The Estate Tax Is Changing in 2026 — Here’s What That Means for You
There’s a major change coming in estate planning, and it may affect your family without you even realizing it.
Right now, the federal estate tax exemption — the amount you can pass on without paying any estate tax — is $13.99 million per person in 2025. But starting January 1, 2026, that number is expected to drop by about half, to somewhere between $6–7 million per person (exact amount to be adjusted for inflation).
This means many families who were previously under the threshold could suddenly be facing a large estate tax bill. For example, if you own a home worth $2 million, have $2 million in investments, $1mm in retirement, and $4 million in life insurance, your gross estate is $9 million. That’s under the current threshold but may be over the new one starting in 2026. This could put your family at serious risk for a big tax bill when you’re gone.
Start Planning Today
The good news is, there are smart, legal strategies available to help reduce your tax burden. That’s why 2025 is such a critical window to review your estate plan, update your documents, and explore whether gifting or trust strategies make sense for your situation.
Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. We’ll walk through your options, go over our flat fees, and if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, discuss next steps. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $295 session fee! Book today.
