When it comes to estate management, the right planning doesn’t just protect wealth, it creates opportunities for families to pass down more to future generations while avoiding unnecessary tax burdens. Over the years, we’ve helped clients navigate complex real estate and estate tax issues with strategies that made a meaningful difference. Here are a few examples:
Case 1: Family Partnership and Estate Tax Savings
A family partnership with parents and four children owned two large apartment buildings and a commercial property. During the 2008 real estate downturn, we took advantage of lower property valuations by transferring more partnership interests to the children. This proactive strategy reduced the parents’ estate exposure and ensured more wealth stayed in the family. When one parent passed away in 2015, the estate tax savings exceeded $100,000.
Case 2: Restoring Homes and Maximizing Step-Up in Basis
Two brothers owned six homes that had fallen into disrepair. As their CPA, Angelo coordinated with construction crews to renovate the properties, raising the equity of each by at least $500,000. After the brothers passed, the beneficiaries benefited from a full step-up in basis and sold the homes for over $1 million each. The tax savings were substantial, and reinvesting the proceeds generated an additional $60,000 in annual income for the heirs.
Case 3: Conservation Easement for Significant Tax Savings
In another case, we worked with appraisers and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to structure a conservation easement on a client’s Los Angeles hillside property. By gifting the land, the client received a charitable deduction that reduced taxable income by over $200,000 in a high-income year, while also preserving natural land for future generations.
The Takeaway
Estate management is about more than numbers — it’s about preserving legacy, protecting family assets, and making strategic moves at the right time. From partnerships and property to conservation easements, thoughtful planning can deliver significant savings and peace of mind.
If you’d like to explore how proactive estate planning could benefit your family, Get a Quote Today to connect with our team.