Republican Victory: How Estate Planners Can Stay Relevant and Keep Practice Momentum

Pres. Trump has won the White House. The Republicans have control over the Senate, and may gain control over the House. Estate planning has been focused on planning to use bonus exemption and planning for possible enactment of a Democrat estate tax proposal. That all changed election night. Will the exemption be cut in half in 2026? What planning makes sense to do? This webinar is an initial exploration of these and other practical considerations that practitioners need to understand to reach out to clients and communicate about the changed planning environment. Although it is now unlikely that any harsh estate tax changes will occur in the next 4 years, planning should continue, but with some changes. We’ll explain briefly the filibuster, reconciliation and other Congressional rules that might influence what tax changes might occur. Pres. Trump promised voters an array of income tax reductions. How might that effect what happens to the exemption? Planning should continue as inflation and growth will push clients into taxable estates. Asset protection concerns remain vital to address. But practitioners can build in flexibility for clients who are waffling about continued planning like: disclaimers in irrevocable trusts, use of recission, and using QTIP-able trusts and deferring until 10/15/26 filing a gift tax return. Planning might include greater access given a reduced current estate tax concern. SPATs, hybrid-DAPTs and DAPTs may make more sense to consider. Income tax planning warrants more attention: CRTs, CLTs, IRA planning, basis planning, state income tax planning, and more. How might the proposed Clawback Regs be relevant if the exemption doesn’t decline? Join us for a quick first look at planning post-Election.

Speakers: Martin Shenkman, Esq., Jonathan G. Blattmachr, Esq. and Robert S. Keebler, CPA

Sponsors: Peak Trust Company and Interactive Legal Systems (ILS)

*This may constitute attorney advertising.

* No CPE/CLE is offered but a certificate of attendance will be provided.