Reactions to the Estate Tax Exemption Changes from 2025 Legislation
Author: Klaralee R. Charlton
| CPE Credit: |
1 hour for CPAs
1 hour Federal Tax Law Updates for EAs and OTRPs
1 hour Federal Tax Updates for CTEC |
This course will explore the implications of the newly enacted legislation that permanently increases the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption. The course will analyze how this significant shift in federal transfer tax policy is expected to reshape estate planning strategies, including the decreased urgency of lifetime gifting and the changing role of traditional tools like irrevocable trusts and portability elections.
Participants will gain practical guidance on how to reassess client plans in light of the new exemption levels, identify planning opportunities for both high-net-worth and moderately wealthy clients, and effectively communicate the impact of these changes to clients who may no longer face immediate estate tax exposure but still require thoughtful wealth transfer strategies.
Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2028 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN cardPublication Date: July 2025
Topics Covered
- Overview of the 2025 Estate and Gift Tax Reform
- Planning for Clients who may Still Face Estate Tax Exposure
- Traditional Estate Planning Techniques for High-Net-Worth Clients
- Rethinking Lifetime Gifting in a High-Exemption Landscape
- Terminating "Irrevocable" Trusts
Learning Objectives
- Describe the key provisions of the 2025 legislation, including the permanent increase of the federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption.
- Explain how the increased exemption amount affects common estate planning strategies, including lifetime gifting, use of irrevocable trusts, and the portability election
- Identify which clients may still be impacted by estate taxes and how to tailor planning strategies accordingly in light of the new exemption threshold
- Explain how to evaluate the continuing relevance and potential restructuring of existing estate plans that were designed under prior, lower exemption amounts
- State practical approaches for advising clients on wealth transfer, asset protection, and long-term planning in a post-reform environment where estate tax exposure may be significantly reduced
Level
Update
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (1 hour)
Program Prerequisites
Basic Understanding of Estate Tax
Advance Preparation
None
