential recipients.

  2. Calculate annual gifts per person.

  3. Track cumulative gifts against your lifetime exemption.

Regular gifting is essential in high-net-worth estate planning to maximize available exemptions and minimize taxes.

Strategic Lifetime Gifting Techniques

Strategic gifting can “freeze” your estate’s value and shift appreciation to heirs. In high-net-worth estate planning, outright gifts are simple, but gifts in trust offer more control and protection.

Popular techniques:

  • Gifting appreciating assets like stocks or real estate.

  • Creating Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) or Family LLCs.

  • Applying valuation discounts (20 to 40 percent per IRS guidelines).

Example: Parents transfer $5M in real estate into an FLP, then gift limited partnership interests to children. The discounted value reduces both gift and estate tax.

Benefits of gifting through trusts or entities:

  • Protects assets from creditors.

  • Retains family control.

  • Reduces taxable estate while leveraging discounts.

Quick stats:

  • Over 60 percent of high-net-worth estate planning professionals use FLPs or LLCs for large transfers.

  • Gifting through trusts allows for multi-generational planning.

Proper documentation and annual reviews are critical for compliance and effectiveness in high-net-worth estate planning.

Advanced Tax Planning Vehicles

Advanced vehicles take high-net-worth estate planning to the next level. These tools can transfer appreciation and lock in tax savings.

Top options:

  • Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs): Transfer future growth above IRS rates.

  • Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs): Remove home value from estate.

  • Installment sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs).

Vehicle

Use Case

Pros

Cons

GRAT

Stock or business growth

Tax-free appreciation transfer

Requires careful timing

QPRT

Primary/secondary residence

Removes home from estate

Loss of flexibility

IDGT

Business or real estate

Income tax benefits

Complex setup

Example: A $2M GRAT holding Amazon stock appreciates faster than IRS assumptions, letting the family pass all growth tax-free.

Step-by-step for advanced vehicles:

  1. Identify high-growth assets.

  2. Consult estate attorney for structure.

  3. Fund the trust or entity.

  4. Monitor IRS interest rates for timing.

These strategies are often central to high-net-worth estate planning for families seeking to move significant wealth efficiently.

Preparing for the 2026 Exemption Sunset

With the estate tax exemption set to fall in 2026, high-net-worth estate planning requires immediate action. If you do not use your higher exemption by the deadline, you lose it.

Pros of early gifting:

  • Lock in current exemption before reduction.

  • Reduce future estate tax exposure.

  • Shift appreciation out of taxable estate.

Cons:

  • Loss of control over gifted assets.

  • Complexity with large or illiquid assets.

Example: A family gifts $10M in 2025 to adult children, preserving today’s higher exemption and saving millions in potential taxes.

Checklist: Steps before January 1, 2026

  1. Review current estate plan.

  2. Calculate unused exemption.

  3. Identify assets for gifting.

  4. Complete gifts and documents before deadline.

More than 70 percent of families with $10M+ in assets are advised to act before the sunset. Early and proactive high-net-worth estate planning is vital to protect your legacy.

Trust Structures for Wealth Preservation and Legacy

Selecting the right trust structures is essential for high-net-worth estate planning in 2026. Trusts provide control, tax benefits, privacy, and asset protection. Below is a step-by-step guide to the most effective types for wealthy families.

Revocable Living Trusts: Probate Avoidance and Privacy

A revocable living trust is a cornerstone of high-net-worth estate planning. It gives you control over assets, flexibility to amend terms, and protection if you become incapacitated.

Key benefits include:

  • Probate avoidance, which saves time, reduces costs, and maintains privacy

  • Simplifies transferring multi-state property

  • Allows for rapid access to assets for heirs

Statistic: Probate can cost 2 to 5 percent of estate value, which is significant for large estates.

Example: A family with homes in three states avoids lengthy, expensive probate by holding all properties in a living trust.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. List all assets to fund into the trust

  2. Work with your attorney to draft and sign the trust document

  3. Retitle assets in the name of the trust

Revocable living trusts are a smart, foundational move for high-net-worth estate planning.

Irrevocable Trusts: Tax Savings and Asset Protection

Irrevocable trusts play a vital role in high-net-worth estate planning by removing assets from your taxable estate and shielding them from creditors. Popular types include Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) and Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs).

