Articles

If you established an irrevocable trust years ago to reduce estate taxes, recent changes to the federal estate tax exemption may warrant a fresh review of your estate plan. With the exemption increasing to $15 million per individual in 2026, many families may find that income tax planning—particularly strategies involving step-up in basis and highly appreciated assets—has become more important than estate tax minimization. This article explores how the new tax landscape affects irrevocable trusts and outlines planning considerations for trustees, beneficiaries, and grantors seeking to maximize tax efficiency while preserving broader estate planning objectives.