Benjamin Franklin once paraphrased Christopher Bullock when he wrote, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Estate planning sits squarely at the intersection of those two certainties. And because both are difficult topics, many people put off thinking about them altogether. But if it’s been more than a few years since you created your estate plan, now is the time to review it.
While only an attorney can draft or revise your legal estate planning documents, a tax professional plays a vital role in helping you understand the tax implications of your plan—and ensuring your legacy is preserved the way you intended.
Here are a few key areas to check during your estate planning review:
🔹 Marital Status: If you’ve recently married, make sure your spouse is included in your estate documents. Conversely, if you’ve gone through a divorce, be sure to remove your former spouse as executor, trustee, or power of attorney where applicable.
🔹 Children and Guardianship: For parents of young children, naming a legal guardian in a properly signed will is essential. If your children are now adults, you can usually remove this provision.
🔹 Pet Care: Don’t forget your furry or feathered family members. Many states allow pet trusts, which ensure your animals are cared for according to your wishes.
🔹 Charitable Giving: Want to leave a lasting impact? Your will is the perfect place to include a charitable gift. If you have a particular nonprofit or cause in mind, let’s talk about whether it qualifies for a charitable deduction under current tax law.
At Gleason Tax Advisory, we help individuals and families align their estate plans with sound tax strategies—so that your legacy can be as impactful and stress-free as possible.
📞 Schedule your estate planning tax review today. Because even if death and taxes are certain, the future doesn’t have to be uncertain.
Schedule your estate planning tax review today?
Because even if death and taxes are certain,
the future doesn’t have to be uncertain.
