Estate Tax Relief Made Permanent: Big Win for Wealth Preservation!

Individuals with sizable estates can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to the federal estate tax. Currently, the federal gift and estate tax exemption is $13.99 million for individuals ($27.98 million for married couples). This exemption was scheduled to revert to $5 million (plus inflation adjustments) in 2026. But under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, it has been made permanent. For 2026, the exemption will rise to $15 million ($30 million for married couples) and will be adjusted annually for inflation after that. This much-needed certainty provides planning flexibility and enables affluent families to preserve their wealth across generations.