Navigating Estate Tax Changes in 2026: Why We Need to Start Talking Now

2026 might feel far away… but in planning terms, it’s basically tomorrow. If the estate tax exemption really gets cut back, many clients who feel “safe” today could suddenly find themselves in taxable territory.

This isn’t something we want to scramble over in Q4 of 2025. The sooner we lean in, the better we’ll be able to protect them — and ourselves.

Start the Conversation Early

Don’t hit clients with a dry tax lecture. Instead, have a thoughtful chat:

• When was the last time they reviewed their estate plan?

• Any big life or asset changes — marriage, grandkids, selling a business, buying a beach house?

• Could their plan adapt if the law shifts next year?

And here’s the kicker: a lot of numbers in old wills and trusts are outdated. Property values climb, portfolios grow. What felt “safe” in 2021 might be over the limit now.

Know Who’s Most at Risk

It’s not only the ultra-wealthy. Watch for:

• Families with multiple properties

• Business owners with growing equity

• Investors with sizeable portfolios who don’t think of themselves as “rich”

Go through your client list now and create a short priority group. They’re the ones to get in front of first.

Make the Process Painless

Nobody likes paperwork. The easier we make it, the faster clients will move:

• Provide a short, plain-English checklist

• Use a secure portal for document uploads (no messy email chains)

• Automate friendly reminders and bite-sized tips to keep things on their radar

Prep the Team Before the Rush

We’ll likely see a flood of “I need this done yesterday!” calls as 2026 approaches. Spread the work out:

• Start valuations for top-risk clients early

• Hold quick team huddles to ensure nothing slips through the cracks

Bust the Myths

Clients still say things like:

• “Estate taxes only hit the super-rich.” (Not true — thresholds are dropping.)

• “That money’s in life insurance, so it’s safe.” (Also not necessarily true.)

Workshops, short webinars, or even simple phone calls can clear up misconceptions before panic sets in.

Use Tech to Give Them a Clearer Picture

Leverage valuation software and scenario-planning tools to show how numbers change under different laws. Share insights in real-time so clients can make informed decisions without second-guessing.

Keep the Dialogue Alive

Estate planning isn’t a “do it once and forget it” process. Build it into your firm’s rhythm:

• Annual check-ins

• Quick updates when laws change

• A mix of calls, emails, and short videos to stay top of mind

Final Word

If we start now, we’ll be in the calm, proactive lane. If we don’t, we’ll be stuck in last-minute fire-drill mode.

This is our chance to show clients we’re not just there at tax time — we’re looking out for them before the storm even shows up.