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A Guide to Advanced Estate Planning Tax Strategies

  • Parkview Partners Capital Management
  • Dec 16, 2025
  • 3 min read

Understanding Advanced Estate Planning


Advanced estate planning involves techniques designed to help organize wealth, support long-term goals, and address potential tax considerations. These strategies are typically used alongside traditional estate planning documents to create a more comprehensive framework for transferring assets.


This guide provides an educational overview of several commonly referenced planning structures. Each strategy has specific legal and tax implications, and its suitability depends on individual circumstances.


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Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)


A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) is an irrevocable trust in which the grantor transfers assets to the trust and receives a fixed annuity payment for a defined term. When the term ends, any remaining value in the trust passes to beneficiaries.


Key Considerations


  • GRATs are often used with assets expected to appreciate.

  • The effectiveness of the strategy depends in part on the IRS Section 7520 interest rate.

  • A “zeroed-out” GRAT may mitigate the effect of the taxable gift.


The grantor generally must outlive the trust term for the strategy to function as intended.


Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)


A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust allows one spouse to create an irrevocable trust for the benefit of the other spouse. Assets placed in the trust are generally removed from the taxable estate while still providing indirect access to trust resources.


Important Factors


  • Avoiding the reciprocal trust doctrine when each spouse creates a SLAT.

  • Using separate property rather than jointly owned assets.

  • Selecting an appropriate trustee and outlining distribution provisions.


Planning for potential life changes, such as divorce or the death of a spouse.


Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) and Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)


Charitable trusts allow individuals to support charitable causes while addressing personal planning objectives. These split-interest trusts provide benefits to both charitable and non-charitable beneficiaries.


CLTs


  • Provide income to charitable organizations for a defined term.

  • Remaining assets pass to non-charitable beneficiaries at the end of the term.


CRTs


  • Provide income to individual beneficiaries for a set term.

  • Remaining assets pass to a designated charity.


General Considerations


  • Differences between annuity trust and unitrust formats.

  • Administrative responsibilities and annual reporting requirements.

  • Selection of appropriate assets for funding.

  • Alignment with philanthropic goals and cash-flow needs


A stylized architectural blueprint, symbolizing the careful and strategic planning involved in alternative investments.


Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs)


An ILIT is an irrevocable trust created to own a life insurance policy. When structured properly, life insurance proceeds may be excluded from the taxable estate and used to support liquidity needs for beneficiaries.


Considerations


  • Selecting an appropriate trustee.

  • Funding the trust to support premium payments.

  • Understanding the three-year look-back rule for transferred policies.

  • Ensuring beneficiaries receive proper Crummey notices.


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Additional Planning Structures


Advanced estate planning may also include:


  • Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs): Used to consolidate and transfer family-owned assets.

  • Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs): Used to transfer a residence at a reduced gift tax value.

  • Business succession strategies: For individuals with ownership interests.


These structures require careful coordination with legal and tax professionals.


Coordinating With Professional Advisors


Because advanced strategies involve complex legal and tax considerations, collaboration among advisors is essential. Attorneys, accountants, and financial professionals each contribute important expertise that helps ensure strategies are implemented correctly.


Coordination Topics


  • Reviewing asset titling and ownership

  • Ensuring strategies align with long-term financial plans

  • Evaluating tax implications under current law

  • Updating strategies as circumstances or legislation evolve


Conclusion


Advanced estate planning strategies can help support long-term goals related to wealth transfer, tax planning, and legacy design. Determining which approach is appropriate depends on personal circumstances, asset composition, and planning priorities.


Working with qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals is an important step in evaluating and implementing these strategies.



Disclosure:


Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd., a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd and Parkview Partners Capital Management are separate entities. Neither Stratos nor Parkview Partners Capital Management provides legal or tax advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For more information, please review our Form ADV, available upon request.


 
 
 

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Financial Advisor, Investment Advisor, High Net Worth, Wealth Management, Tax Planning, Risk Management, Financial Coordination, Retirement Planning, Charitable Giving, Columbus Ohio, Parkview Partners Capital Management

291 East Livingston Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215


Phone: (614) 427-2132

Fax: (614) 427-2132

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