With more states imposing estate or inheritance taxes—and thresholds that are often far lower than the federal exemption—many clients face tax exposure they never anticipated. For financial advisors, understanding how to spot these risks and guide clients toward effective planning strategies has never been more important.
In this advanced webinar, nationally recognized estate planning attorney Alan Gassman will break down the five most effective techniques to help clients avoid or minimize state-level estate and inheritance taxes. Advisors will learn when each strategy applies, how to communicate the benefits to clients, and practical steps to coordinate planning with legal and tax professionals.
During this session, Alan will cover:
1. Lifetime Gifting Strategies
How proactive gifting—both outright and through trusts—reduces future estate tax exposure while keeping clients financially secure.
2. Credit Shelter & Spousal Planning
Using bypass trusts, portability alternatives, and state-specific planning to preserve exemptions and protect family wealth.
3. Trust Structures that Reduce State Tax Exposure
How properly structured irrevocable trusts, including DINGs, NINGs, and SLATs, can shift assets out of a taxable state.
4. Residence & Domicile Optimization
Why changing domicile—or restructuring assets tied to a high-tax state—may provide major tax savings for the right clients.
5. Charitable Planning Solutions
Leveraging donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, and lifetime philanthropy to reduce both income and estate tax burdens.