Session 3: Estate Planning Strategies for $2–$5 Million Clients
Subtitle: High-Impact Planning Without Overengineering
Overview
This session focuses on practical, high-leverage strategies for clients with $2–$5 million in net worth. These clients require thoughtful planning that balances tax efficiency, control, and cost without unnecessary complexity.
Key Topics
Tax Optimization
- Portability elections
- State estate tax planning
- Basis step-up timing strategies
- Lifetime gifting vs. wait-and-see approaches
Control and Protection
- Revocable trust optimization
- Retirement trust considerations
- LLC structures for real estate
- Umbrella liability coordination
Business Owner Planning
- Buy-sell agreement alignment
- Cross-purchase vs. entity structures
- Integration with personal estate plans
- Preventing liquidity issues at death
Avoiding Overengineering
- When advanced strategies (GRATs, ILITs) are unnecessary
- Managing complexity and client understanding
- Avoiding “trust fatigue”
Funding Formula Risks
- Pecuniary vs. fractional formulas
- Capital gains exposure during funding
- Impact of post-death appreciation
- Coordination with tax professionals
Planner Takeaway
The primary risk at this wealth level is either under-planning or overengineering. Advisors must prioritize strategies that deliver meaningful impact without unnecessary complexity.
Webinar category
Featured Webinar
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Plans
Pending plans
IAR program ID
C82041
Product and Practices Course ID
C82041
Product and Practices Topic
Estate Planning
Masterclass Series
On
Masterclass categories
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate estate planning strategies appropriate for $2–$5 million clients, balancing tax efficiency, control, and cost without introducing unnecessary complexity.
- Apply key tax optimization techniques, including portability elections, state estate tax planning, and basis step-up strategies to enhance after-tax outcomes.
- Design effective control and protection structures, such as revocable trusts, retirement trusts, and LLCs, to safeguard assets and align with client objectives.
- Integrate business succession planning with personal estate plans, including buy-sell agreements and liquidity planning to prevent disruptions at death.
- Identify and avoid common planning pitfalls, including overengineering, funding formula risks, and unintended capital gains consequences, to ensure practical and sustainable plan implementation.
On Demand Masterclass
Off
Simulated Webinar
Off
Enrolled Agent program Number
HQOYY-T-00055-26-O