Estate & gift tax: protect what you’ve built
Plan today so more of your wealth passes to the people and causes you care about.
Estate planning is about more than taxes
You’ve worked hard for your home, business, land and investments. Without a plan, your family could face federal estate tax on large estates, income tax on inherited retirement accounts, probate delays and difficult decisions about a family business.
Working alongside your estate attorney and financial advisor, we help you understand your exposure, use the right gifting and trust strategies and make sure your business and property pass on smoothly.
With our support you’ll:
- Know your potential estate tax exposure
- Use annual gift exclusions effectively
- Plan business and farm succession
- Understand stepped-up basis for your heirs
- Coordinate with your attorney and financial planner
- File gift tax returns (Form 709) and estate returns (Form 706)
A higher exemption — for now
The 2025 federal tax law set the basic estate and gift tax exemption at $15 million per person from 2026, adjusted for inflation after that. Married couples can combine exemptions, so up to $30 million can pass free of federal estate tax. Mississippi has no separate estate or inheritance tax.
What this means for you
Fewer families will owe federal estate tax, but good planning still matters — for income taxes on inherited assets, business continuity and protection against future law changes.
Who needs estate tax planning?
Business owners
Make sure your business passes on smoothly, with buy-sell agreements and valuations in place.
Landowners & property owners
Plan for timberland, farms and rental properties so heirs aren’t forced to sell.
High-net-worth families
Structure investments, retirement accounts and gifts to protect wealth for the next generation.
Planning early is planning smart
Many strategies — such as annual gifting and funding trusts — work best over time. Start the conversation today and give your family the best possible protection.