Estate and Gift Tax Planning
De Bedout CPA Estate and Gift Planning

Protect your wealth. Provide for your family. Define your legacy.

You have worked hard to build your wealth. Preserving it, and passing it on thoughtfully, takes planning. We help clients transfer assets in a tax-aware way while protecting control, liquidity, and family stability.

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✓A thoughtful, tax-focused planning approach

More Than Documents, A Coordinated Plan

Good estate planning is not only about paperwork. It is about taxes, cash flow, business interests, and family considerations working together. We analyze your full picture, model the tax impact of key decisions, and coordinate with your attorney so the plan reflects your wishes and current law.

Protection

Plan for control and safeguards while reducing unnecessary tax exposure where possible.

Clarity

Clear decisions, clear roles, and clear documentation so your intent is understood.

Consistency

Tax and non-tax choices aligned so the plan holds up over time, not just on paper.

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Core Planning Areas

As net worth grows, questions come up naturally: how assets will be managed, how taxes will be funded, and how to transfer wealth without stress or surprises. We focus on practical planning that protects liquidity and supports family stability.

Estate Tax Planning

We evaluate how your estate may be taxed under current law, whether there is sufficient liquidity to cover expenses, and how transfers should be structured. We also coordinate with counsel so documents reflect your intent and the tax plan.

Tax exposure review Liquidity planning Coordination with counsel

Gift Tax Planning

Lifetime gifting can reduce the taxable value of an estate when used carefully. We model the tax impact of different approaches and keep your lifestyle and long-term security front and center.

Lifetime gifts Timing strategy Cash needs considered

Trust Planning

Trusts can define how and when assets are distributed, add protection, and clarify income tax responsibility. We help determine fit, then coordinate with legal counsel for drafting, updates, and ongoing alignment.

Control and structure Asset protection Income tax clarity

Coordinated Estate and Trust Services

A well-designed plan can preserve privacy, reduce avoidable tax, limit court involvement, and bring peace of mind. We collaborate with attorneys and other advisors so the plan works as a whole.

Team coordination Privacy and control Long-term stability

Our Estate Planning Services

Every plan is built around your life, values, and financial structure. We focus on the tax analysis, the funding mechanics, and clean coordination with legal counsel.

Wills and Testament Planning

Review and coordination so your intent is clear and aligned with the overall plan.

Intent clarity Tax coordination Family alignment

Powers of Attorney and Directives

Support for setting these early and keeping them current as life changes.

Decision authority Review and updates Life events

Trust Planning and Administration

Guidance on structure, tax compliance, and distribution oversight in coordination with counsel.

Revocable and irrevocable Compliance Distribution planning

Advanced Planning Strategies

Tax-focused planning for complex estates, business interests, and charitable structures.

Charitable strategies Family entities Business succession
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★Planning for every stage of life

Build the Foundation, Then Keep It Current

Planning needs change over time. We tailor the focus based on your stage, assets, family structure, and business interests, then revisit the plan at a sensible cadence.

Early Career and Growing Families

Foundational documents and clear decision authority to protect loved ones.

Mid-Career Earners and Business Owners

Tax-aware strategies for growing wealth, plus coordination around business interests.

Pre-Retirement and Retirees

Trust structures, liquidity planning, succession coordination, and charitable planning options.

Ongoing Review

Typically every 3 to 5 years, and sooner after major life events or tax law changes.

Our Process

We keep the work structured, practical, and coordinated. The goal is a plan that fits your life, holds up under current law, and is easy to maintain.

1

Clarify goals and inventory assets

We review your assets, liabilities, entity interests, and family objectives so decisions are grounded in the full picture.

2

Model tax exposure and liquidity needs

We evaluate possible estate and gift tax exposure, and whether funding and cash flow are positioned to support the plan.

3

Coordinate with legal counsel

We work alongside your attorney so wills, trusts, and related documents reflect the tax plan and your intent.

4

Maintain and review

We revisit the plan as life changes, and review it on a regular cadence so it stays relevant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate planning?
Estate planning organizes how assets are managed and transferred during your lifetime and after death. It often includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related tax planning.
Who should consider estate and trust planning?
Anyone with assets, investments, or business interests can benefit. Planning becomes more important as wealth grows, or when family and business situations become more complex.
How does estate and gift tax planning reduce taxes?
By transferring assets in a tax-aware way, such as through lifetime gifting or trust structures, future estate tax exposure may be reduced when done in compliance with current law.
How does lifetime gifting fit into an estate plan?
Lifetime gifting can transfer appreciating assets out of your estate, which may lower future estate taxes. Each strategy depends on asset type, tax impact, and your long-term financial needs.
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
It depends on your assets, family structure, and goals. Trusts can provide control, privacy, and protection beyond what a will alone typically provides.
How often should my estate plan be reviewed?
Plans are commonly reviewed every 3 to 5 years, or sooner after major life events or tax law changes.
Do I need life insurance as part of my estate plan?
Life insurance can provide liquidity, fund estate taxes, or support family needs. Whether it fits depends on your overall plan and objectives.
How does estate planning support family harmony?
Clear planning reduces uncertainty and can prevent disputes by defining how assets are managed and distributed, and by providing guidance during difficult transitions.

Build Your Legacy with Confidence

Estate and gift tax planning is not just about numbers. It is about protecting your family, preserving what you have built, and ensuring your wishes are honored. Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss estate and gift tax planning.

Disclaimer: De Bedout CPA provides tax and advisory services. Legal advice and document drafting are provided by licensed attorneys.

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