The Latest Breaking News from Inheritance Tax

Federal Estate Tax vs. State Estate Tax: What Ordinary Families Need to Know

Federal estate tax and state estate tax sound like two versions of the same financial headache, but they follow different rules and can affect different families. In 2026, the federal estate tax basic exclusion amount reaches $15 million for someone who dies during the year, which puts the federal tax…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 15

6 Estate-Tax Headlines That Can Mislead Families With Ordinary Estates

Estate-tax headlines often arrive with dramatic wording that makes families wonder whether a tax surprise waits around the corner. The reality looks much calmer for many households because federal estate tax rules affect a much smaller group than those scary headlines suggest.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 5

Protecting Your Noncitizen Spouse: The IRS Strategy for Cross-Border Couples

Noncitizens don't get the unlimited marital deduction. Learn how the QDOT bridges this gap to defer estate taxes and protect your family's legacy.

Kiplinger · May 28

A Financial Planner Takes a Deep Dive Into How Charitable Trusts Benefit You and Your Favorite Charities

These dual-purpose tools let affluent families combine philanthropic goals with advanced tax planning to generate income, reduce estate taxes and preserve wealth.

Kiplinger · Dec 22, 2025

Urgent Action: Protect Your Heirs from the Coming Estate Tax Battle

Estate taxes—often called the “death tax”—have long been a contentious issue in American politics. For seniors, the debate is more than theoretical. Proposed changes to...

Saving Advice · Nov 28, 2025

I Asked ChatGPT How the Rich Hide Money in Trusts: Here’s Its Explanation

How wealthy families use grantor trusts, dynasty trusts, offshore structures and shell companies to legally protect billions from taxes across generations.

GOBankingRates · Nov 22, 2025

The Private Annuity Sale: A Smart Way to Reduce Your Estate Taxes

In a private annuity sale, you transfer a highly appreciated asset to an irrevocable trust in exchange for a lifetime annuity.

Kiplinger · Nov 17, 2025

I'm Embarrassed to Ask: What Is a Life Insurance Trust?

Life insurance trusts, particularly irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), can minimize estate taxes and protect your heir's inheritance.

Kiplinger · Nov 10, 2025

Here’s Why Your Estate May Face Heavier Taxes Than Billionaires

When you start thinking about what happens to your assets after you’re gone, estate taxes can become a real concern. Many people assume that only the ultra-wealthy need to worry about these taxes. In reality, your estate may face heavier taxes than that of billionaires, and it can seriously impact…

Budget and the Bees · Aug 24, 2025

Is Your Roth IRA Still Protected From Estate Taxes in 2025?

For years, many people assumed that passing down a Roth IRA to their heirs was a tax-friendly move that wouldn’t trigger hefty estate taxes. But as tax laws evolve, so does the answer to whether your Roth IRA is still protected from estate taxes in 2025. Roth IRAs remain attractive…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 16, 2025