New Estate Planning Opportunities Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law—marking a significant update to the U.S. tax code. While the legislation covers a range of changes, individuals and families should pay particular attention to the impact on estate planning and wealth transfer strategies.

Key Highlights for Estate Planning
Higher Exemption Amounts Starting in 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, the federal exemption for estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes will increase to $15 million per individual, indexed for inflation going forward. For married couples, this means the ability to transfer up to $30 million to heirs without incurring federal estate tax—an increase from the current $13.99 million per individual.

Permanency Brings Peace of Mind
Prior to OBBBA, these higher exemptions were scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025. The new law removes the sunset provision, providing long-term clarity and stability. This allows individuals and advisors to plan with greater confidence, knowing that the exemption will remain in place unless Congress enacts future changes.

A Timely Opportunity to Revisit Your Estate Plan
With the increased exemption, individuals can now transfer at least $1.01 million more out of their estate tax-free starting in 2026. In addition, the annual gift tax exclusion remains a valuable planning tool—currently at $19,000 per recipient ($38,000 for married couples).

Even if you don’t anticipate estate tax liability, now is an excellent time to review your estate plan. Consider the following:

Has your state of residence changed? State laws may impact how your documents function.

Have your relationships or family dynamics shifted? This may affect who you name as beneficiaries, executors, or agents.

Are your documents outdated? For example, Georgia residents with an Advance Directive created before 2007 or a financial Power of Attorney from before 2017 should update their documents to align with current laws.

Don’t Have an Estate Plan? Start Today.
Regardless of your net worth, a well-crafted estate plan is essential. It ensures your intentions are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is preserved.

Let Bland Help You Plan with Confidence
The OBBBA opens new doors for proactive estate planning. Our team at Bland & Associates is here to help you evaluate your current plan or build one from the ground up. Let’s work together to make sure your estate strategy aligns with the new tax landscape.

📩 Contact Us to schedule a consultation.