Wealth Transfers

Current estate tax law can impose little if any tax burden on the transfer of estates to the next generation because of the average size estate and the increasing amounts of wealth transfers that are exempt from estate taxation. Despite the seemingly high amounts exempt from estate taxation, many private clients cannot take advantage of available Unified Credits that will lower the estate tax bill because of where the greatest percentage of their wealth exists: tax-favored retirement accounts. For many individuals, strategies that effectively reduce estate taxation could compromise their ability to maximize their retirement income.

Heintzberger | Payne Advisors' team works with the client to review current estate and tax planning strategies and evaluate alternatives, if necessary. Our goal is to first help the client understand the estate tax issues affecting his or her circumstances, and then to maximize capital accumulation opportunities while reducing or minimizing potential tax consequences.

Efforts to minimize or eliminate the amount of estate tax that will be due require the client to have an up-to-date will or trust. Heintzberger | Payne Advisors does not prepare wills or trusts, but we work effectively with the client's attorney to make sure this important document is put in place.