Benefits:

  • Reduce estate taxes by excluding assets from your estate

  • Protect assets from lawsuits and creditors

  • Provide income or access for a spouse or heirs

Example: An ILIT holds a $3 million life insurance policy, preventing estate taxes on the payout.

Table: Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts

Feature

Revocable Trust

Irrevocable Trust

Asset Control

Grantor

Trustee

Tax Benefits

Limited

Significant

Creditor Protection

No

Yes

Amendable

Yes

No

Choosing the right trust mix is crucial for high-net-worth estate planning success.

Generation-Skipping and Dynasty Trusts

For families seeking long-term legacy, generation-skipping and dynasty trusts are essential in high-net-worth estate planning. These trusts leverage the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) tax exemption to benefit grandchildren and beyond.

Features include:

  • Assets can remain protected for 100+ years in some states

  • GST tax rate matches federal estate tax, currently 40 percent

  • Spendthrift provisions prevent misuse by beneficiaries

Statistic: Over 60 percent of U.S. dynasty trusts are designed to last more than 100 years.

Example: A $10 million dynasty trust benefits three generations, shielding wealth from estate taxes for decades.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Identify long-term legacy goals

  2. Work with advisors to structure the trust for multiple generations

  3. Fund the trust with appreciating assets

These trusts anchor generational wealth in high-net-worth estate planning.

Charitable Trusts and Philanthropic Vehicles

Charitable trusts are powerful tools for high-net-worth estate planning, combining philanthropy with major tax advantages. Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) provide income to donors and leave the remainder to charity, while Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) pay charities first, then heirs.

Key benefits:

  • Immediate income and estate tax deductions

  • Avoid capital gains on appreciated assets

  • Flexible giving using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

Example: A CRT diversifies $2 million in appreciated stock, avoiding capital gains and supporting charity.

Table: Charitable Vehicles Comparison

Vehicle

Tax Benefits

Setup Complexity

Family Impact

CRT

High

Moderate

Income + Legacy

CLT

High

Moderate

Legacy

DAF

Moderate

Low

Flexible Giving

For advanced strategies, see these Charitable Remainder Trust strategies tailored to high-net-worth estate planning.

Domestic and Offshore Asset Protection Trusts

Asset protection trusts are a key defense in high-net-worth estate planning. Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs) offer creditor protection in over 17 states as of 2024, while offshore trusts add further privacy and complexity.

Considerations:

  • State laws vary in strength and recognition

  • Offshore trusts require specialized legal guidance

  • Both can defend against lawsuits and future claimants

Example: A DAPT shields $1 million from potential litigation, giving peace of mind to business owners.

Checklist for asset protection:

  • Review state trust laws

  • Identify high-risk assets to protect

  • Consult with legal and tax experts

Using these trusts ensures your assets stay secure in high-net-worth estate planning.

Business Succession and Exit Planning for Entrepreneurs

Navigating business succession is a cornerstone of high-net-worth estate planning. With the 2026 estate tax exemption change looming, entrepreneurs must act strategically to preserve wealth and ensure seamless transitions. Below, explore a step-by-step roadmap, real-world data, and actionable strategies for effective succession and exit planning.

Succession Planning for Family-Owned Businesses

Effective succession planning is essential in high-net-worth estate planning for entrepreneurs. A written succession plan ensures the business survives and thrives across generations.

Key steps include:

  1. Identify and prepare next-generation leaders.

  2. Create and regularly update a written succession plan.

  3. Establish buy-sell agreements, specifying triggers, valuation, and funding.

Example: The Smith family, with a $20M business, used a buy-sell agreement and a family trust to transition leadership smoothly.

Statistic: 70% of family businesses fail to reach the second generation, highlighting the urgency of proactive planning.

Structuring Ownership Transfers and Minimizing Taxes

Proper structuring of ownership transfers is critical in high-net-worth estate planning to avoid unnecessary taxes.

Options include:

  • Gifting shares to family members over time.

  • Selling shares, often using FLPs or LLCs to control the transfer.

  • Implementing stock redemption or cross-purchase agreements.

