Estate taxes can quickly erode the legacy you’ve built. Heather Pietroforte helps California families protect what matters most with personalized tax planning, trusts, and strategies that reduce risk and give loved ones lasting peace of mind.
Even if you think your estate won’t be taxed, ignoring planning can still lead to serious consequences for your loved ones.
Without proper planning, a large portion of your wealth could go to the IRS instead of your family.
Your loved ones may face complex tax filings, payment deadlines, and penalties they’re not prepared for.
To cover estate taxes, heirs might be forced to sell property, family businesses, or investments quickly, often below value.
Heirs could face huge property tax hikes, forcing them to sell the family home just to pay the bill.
Don’t leave your legacy vulnerable. Let’s create a tax strategy that protects what you’ve built.
Estate tax is a tax on everything you leave behind, your home, savings, business, and more. In California, there’s no state estate tax, but the federal government can still take a large share if your estate is above a certain value.
Right now, that exemption is $15 million, but in 2026, it’s set to drop by half. That means many families who wouldn’t owe a cent today could face a massive tax bill tomorrow.
Planning ahead helps you protect what you’ve built, and pass it on the way you intended.
We help you understand if your estate is at risk of triggering federal estate taxes, now or in the future, so you can act before it’s too late.
We structure your estate plan to pass wealth efficiently to the next generation, minimizing taxes while honoring your values.
We use tools like irrevocable trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), and charitable trusts to reduce or eliminate estate tax liability.
We guide you on lifetime gifts and asset transfer strategies that reduce the size of your taxable estate without sacrificing your financial security.
Paying estate taxes isn’t inevitable. With proactive planning, most families can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, what they owe. We’ll help you create a strategy that fits your financial goals and family needs, using proven tools like irrevocable trusts, lifetime gifting, and charitable giving.
It’s not about loopholes. It’s about protecting what you’ve built and passing it on with purpose, clarity, and peace of mind.
Got any questions? We’re here to help!
The estate tax is a tax on the transfer of assets after someone passes away. While California does not have a state-level estate tax, large estates may still owe federal estate taxes.
In 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person. Estates above that threshold may owe up to 40% in taxes on the excess.
We'll review your assets — including property, investments, and business holdings — to determine your risk. Even if you're under the exemption now, future growth or law changes could push you over.
Yes. With the right estate tax planning tools — like gifting strategies, trusts, and charitable giving — we can help minimize or eliminate your exposure.
Yes. Estate tax law is complex and ever-changing. A lawyer can help you protect your legacy with a strategy tailored to your values, goals, and family’s needs.
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but you’re not expected to have all the answers. That’s where we come in.
At Law Offices of Heather Pietroforte, we listen first. Then we help you create a plan that reflects your values, honors your wishes, and protects the people you love.
No judgment. No pressure. Just a compassionate guide, every step of the way.
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Let me help you protect the people and things you love to make sure they stay out of court and out of conflict.