Estate Planning & Trusts
Today's tax laws are complicated, and it is too easy to overlook deductions and credits to which your company is entitled. Berman Hopkins provides the support, objectivity, and expertise businesses need to succeed within the context of an ever-changing business landscape. Our focus is to deliver relevant, timely, and cost-effective taxation services that improve operations and strengthen internal controls.
Our team has provided taxation services for 66 years.
Estate Tax Planning
We assist in developing estate plans that
ensure the client’s wishes are respected,
presenting a range of individualized planning
options. Our strategies minimize estate taxes,
protect beneficiaries from potential creditors
and claims, and allow you to leave a legacy for
your family. We adopt a collaborative approach
by partnering with attorneys, insurance
professionals, and investment advisors to
ensure a well-rounded and effective estate
planning process.
Trustee and Personal Representative Assistance
We offer Trustee/Personal Representative
support, helping them navigate the maze of
duties associated with their role. Our services
include preparing estate and trust accounting
for the Trustee/Personal Representative,
obtaining valuations and appraisals of estate
assets, and ensuring strict adherence to the
provisions outlined in the estate planning
documents.
Gift Tax Planning
We work with clients to help determine the
best mechanism for gifting, which may include direct gifting to beneficiaries, establishing Irrevocable Trusts, exploring charitable options, and more. Our approach keeps in mind estate and income tax-efficient strategies and the utilization of the unified tax credit
Preparing Estate Tax
Returns and Trust Income
Tax Returns
We prepare the required IRS tax reporting
forms, often identifying opportunities for
maximizing tax savings between the estate
and trust returns. Additionally, we provide
beneficiaries with crucial information regarding the stepped-up basis for inherited assets and conduct reviews to explore alternative valuation date options.
Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax
We help you navigate the complexities of
generation-skipping transfer tax and explore strategies to minimize its impact on your wealth transfer to the next generation.
Mergers & Acquistions
A function of growth, downsizing, consolidating or transforming a business may involve mergers and acquisitions. While working with your financial documents to plan for a potential sale or the due diligence to review other entities for potential acquisitions, we have the expertise across the board to review, advise, assist with negotiations and manage the overall transaction process.
When we say experts, we mean experts.
Below is a list of accredited affiliations and associations our audit team work with on a regular basis.