Ownership Transfer Method

Tax Impact

Control Retained

Gifting

May use lifetime exemption

Partial/Full

Selling

May trigger capital gains

Varies

FLP/LLC

Valuation discounts

High

Example: A business owner gifts minority interests each year, leveraging valuation discounts to reduce estate tax exposure.

Liquidity Planning for Estate Taxes and Business Continuity

Liquidity is vital in high-net-worth estate planning, especially to cover estate tax obligations without forcing business sales.

Key liquidity strategies:

  • Purchase life insurance through an irrevocable trust.

  • Maintain reserve funds or arrange business loans.

  • Plan asset sales with minimal disruption.

Checklist for Liquidity Planning:

  • Assess estate tax liability.

  • Evaluate life insurance needs.

  • Identify illiquid vs. liquid assets.

Example: The Lee family used a $4M life insurance trust to pay estate taxes, ensuring business continuity for heirs.

Coordinating Personal and Business Estate Plans

Aligning personal and business estate plans is a best practice in high-net-worth estate planning. Coordination reduces conflict and streamlines wealth transfer.

Key steps:

  1. Integrate personal, family, and business trusts.

  2. Involve heirs and managers in planning discussions.

  3. Develop a family governance structure or constitution.

Example: The Patel family aligned their business succession with personal estate plans, preventing disputes among siblings.

For further insights on maximizing the value of professional guidance, see Exit planning advisor benefits for business succession.

Legacy Exits delivers tailored solutions for high-net-worth estate planning, focusing on founders and family businesses.

Services include:

  • Business valuation and succession planning.

  • Tax strategy and deal structuring.

  • Post-exit wealth planning.

Example: A founder increased company value and achieved a smooth family handover with Legacy Exits’ strategic roadmap.

Benefit: Owners receive a free exit assessment and personalized plan, maximizing value and minimizing tax risks during transitions.

Asset Protection and Risk Management Strategies

Asset protection is a core pillar of high-net-worth estate planning. Without careful risk management, even the best-crafted estate plan can unravel due to lawsuits, creditors, or unforeseen events. Consider these essential strategies to shield your wealth and ensure your legacy stays intact.

Shielding Assets from Creditors and Lawsuits

Every high-net-worth estate planning strategy must address asset protection from legal threats. Lawsuits and creditor claims can erode family wealth if proper barriers are not in place.

  • Use irrevocable trusts, such as Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs), to separate assets from personal liability.

  • Structure business interests through LLCs or Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) for added protection.

  • Leverage state-specific homestead exemptions. For example, Texas protects primary residences from most creditors.

  • Consider advanced tools like Deferred Sales Trust benefits for wealthy sellers for additional layers of protection and deferral of capital gains.

Statistics:

  • Asset protection trusts are recognized in over 17 states as of 2024.

  • Up to 70% of wealthy individuals experience legal disputes over assets.

Step-by-step:

  1. Inventory all at-risk assets.

  2. Consult an attorney on state-specific options.

  3. Fund trusts or LLCs to hold key assets.

Insurance Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals

No high-net-worth estate planning approach is complete without robust insurance. Insurance offers a financial backstop for risks that legal structures cannot always cover.

  • Umbrella liability policies provide extra coverage above home and auto insurance.

  • Life insurance can fund estate taxes or provide liquidity for heirs.

  • Disability and long-term care insurance protect against unexpected health events.

  • Specialized coverage is available for art, collectibles, yachts, and other unique assets.

Table: Insurance Solutions for High-Net-Worth Families

Insurance Type

Coverage Limit

Use Case

Umbrella Liability

$1M–$50M

Lawsuit protection

Life Insurance

$1M–$100M+

Estate tax liquidity

Collectibles Insurance

Varies

Art/jewelry coverage

Example: A multi-property owner with $10M in assets uses a $10M umbrella policy to guard against major lawsuits.

Digital Assets and International Holdings

Modern high-net-worth estate planning must include digital and cross-border assets. Without planning, heirs may lose access or face legal hurdles.

  • Identify all digital assets: cryptocurrency, cloud accounts, online businesses, and social media.

  • Document access credentials securely and appoint a digital executor.

  • For international assets, coordinate with advisors in each jurisdiction to avoid double taxation and legal conflicts.

