When it comes to managing your financial future, estate planning is an essential component, especially for those who want to secure their legacy and ensure their assets are transferred efficiently.
However, a common question that surfaces during this process is: "Is estate planning tax deductible?" The complexity of tax planning laws, combined with the recent changes brought about by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), makes it essential for business owners to navigate this process accurately.
According to the IRS, tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax someone owes, while deductions reduce taxable income. Some estate planning fees may qualify as itemized deductions, but recent tax reform has limited these deductions.
In this blog post, our team at Lewis CPA will delve into the nuances of deducting estate planning fees, the impact of the Jobs Act on these deductions, and how to strategically plan your estate to potentially lower your taxable income while complying with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules.
Key Takeaways
- Know what fees are deductible, like tax preparation, certain estate administration, and investment advisory fees tied to estate assets.
- Understand recent tax reform suspended some deductions through 2025, but certain estate-related deductions still apply.
- File IRS Form 1041 to deduct necessary estate administration fees on the estate's return if essential and not commonly incurred.
- Utilize trusts allowing deductions for fees attributed to income generation.
- Assess if estate income warrants the deductions and if estate size makes deductibility more likely.
- Consult professionals to structure deductions and navigate IRS guidelines.
- Keep thorough documentation like invoices to substantiate deductions.
- Review IRS publications for updates on evolving guidelines around the deductibility of estate planning expenses.
Understanding Estate Planning Tax Deductions
Estate planning is a comprehensive process that involves creating a strategic plan for managing your assets and financial affairs after your passing. This process can include drafting wills, setting up trusts, preparing end-of-life directives, and other estate planning documents. Given the intricacies involved, many seek the expertise of experienced estate planning attorneys and financial advisors. Many people then wonder: can you deduct estate planning fees on your taxes?
Legal Fees and Estate Planning Expenses
Traditionally, certain legal fees related to estate planning were considered miscellaneous itemized deductions. These could be deducted to the extent that they, along with other miscellaneous deductions, exceeded 2% of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income (AGI).
However, with the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, many of these deductions were eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025. This means that, currently, the simple answer is that most individuals cannot deduct estate planning fees as miscellaneous itemized deductions on their personal tax returns.
It's important to distinguish between personal estate planning expenses and those that are directly related to income production. For business owners, certain legal fees and administrative costs associated with estate planning might be deductible if they’re directly tied to the management or maintenance of income-producing property or an income trust.
Deductible Estate Planning Costs
While personal legal fees for estate planning are no longer deductible under current tax law, some costs are still eligible, including:
- Tax advice and preparation fees related to estate taxes.
- Investment advisory fees impacting estate investment strategy.
- Business succession planning legal fees for transferring ownership assets.
- Required fees to administer the estate like appraisal and accounting costs.
The key distinction lies between personal estate planning costs and those tied directly to business operations or producing income for the estate. With proper structuring utilizing income-producing trusts, some advisory fees can retain deductibility.
IRS Rules and Estate Planning
According to the Internal Revenue Service, while most personal legal fees are non-deductible, there are exceptions, especially when the expenses can be directly linked to income production or business operations. Business owners need to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney and a tax professional to understand which parts of their estate planning process might qualify for tax deductions under current IRS rules.
Moreover, the IRS offers tools such as the Interactive Tax Assistant to help individuals determine their eligibility for popular tax credits and deductions. Utilizing these resources can provide clarity on which estate planning costs may qualify for deductions to enhance the strategic planning of your estate.
Costs of Administering an Estate
According to the Internal Revenue Service, certain costs of administering an estate may be deductible on the estate's income tax return. These deductible expenses can include fees paid to attorneys, accountants, tax preparers, appraisers, executors, and other professional advisors engaged to administer the estate and transfer assets.
Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) Trusts
The National Endowment for Financial Education recommends that married couples consider utilizing Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trusts as part of their estate plan. QTIP trusts allow the first spouse to die to determine how assets will be distributed to beneficiaries after the death of the surviving spouse. This provides more control over asset distribution while still qualifying for the unlimited marital deduction.
Annual Exclusion Gifting
As outlined by the IRS, individuals have the option to offer gifts up to the yearly exclusion threshold annually ($16,000 for 2023), with these gifts not factoring into the cumulative lifetime estate and gift tax exemption. Engaging in consistent annual exclusion gifting is an effective way to reduce the size of the taxable estate.
Estate Planning in Light of the Jobs Act
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly altered the landscape for itemized deductions. The increase in the standard deduction amount means fewer taxpayers itemize, which indirectly affects the deduction of estate planning fees since they fall under miscellaneous itemized deductions, now largely eliminated.
However, the Jobs Act also enhanced certain business deductions, including lower tax rates for corporations and pass-through entities. These changes can influence how business owners structure their estate plans, focusing on maximizing the tax benefits associated with transferring business assets and minimizing estate taxes.
Strategies for Successful Estate Planning
Given the current tax law, individuals should consider strategies that not only comply with the legal requirements but also optimize their tax positions:
- Maximize use of the estate and gift tax exemption: With the increased exemption amounts under the TCJA, strategic gifting can help reduce the size of the estate subject to taxation.
- Consider charitable contributions: Including charitable giving in your estate plan can reduce the taxable estate and provide a tax deduction.
- Invest in tax-efficient vehicles: Utilizing trusts and other legal structures can help manage how your assets are taxed, both during your lifetime and after your death.
Additional Strategies and Considerations
- Review estate plans regularly: Laws and tax codes change frequently. Meeting with advisors every 2-3 years ensures your plan is optimized.
- Communicate plans clearly: Ensure all beneficiaries and executors understand the specifics of your estate plan to avoid confusion later.
- Seek professional advice: Work with an experienced estate planning attorney and tax advisor such as Lewis CPA to navigate complex rules.
Achieve Tax Efficiency in Your Estate Plan with Lewis CPA
Estate planning's tax deductibility isn't straightforward post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It's crucial to approach estate planning comprehensively, integrating legal, financial, and tax advice to optimize benefits within current legislation. One of the most important things you can do is consult with an experienced certified public accountant. Lewis CPA is here to help you navigate these complexities. Contact our specialists to make sure your estate planning process is effective and tax-efficient!
