Introduction

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:

• Eliminate federal estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes
• Lower the top marginal gift tax rate to 35%
• Permanently set the gift tax exemption at $10 million, adjusted for inflation since 2016

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.

Executive Summary

If enacted, the Death Tax Repeal Act would:

• Repeal federal estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, effective immediately.
• Reduce the top marginal gift tax rate to 35%.
• Permanently set the gift tax exemption at $10 million, indexed for inflation since 2016.

Key Considerations

• The Act has been introduced multiple times in previous congressional sessions.
• Republican support for repeal remains strong, but historical backing has varied.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates that repeal could reduce federal revenue by $269 billion over ten years.
• Since 2015, estate and gift taxes have contributed approximately 1% of total federal revenue.

Why Estate Planners Should Continue to Prepare

1. Tax Laws Are Ever-Changing

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.

2. Wealth Preservation and Risk Management

Even if estate taxes are repealed, strategies such as trusts, gifting, and structured wealth transfers continue to provide critical benefits.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.

3. Potential for Future Reinstatement

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.

Expert Insights

"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

Final Thoughts

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.

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

By staying proactive and informed, individuals and families can secure their financial future, regardless of evolving tax policies.

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Introduction

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.

What Makes EstateView Unique?

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.

Standout Features:

• Side-by-Side Comparisons – EstateView allows planners to compare multiple planning techniques simultaneously, such as varying the length of a Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (CLAT) and analyzing different payment structures.‍
• Automated Reports – Users can generate Word documents and PowerPoint presentations illustrating the chosen financial strategies, making it easier to communicate complex concepts to clients.
• ‍Client Collaboration – The software enables planners to share plans with clients and their advisors for up to two weeks, fostering a more collaborative approach.
• ‍Secure Cloud-Based Technology** – Hosted on Amazon Web Services, EstateView ensures data security while offering easy access from any browser-enabled device.

Who Developed EstateView?

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.

Key Benefits for Estate Planners

EstateView provides several advantages that make it a game-changer for estate planners:

• Dynamic Visualization: The software allows planners to see the financial implications of different scenarios, such as the effects of toggling off grantor trust status.
• Comprehensive Calculation Modules: It includes over 20 professional-grade tools, covering aspects like Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs), Private Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)
• Retirement Planning Tools: The NEST Calculator helps clients estimate their retirement needs and adjust their savings and investment strategies accordingly.
• Customizable Client Reports: Estate planners can quickly generate detailed reports that clearly outline tax implications, cash flow projections, and estate tax savings.

Industry Praise for EstateView

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."

Education and Future of 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.

Final Thoughts

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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