top of page
Search

Advanced Estate Planning Tax Strategies: How to Mitigate Estate Taxes

  • Parkview Partners Capital Management
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Understanding Estate Tax Planning


Estate tax planning focuses on organizing assets and ownership structures in ways that align with long-term wealth transfer goals while addressing potential tax exposure. Advanced strategies are typically evaluated by individuals with complex estates and may involve trusts, gifting approaches, and charitable planning techniques.


This overview is provided for educational purposes only. The effectiveness and appropriateness of any strategy depend on individual circumstances, current tax law, and professional guidance.


A desk with a calculator, pen, documents, and a sign titled 'ESTATE TAX BASICS'.


The Role of Federal and State Estate Taxes


Estate taxes may apply at both the federal and state levels, depending on asset value and jurisdiction. Federal estate tax exemptions and rates are subject to legislative change, which makes long-term planning especially important.


State estate or inheritance taxes, where applicable, may involve different thresholds and rules, adding complexity to planning decisions.


Lifetime Gifting Strategies


Lifetime gifting is a commonly discussed approach to reducing the size of a taxable estate.


Annual Exclusion Gifts


Individuals may make gifts up to the annual exclusion amount per recipient without using lifetime estate and gift tax exemptions. These gifts can gradually transfer wealth over time.


Use of Lifetime Exemption


Larger gifts may use a portion of the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption. Strategic use of this exemption may help reduce estate tax exposure, particularly when coordinated with other planning tools.


A miniature house, notebook, and pen with 'TRUSTS & TAX SAVINGS' text on a wooden table.


Trust-Based Planning Strategies


Irrevocable Trusts


Irrevocable trusts may remove assets from the taxable estate while allowing structured distribution to beneficiaries. Common examples include irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) and grantor trusts.


Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)


GRATs allow the transfer of appreciating assets while the grantor retains annuity payments for a specified period. Remaining assets may pass to beneficiaries with reduced gift tax exposure, subject to IRS rules.


Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)


SLATs are irrevocable trusts established for the benefit of a spouse. These trusts may provide indirect access to trust assets while removing them from the taxable estate.


Each trust structure involves legal and tax complexities that require careful coordination.


Valuation Considerations


The value assigned to assets transferred during life or at death plays an important role in estate tax calculations.


Common Valuation Factors


  • Discounts for lack of marketability

  • Discounts for minority ownership interests

  • Independent appraisals for closely held businesses or real estate


Proper valuation documentation is essential for compliance and planning effectiveness.


Two individuals exchanging documents over a table, with 'CHARITABLE PLANNING' text overlay.


Charitable Planning Techniques


Charitable strategies may support both philanthropic goals and estate tax planning objectives.


Common Charitable Tools


  • Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs)

  • Charitable lead trusts (CLTs)

  • Donor-advised funds

  • Private foundations


Charitable planning may reduce taxable estate value while supporting long-term giving goals.


Life Insurance and Liquidity Planning


Life insurance may be used to provide liquidity for estate taxes, helping beneficiaries avoid forced asset sales.


When structured properly—often through an irrevocable life insurance trust—insurance proceeds may be excluded from the taxable estate, subject to IRS rules.


Coordination With Broader Planning


Advanced estate tax strategies are most effective when integrated with:


  • Investment planning

  • Retirement income strategy

  • Business succession planning

  • Family governance and legacy goals


Ongoing review is important, as tax laws and family circumstances may change over time.


Conclusion


Handling estate taxes through advanced planning involves thoughtful coordination of gifting, trust structures, valuation strategies, and charitable techniques. These approaches are highly individualized and depend on current tax law and long-term objectives.


Because estate tax planning is complex and evolving, professional guidance is an important component of evaluating and implementing these strategies.



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.


 
 
 

Comments

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

  • LinkedIn

FORM CRS

 

Privacy Policy

​

​

Investment advisory services are offered through Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd., a Registered Investment Advisor located in Beachwood, Ohio. [www.stratoswealthpartners.com]. 

Parkview Partners Capital Management offers its financial services through Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd., (“Stratos”), a Registered Investment Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) located in Beachwood, Ohio. Parkview Partners Capital Management  operates as a DBA branch of Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd. More information regarding Stratos may be found at www.stratoswealthpartners.com. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Public information concerning Stratos Wealth Partners is available at https://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. A copy of the Stratos’ current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available upon request and/or on this web site at www.stratoswealthpartners.com.

​

Stratos may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Stratos’ web site is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its advisory services, together with access to additional investment-related information, publications, and links. Accordingly, the publication of Stratos’s web site on the Internet should not be construed by any consumer and/or prospective client as Stratos’ solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, over the Internet. Any subsequent, direct communication by Stratos with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. A copy of Stratos’ current written disclosure Brochure discussing Stratos business operations, services, and fees is available from Stratos upon written request. Stratos does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third-party, whether linked to Stratos’ web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefore. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.
 
Information presented on this site is for informational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any product or security. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed here. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. The information and opinions contained in any of the material requested from this website are provided by third-parties as well. They are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to buy or sell any product mentioned. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information provided by these third-party websites or third- party materials.

 

Please remember that different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including those undertaken or recommended by Stratos Wealth Partners, LTD), will be profitable or equal any historical performance level(s).
 
Certain portions of Stratos’ web site (i.e. newsletters, articles, commentaries, etc.) may contain a discussion of, and/or provide access to, Stratos (and those of other investment and non-investment professionals) positions and/or recommendations as of a specific prior date. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions, such discussion may no longer be reflective of current position(s) and/or recommendation(s). Moreover, no client or prospective client should assume that any such discussion serves as the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized advice from Stratos, or from any other investment professional. Stratos Wealth Partners, LTD is neither an attorney nor an accountant, and no portion of the web site content should be interpreted as legal, accounting or tax advice.

Each client and prospective client agree, as a condition precedent to his/her/its access to Stratos’ web site, to release and hold harmless Stratos, its officers, directors, owners, employees and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of his/her/its actions and/or omissions which are independent of his/her/its receipt of personalized individual advice from Stratos.

bottom of page