Taxes can be confusing, but they don’t have to be terrifying. In this solo episode, Jill Mastroianni breaks down estate, inheritance, and gift taxes, helping you separate fact from fiction. Will estate taxes impact your family? Probably not. And what’s the deal with gifting limits? Jill walks you through the history, the myths, and what really matters when it comes to taxes and death readiness.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The history of estate taxes and how they came to be
• What the federal estate tax exemption means for you in 2025 (and how it’s scheduled to change)
• Which states still have estate and inheritance taxes
• How the step-up in tax basis at death can save loved ones from major tax bills
• The truth about gift taxes and why most people will never owe them
• Practical tips to minimize tax burdens when passing on assets

Show Notes & Resources:

• State-Level Estate & Inheritance Tax Info: Tax Foundation
• Jill's cousin, Trusts & Estates Attorney in New Jersey, Stephen Pagano

Taxes might not be fun, but knowledge is power. Listen in as Jill simplifies these complex topics and helps you remove one more worry from your list.

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email Jill: [email protected]
• Subscribe to receive news and updates here!

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Podcast editing provided by JAG in Detroit Podcasts

• Website: www.JAGinDetroit.com
• Email: [email protected]

This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy.

Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents.

Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state.