Federal Estate Tax Planning

How We Help You Minimize Federal Estate Taxes

If your estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, a significant portion could be subject to taxation—potentially reducing your legacy by millions. Federal estate tax planning allows you to take proactive steps to:

• Reduce or eliminate federal estate tax liability
• Preserve family wealth and business continuity
• Provide for future generations and charitable causes

The earlier you start planning, the more effective and flexible your strategies will be.

Our Federal Estate Tax Planning Services Include:

• Testamentary Planning Solutions
  We structure wills and testamentary trusts that maximize use of the estate tax exemption and preserve assets for heirs while ensuring tax efficiency.
• Trust-Based Solutions
  We design and implement irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), and other tax-advantaged structures to reduce taxable estates and ensure privacy and control.
• Inter Vivos Sales & Exchanges
  We help clients execute lifetime sales or exchanges of assets—such as sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts—to lock in value, shift appreciation, and reduce future estate tax exposure.
• Charitable Planning Solutions
  Through charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, and foundation planning, we help clients reduce estate tax liability while supporting causes that reflect their values.

Who Needs Federal Estate Tax Planning?

• Your estate approaches or exceeds the federal estate tax exemption (currently $13.61 million for individuals in 2024)
• You own a family business, farm, or real estate holdings
• You wish to provide substantial gifts during your lifetime
• You want to create a lasting charitable legacy

Why Clients Trust Loviscky & Cressman

• Sophisticated Tax Knowledge We’re not generalists—we’re estate, tax, and business planning attorneys with decades of focused experience.
• Tailored Planning Every family and estate is different. We design custom strategies that reflect your values and goals.
• Proactive & Future-Focused We stay ahead of federal law changes and provide ongoing support to adapt your plan as needed.