Personal estate planning counsel in Northern California
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Your legacy, considered from every angle

Estate Tax Planning in Truckee, CA

Evaluate potential tax exposure and transfer choices alongside the wishes you want your estate plan to carry forward.

Free consultation (530) 550-8736
Counsel
Elaine Andrews, Certified Specialist
Office
10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
First meeting
Free initial consultation

§ 1

Know which tax questions apply to your estate

The Andrews Law Firm reviews your estate, existing documents, and goals before considering tax strategies. Tax exposure depends on current law and your circumstances; estate tax is not a concern in the same way for every estate.

§ 2

Start with the full picture

Review assets, ownership, prior gifts, and intended beneficiaries to identify questions that matter to your plan.

Estate Tax Planning · Truckee, California

§ 3

Gifts and planning tools

Consider gifting options, trusts, and other estate tools in context. Their tax consequences and suitability need careful review; a trust alone does not eliminate estate tax.

§ 4

Federal and state considerations

Federal estate tax rules may apply. California currently has no separate estate tax, while property or connections elsewhere can raise additional questions. Distinguish transfer taxes from estate or trust income taxes.

California at a glance

Estate Tax Planning, by the numbers that matter.

Federal exemption
$15 million per person (2026)Indexed for inflation each year. A married couple can shelter up to $30 million with planning.
Portability
Requires a timely Form 706A surviving spouse can use a deceased spouse’s unused exemption only if an estate tax return elects portability.
Top federal rate
40%Applies to taxable transfers above the available exemption.
California
No state estate taxCalifornia does not impose an estate or inheritance tax; property tax under Proposition 19 still deserves review.

General California and federal information current as of 2026. Figures adjust over time and every situation is different; confirm how a rule applies to you before acting.

Where careful planning pays off.

Your beneficiaries
Keep your intended legacy central to the discussion.
Estate size and structure
Assess relevant issues rather than assume a tax liability.
Changing law
Review the plan when rules or circumstances change.

How estate tax planning moves forward.

Four stages, with direct attorney guidance from the first conversation to the last document.

  1. Stage 1

    Consultation

    Talk through your family, property and goals at a free first meeting.

  2. Stage 2

    Plan design

    Choose the documents and structures that fit, with scope and fees agreed before drafting.

  3. Stage 3

    Signing & funding

    Sign with the required formalities, then retitle assets so the plan actually works.

  4. Stage 4

    Review

    Revisit the plan after a marriage, birth, death, move, sale or change in the law.

In clients’ own words.

All client reviews
Read our reviews on GoogleEvery review is posted by a client directly on the firm’s Google Business Profile.

Frequently asked questions

Questions clients ask about estate tax planning.

Straight answers to start with. Bring your own documents and circumstances to a free consultation for advice that fits.

All frequently asked questions
What records help with an estate tax review?

Bring estate documents, an asset and debt summary, ownership records, and information about prior gifts. Note property in other states and any existing tax advice.

Is estate tax the same as income tax?

No. Estate tax concerns transfers at death; an estate or trust can also have separate income tax obligations. Ask which issues are relevant to your circumstances.

Should I make gifts before seeking advice?

Discuss the proposed gift first. Bring details about the asset, recipient, timing, and your goals so legal and tax implications can be considered together.

Does a living trust automatically remove estate tax?

No. Tax treatment depends on the trust and your overall circumstances. Bring the complete document for review rather than rely on its title.

When should I review my tax plan?

A major asset change, marriage, death, relocation, or legal change may affect the plan. Ask what events should trigger a review for your family.

Beyond Truckee

Estate Tax Planning in nearby communities.

Elaine serves clients from Truckee across the Lake Tahoe region, the Northern Sierra, Sacramento and the Central Valley, and the Bay Area. See all service areas.

Connected decisions

Start with one clear conversation.

Bring your questions, your documents and the decisions you want help with. The first consultation is free.

Request a consultation (530) 550-8736