For years, estate planners and financial professionals have been navigating the shifting landscape of federal estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes. On February 13, 2025, Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) reintroduced the Death Tax Repeal Act, a legislative proposal aimed at transforming the estate tax framework in the United States.
This Act seeks to:
In this analysis, we explore the implications of the Death Tax Repeal Act and emphasize why estate tax planning remains crucial—even in the face of potential repeal.
If enacted, the Death Tax Repeal Act would:
While this Act proposes the elimination of estate taxes, history has shown that tax policies are rarely set in stone. Estate planners must remain proactive to safeguard their clients’ wealth.
Even if estate taxes are repealed, strategies such as trusts, gifting, and structured wealth transfers continue to provide critical benefits. A well-structured estate plan is essential for ensuring long-term financial security.
Tax laws change with political shifts. If the estate tax were reinstated, families without an established tax strategy might face unexpected liabilities. Continuing estate planning efforts ensures financial preparedness for any future legislative changes.
"The Death Tax Repeal Act represents a significant shift in tax policy, eliminating long-standing transfer taxes while reducing the gift tax rate. However, even if enacted, estate planning remains indispensable for wealth preservation and risk mitigation."
— Alan S. Gassman, Kenneth J. Crotty, Brandon L. Ketron & Peter M. Farrell
While the Death Tax Repeal Act is an important legislative development, estate planners should continue implementing comprehensive tax-saving strategies. Given the potential for future changes in tax law, maintaining a structured estate plan is crucial for high-net-worth individuals.
By staying proactive and informed, individuals and families can secure their financial future, regardless of evolving tax policies.
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Estate planning is an intricate and highly mathematical process, often requiring planners to rely on Excel spreadsheets and a mix of pre-packaged software solutions. However, none of the existing tools have been able to effectively compare multiple estate planning techniques in a user-friendly, visual format—until now. Enter EstateView, an innovative estate planning software designed to provide clear, insightful comparisons of various financial strategies.
EstateView is a cutting-edge tool that allows estate planners to measure, design, illustrate, and educate clients on different planning structures. With its comprehensive and dynamic features, it empowers users to explore multiple planning techniques and see their financial impact in real-time.
EstateView is the brainchild of Alan S. Gassman, a board-certified trust and estate planning attorney with an LL.M. in taxation. He collaborated with Professor Jerry Hesch from Notre Dame’s Estate Tax Planning Institute to refine the software into what it is today. Since its inception, the tool has undergone extensive testing and improvements to cater to estate planners and financial professionals.
EstateView provides several advantages that make it a game-changer for estate planners:
Industry experts have lauded EstateView for its ability to bridge the gap between mathematical estate planning and practical, client-friendly visualization. Renowned estate planner Jonathan Blattmachr, J.D., describes it as a “powerful tool to help clients make informed decisions.”
"The starting point of transfer planning is getting the client comfortable that they will have sufficient cash flow for life after making the transfer. Those calculations are made simple with EstateView."
EstateView isn’t just a professional tool—it’s also being used to educate the next generation of estate planners. Alan Gassman has made the software free for full-time J.D. and LL.M. students to help them gain hands-on experience with estate planning strategies.
EstateView is setting a new standard in estate planning by providing planners with a versatile, secure, and highly visual tool to enhance their client services. With its advanced calculation models, automated reports, and side-by-side scenario analysis, it’s no wonder professionals are calling it a “complete game-changer.”
For estate planners looking to elevate their practice, EstateView offers an unparalleled opportunity to optimize strategies and improve client outcomes.
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