Estate planning is more than just drafting a will—it’s about protecting your legacy, minimizing tax burdens, and ensuring your wishes are carried out efficiently. While our attorneys lead the legal aspects of an estate plan for you, our accountants play a vital role in making sure your plan is financially sound.

At Hallows & Company, we work closely with clients and our in-house legal advisors to ensure estate plans are legally compliant and strategically optimized. Here are three important reasons why Hallows & Company should be part of your estate planning team:

1. Strategic Tax Planning

One of the most important reasons to involve us in estate planning is to minimize taxes—not just for you but also for your heirs. Estate taxes, income taxes, and capital gains taxes can significantly reduce the value of what you leave behind if not carefully planned for.

An accountant understands your complete financial picture and can help identify smart tax strategies, such as:

• Gifting assets over time to reduce your taxable estate
• Using trusts to shift assets and protect beneficiaries
• Charitable giving strategies that benefit both your estate and your causes

With our accountant’s input, your estate plan becomes a tool not just for transferring assets, but for doing so as tax-efficiently as possible.

2. Accurate Valuation of Assets

Estate planning depends on having a clear understanding of what your estate includes—and how much it’s worth. Our team ensures accurate valuation of assets, including:

• Business ownership and equity
• Investment portfolios
• Real estate holdings
• Retirement accounts and other financial assets

In many cases, these assets fluctuate in value or involve complex structures. We can help keep these records organized and up to date, making it easier to create an estate plan that reflects your real financial situation and avoids future disputes or confusion.

3. Collaboration with Your Legal and Financial Team

Estate planning is most effective when all professionals involved—your attorney, financial advisor, and accountant—are on the same page. Fortunately, at Hallows & Company, we can provide you will all three professionals! Our accounting team, working with our legal and financial services teams, ensures that your financial strategies align.  All in one place.  When each team works together, your estate plan is more cohesive, more efficient, and more likely to achieve your intended goals.

Involving each of our professionals in your estate planning ensures your plan is not only legally sound but also financially and strategically effective. At Hallows & Company, we’re here to guide you through the financial complexities of estate planning and work closely with your legal and financial advisors to help you protect your legacy.

Have questions about your estate plan?
We’re happy to schedule a time to talk or coordinate with you to get started.  You can contact Anthony White at anthony@hallowscompany.com