"Karina took the time to understand our family's situation before recommending anything. The estate plan she put together gave us real peace of mind."
MGMaria G.
Miami, FL
Estate Tax Planning Attorney in Miami
Build an estate plan that helps preserve wealth, reduce tax exposure, and support your long-term goals with guidance from an estate tax planning attorney.
featured on
Client Stories
Why Clients Trust KVasquez Law
"I was facing a complicated tax matter and didn't know where to start. KVasquez Law gave me a clear plan and walked me through every step."
RSRoberto S.
Coral Gables, FL"Finally, a tax attorney who speaks plain English and Spanish. She explained everything without the legal jargon."
AMAna M.
Doral, FL"KVasquez Law helped me get my estate plan in order after years of putting it off. Clear process, no pressure, and everything was explained in plain language."
PMPatricia M.
Miami Lakes, FL
Legal Guidance for Estate Tax Planning
Federal estate tax applies to estates above the applicable exemption threshold at the time of death. The current exemption is historically high but is scheduled to be significantly reduced after 2025 when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions sunset. For individuals and families with substantial assets, that change represents a meaningful increase in potential estate tax exposure if planning is not in place before the exemption drops.
KVasquez Law advises individuals and families in Miami on estate tax planning strategies designed to reduce taxable estate value, take advantage of available exemptions and exclusions, and transfer wealth to the next generation in a tax-efficient way. Karina's background in both tax and estate law means your estate tax plan is built with the full legal and tax picture in view, not developed in isolation from your broader financial and estate planning goals.
Estate Tax Planning Strategies for Individuals and Families
KVasquez Law advises on the strategies most relevant to your assets, your family structure, and your long-term goals.
Annual Gift Tax Exclusion
The IRS allows individuals to make annual gifts up to a specified amount per recipient each year without triggering gift tax or reducing the lifetime exemption. Consistent use of the annual exclusion over time can transfer significant wealth out of the taxable estate without cost.
Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption
The federal gift and estate tax exemption is unified and historically high right now. Using it through strategic lifetime gifting locks in today's amount and removes future appreciation on gifted assets from your estate before the 2025 sunset.
Irrevocable Trust Strategies
Certain irrevocable trust structures are designed to reduce estate tax exposure while achieving broader planning goals. KVasquez Law advises on the right structure based on your specific situation, including life insurance trusts, spousal access trusts, and charitable remainder trusts.
Charitable Giving Strategies
Direct charitable bequests, charitable trusts, and donor-advised fund arrangements can reduce taxable estate value while supporting the causes that matter to you.
Generation-Skipping Transfer Planning
Proper use of the generation-skipping transfer tax exemption allows wealth to pass through multiple generations with significantly reduced overall tax exposure.
Revocable Trusts and Lady Bird Deeds
We also help clients explore estate planning tools such as revocable trusts and lady bird deeds to preserve control, simplify future transfers, and support long-term planning goals.
How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help Minimize Tax Exposure
Estate tax planning is one of the most technically complex areas of estate law. The strategies available require careful legal structuring, proper documentation, and coordination across tax, estate, and business planning disciplines. Getting it wrong can result in unintended tax consequences, disqualified trusts, or clawback of transferred assets into the taxable estate.
Planning Before the 2025 Exemption Sunset
The current federal estate and gift tax exemption is significantly higher than the amount it will revert to after 2025. Individuals with estates above the post-sunset exemption threshold who take advantage of the current exemption through lifetime gifts or trust transfers before the end of 2025 can lock in that higher exemption amount permanently. KVasquez Law advises on strategies to use the current exemption before the window closes.
Tax and Estate Planning Integrated
Many clients work with separate tax and estate planning advisors who do not fully coordinate their work. Karina's background in both disciplines means your estate tax plan and your broader tax strategy are built together as a unified framework, not developed in silos that create conflicts or missed opportunities.
Ongoing Review as Laws Change
Estate tax law changes frequently. The exemption amount, the tax rate, and the rules governing specific trust strategies are all subject to legislative adjustment. KVasquez Law advises clients on reviewing and updating their estate tax plans as the legal landscape evolves so their planning remains effective under current law.
Coordinating With Your Full Estate Plan
Estate tax planning does not exist independently of your will, your trusts, your beneficiary designations, and your business succession plan. KVasquez Law reviews all components together to make sure every element of your plan works toward the same goals without internal conflicts or unintended tax consequences.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Tax Planning
Question 1
What is the current federal estate tax exemption?
The federal estate and gift tax exemption is currently at a historically high level as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, this elevated exemption is scheduled to sunset after December 31, 2025, reverting to approximately half its current level adjusted for inflation. Individuals with estates that may exceed the post-sunset exemption should consider planning before the end of 2025 to take advantage of the current higher amount.
Question 2
What is the estate tax rate?
The federal estate tax rate on amounts above the exemption is forty percent. State estate taxes vary by state. Florida does not impose a separate state estate tax, which is one advantage of Florida residency for estate planning purposes.
Question 3
Does Florida have an estate tax?
No. Florida does not impose a state-level estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies to Florida residents, which is one reason Florida is an attractive state of residence from an estate planning perspective.
Question 4
What is the difference between the estate tax and the gift tax?
The estate tax applies to transfers of wealth at death. The gift tax applies to transfers made during your lifetime above the annual exclusion amount. The two taxes share a unified exemption, meaning lifetime taxable gifts reduce the exemption available at death. Proper coordination of lifetime gifting and estate planning is essential to using the unified exemption most effectively.
Question 5
Can I give assets away during my lifetime to avoid estate tax?
Yes, within the rules governing the gift tax. The annual exclusion allows tax-free gifts up to a specified amount per recipient each year without using any of the lifetime exemption. Gifts above that amount use a portion of the lifetime exemption. Certain trust strategies also allow assets to be transferred out of the taxable estate in ways that are more tax-efficient than outright gifts. KVasquez Law advises on the right combination of strategies for your situation.
Contact us
Get Answers About Your Estate Tax Planning Options
The right time to plan is before the tax becomes due, not after. KVasquez Law advises individuals and families in Miami on estate tax strategies that protect what you have built and preserve it for the people and causes that matter most to you.
Get in Touch Directly
Phone
(305) 359-7522
legal@kvasquezlaw.com
Office Address
1200 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1950, Miami, FL 33131