Checklist: Digital Asset Planning

  • Create a complete digital asset inventory.

  • Store access information in a secure, legal manner.

  • Update your estate plan to include digital and foreign holdings.

Example: Including Bitcoin and a UK property in trust documents ensures smooth transfer and compliance.

Proactive Risk Assessments and Regular Reviews

Risk management in high-net-worth estate planning is not a one-time event. Annual reviews are vital to adapt to new laws, threats, or family changes.

  • Conduct a yearly risk assessment with your legal and financial team.

  • Update structures after major life events or changes in the law.

  • Add new protections as needed, such as cyber liability insurance after a data breach.

Common Risks & Mitigation Table

Risk

Mitigation Step

Lawsuit

Asset protection trust, LLC

Cyber Theft

Cyber insurance, secure storage

Tax Law Change

Annual estate plan review

Example: A family added cyber insurance after a phishing attack targeted their business.

Integrating Philanthropy and Charitable Giving

Philanthropy is a powerful pillar of high-net-worth estate planning. For affluent families, charitable giving is not only about generosity but also about shaping legacy, reducing taxes, and uniting generations. With new tax laws on the horizon, strategic giving is more important than ever.

Charitable Giving as a Core Estate Planning Strategy

Integrating philanthropy into high-net-worth estate planning starts with aligning family values and legacy goals. Charitable giving delivers:

  • Tax deductions that lower taxable estate value

  • Opportunities to support causes for generations

  • A unifying purpose for family members

Statistic: Over 50% of Americans with estates above $10M include charitable gifts in their estate plans. For example, the Smith family established a private foundation funding scholarships and medical research, ensuring their impact lasts beyond their lifetime.

Benefits of Philanthropy in Estate Planning:

  1. Reduces estate and income taxes

  2. Supports long-term family legacy

  3. Fosters family unity and purpose

Structuring Charitable Trusts and Foundations

Choosing the right vehicle is key in high-net-worth estate planning. Popular options include:

  • Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): Provide income to donors, with remainder to charity

  • Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs): Give income to charity first, remainder to heirs

  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Flexible, low-cost, immediate deduction

  • Private Family Foundations: Control over giving, multi-generational involvement

Example: The Lee family used a CRT to diversify $2M in appreciated stock, gaining income and avoiding capital gains tax.

Vehicle

Setup Cost

Control

Tax Benefit

Best for

CRT

Medium

Moderate

Income, estate

Income for donor

CLT

Medium

Moderate

Gift, estate

Heirs, long-term giving

DAF

Low

Low

Immediate, flexible

Simplicity, flexibility

Foundation

High

High

Ongoing

Family involvement

Tax Planning for Charitable Contributions

Timing is crucial in high-net-worth estate planning. To maximize deductions, consider:

  1. Gifting appreciated assets to avoid capital gains

  2. Making large gifts before the 2026 estate tax exemption increase reverts, locking in higher deductions

  3. Coordinating with other estate strategies

Checklist:

  • Review estate plan annually

  • Identify appreciated assets for donation

  • Consult advisors for optimal timing

Example: By donating $1M in stock to a DAF in 2025, a family avoided $200K in capital gains tax and maximized their deduction before exemption changes.

Involving the Next Generation in Philanthropy

Family engagement is vital for sustained high-net-worth estate planning success. Educating heirs about philanthropy ensures values and legacy endure.

Ways to involve the next generation:

  • Hold annual family meetings to discuss giving goals

  • Create a family mission statement

  • Assign grantmaking roles to children

Statistic: 60% of wealthy families involve children in giving decisions. For example, the Patel family hosts a yearly retreat, letting each child direct a portion of the family's charitable budget.

By making philanthropy a family affair, you secure both your legacy and the values you wish to pass on. Navigating the changing estate tax landscape in 2026 takes more than just a solid plan—it requires real clarity about where you stand today and what your next steps should be. As you think about protecting your legacy, minimizing taxes, and ensuring a smooth transition for your family or business, it’s important to know exactly how prepared you are for what’s ahead. If you’d like a personalized snapshot of your exit readiness, you can start right now with our straightforward assessment. Take the first step toward a secure future and Start Your Exit Readiness Assessment.

 
 
 

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