Estate Tax Planning
Federal estate taxes can take a significant portion of a large estate before it reaches the next generation. For business owners whose wealth is tied up in illiquid assets, the bill can force a sale of the business or family property. Planning started early can significantly reduce or eliminate that exposure.
- Reduce or eliminate estate tax exposure
- Keep illiquid assets in the family
- Coordinate with your CPA and advisors
Free initial consultation. No pressure, just clear guidance.
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Tell us a little about your situation. We follow up within one business day.
Understanding Your Estate Tax Exposure
The federal estate tax applies to estates above the applicable exemption amount. That exemption has changed significantly over the years and is subject to future legislative change. For clients whose estates may approach or exceed the exemption, reviewing your situation now with an attorney and CPA is an important step.
Business owners face added complexity because the value of the business itself is included in the taxable estate and may need to be appraised at fair market value, which can surprise families who assumed the business was worth less than it is.
When wealth is tied up in a business, the estate tax bill can force a sale of the very thing you built.
Planning started early is what keeps the business and the property in the family.
Estate Tax Reduction Tools
The right mix depends on the size of your estate, your timeline, and your goals for the next generation.
Annual Gifting Programs
The annual gift tax exclusion allows tax-free transfers to each recipient each year. A systematic program moves significant wealth out of the taxable estate over time.
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Removes life insurance death benefits from the taxable estate while providing liquidity to pay estate taxes or equalize inheritances.
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT)
Transfers future appreciation out of the taxable estate with minimal gift tax cost. Effective for assets expected to grow significantly.
Dynasty Trust
An irrevocable trust designed to hold assets for multiple generations. Assets inside the trust avoid estate tax at each generational transfer.
Qualified Opportunity Zone Investments
Defers and potentially reduces capital gains taxes while removing appreciated assets from the taxable estate.
Business Valuation Discounts
Interests in closely held businesses and LLCs may qualify for minority interest and lack-of-marketability discounts that reduce the taxable value of transferred interests.
Work directly with Travor Moses
Travor Moses is an estate planning and elder law attorney licensed in Idaho, California and Florida. When you reach out, you work with him directly, not a call center or an intake queue.
He explains your options in plain language and builds a plan around your family and your goals, not a fill-in-the-blank template. Initial consultations are always free.
Meet TravorEstate Tax Planning Process
- 01
Exposure Assessment
We estimate the size of your taxable estate including business interests, real estate, retirement accounts, and life insurance to determine your potential exposure.
- 02
Strategy Design
Travor Moses recommends the combination of strategies that best fits your situation, timeline, and family goals.
- 03
Advisor Coordination
Estate tax planning requires coordination with your CPA and financial advisor. We work directly with your team so the legal structures align with your overall plan.
- 04
Implementation
Trusts are drafted, gifting programs are established, and business interests are structured to maximize available discounts.
- 05
Ongoing Review
Tax laws change. We review your plan as exemption amounts, asset values, and family circumstances evolve.
Keep More in the Family
Estate tax exposure is reducible with early planning. Travor Moses can assess yours in a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The federal estate tax exemption has been subject to significant legislative change. You should discuss current applicable amounts with your attorney and CPA, as the exemption that applied when you last reviewed your estate plan may no longer apply.
No. Idaho does not have a state estate tax. California also does not have a state-level estate tax. Federal estate tax is the primary concern for clients in both states we serve.
Yes, through the annual gift tax exclusion. You can give a set amount per recipient each year without gift tax or using any of your lifetime exemption. Strategic gifting started early is one of the most effective estate reduction tools available.
Without planning, your business interest passes to your heirs at its full fair market value, which is included in your taxable estate. With planning, you can use valuation discounts, installment sales, and trust structures to transfer the business at a significantly reduced tax cost.
Reduce Your Estate Tax Exposure
The earlier you plan, the more you can protect from federal estate tax. Travor Moses offers free consultations to map your strategy.