What Is the Estate Tax—and Why Should Your Family Care?

Understanding the Estate Tax in 2025

The federal estate tax isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it can affect business owners, real estate investors, and families with substantial or highly appreciated assets. As of 2025, the estate tax exemption sits at $13.99 million per person (nearly $28 million for married couples). Anything above that is taxed at 40% before it passes to your heirs.

But here’s the catch: unless Congress acts, this exemption will be cut in half starting in 2026, dropping to around $6–7 million per person. That shift could mean thousands more families will be affected—and planning ahead becomes critical.

Who’s Most at Risk?

If you’re a:

• Business owner with significant company value

• Landowner or real estate investor with appreciated property

• Family with multi-generational wealth or multiple income sources

  
  

…then the estate tax could apply to you, especially after 2026.

What If the Estate Tax Is Repealed?

The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025 proposes to eliminate the federal estate tax entirely. If it passes, here’s how that could affect you:

✅ More Wealth Stays in the Family

No more 40% tax on the value above the exemption means more of what you’ve built stays with your loved ones.

✅ Simpler Estate Planning

Many high-level strategies—like GRATs, IDGTs, or family limited partnerships—may no longer be essential, reducing costs and complexity.

✅ Relief for Business and Property Owners

You may not have to sell assets to cover a tax bill, allowing family businesses and properties to remain intact across generations.

Why Some Experts Oppose Repeal

Opponents argue that repealing the estate tax:

• Reduces federal revenue for infrastructure, education, and public programs

• Contributes to wealth inequality, enabling dynastic wealth with fewer checks

  
  

While these policy concerns matter, your focus should be on protecting your family’s assets and legacy—regardless of how the law evolves.

What You Should Do Right Now

Whether the estate tax stays, goes away, or is revised, here’s what proactive families should do in 2025:

Review Your Estate Plan Now

If your net worth is near or above the current threshold, you may still have planning opportunities before the 2026 sunset.

Consider Capital Gains and Income Tax Impacts

Even if estate tax is repealed, capital gains taxes may still apply. Plan for step-up in basis and post-death sale strategies.

Revisit Your Charitable Giving Strategy

If charitable donations were part of your tax plan, it may be time to redefine your giving goals based on purpose rather than tax benefit.

Embrace Family Wealth Planning

Go beyond documents. Our approach helps you:

• Define your legacy values and goals

• Strategically transfer real estate or business interests

• Minimize estate, income, and capital gains taxes

• Plan for incapacity as well as death

• Review your plan regularly as your life and the law change

  
  

Final Thoughts: Plan for Today, Prepare for Tomorrow

Whether the estate tax is repealed or not, your family’s need for protection doesn’t change. Thoughtful, updated planning ensures your voice, your values, and your vision are preserved for future generations.

Are you a Georgia business owner or landowner with $ 5 M+ in assets?

Let’s talk. We’ll help you protect what you’ve built and guide you through changes with clarity and compassion.

Schedule a FREE consultation here!