Jeff Levine on the Planning Tug-of-War: Income vs. Estate
About this episode
This episode discusses the conflict between income tax strategies and estate tax minimization in personal financial planning.
In this episode, host Cary Sinnett is joined by Jeff Levine, CPA, CFP, a nationally recognized tax planning thought leader, to examine one of the most persistent dilemmas in personal financial planning: the tension between income tax strategies and estate tax minimization. They explore why these two priorities often conflict and walk through practical examples CPA financial planners face when advising clients on gifting, step-up in basis, trust structures, and navigating compressed tax brackets. Jeff explains how changes to the federal estate tax exemption, evolving client priorities, and multi-generational considerations require a fresh look at long-standing estate planning techniques. Whether you are working with high net worth business owners or everyday clients with legacy concerns, this episode offers clear guidance on when to prioritize short-term tax efficiency, when to focus on long-term wealth transfer, and how to serve both goals when possible. Topics Covered: Why estate and income tax strategies often work against each other The trade-off between gifting highly appreciated assets versus preserving step-up in basis When income tax planning should take priority even for…
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