Estate Tax & Gift Tax Planning Lawyers in Raleigh, NC

Protecting Wealth for Raleigh Families and Business Owners

Opportunities abound in Raleigh, but so do the challenges of protecting wealth from unnecessary taxation. At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, our estate tax lawyers in Raleigh help clients across Wake County and the Triangle reduce estate tax exposure and create long-lasting plans that protect families and businesses.

female attorney showing documents to her male client

Custom Strategies for Complex Goals

Our attorneys don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We evaluate your specific financial picture and goals, then design strategies to reduce tax burdens and safeguard inheritances. From leveraging trusts to implementing sophisticated gifting strategies, we give Raleigh clients the tools to keep more of what they’ve built.

Estate & Gift Tax Planning Tools We May Recommend

Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)

A GRAT lets you transfer appreciating assets to your heirs while keeping an income stream for yourself over a set number of years
At the end of the term, remaining assets pass to beneficiaries at a reduced gift tax cost
Depending on your situation, our attorneys can structure simple or advanced GRAT strategies to maximize the transfer of wealth

Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs)

With a QPRT, you can transfer ownership of your primary home or vacation property to your heirs while still living there for a designated period
This technique lowers the taxable value of the gift and allows the residence to pass with less tax impact once the trust term ends

Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)

Sometimes referred to as spousal gifting trusts, these trusts allow you to make significant gifts to benefit your spouse while still preserving access to the assets
This planning tool not only takes advantage of gift tax exemptions but also provides long-term estate tax protection for your family

Intra-Family Loans and Installment Arrangements

Structured properly, a low-interest loan to children or grandchildren can shift wealth without triggering gift taxes
More advanced variations—such as installment sales to irrevocable grantor trusts or self-cancelling installment notes (SCINs)—offer additional leverage by reducing estate size while creating income streams or cancelling repayment at death

Private Annuities

Through a contractual arrangement with a trusted family member, you can transfer assets in exchange for a promise of lifetime payments
Done correctly, this strategy provides beneficiaries with long-term financial support while helping minimize overall estate and gift tax exposure

Life Insurance Trusts

By placing a life insurance policy in an irrevocable trust, you can ensure that beneficiaries receive proceeds free of estate tax
These funds can cover estate settlement costs or provide direct financial security to loved ones

Dynasty & Generation-Skipping Trusts

For families seeking to preserve wealth across multiple generations, dynasty trusts—often established under favorable jurisdictions like Alaska—shield assets from estate taxes and creditors
Generation-skipping transfer tax planning ensures that gifts or bequests to grandchildren and beyond are structured to minimize additional taxation

Local Knowledge, National Tools

With deep roots in North Carolina and extensive experience in federal tax law, our Raleigh estate tax attorneys help you balance family goals, charitable intent, and business continuity.

Take Control Today

Estate and gift tax planning in Raleigh doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or complicated. With the right guidance, you can make confident decisions that protect your assets and provide lasting benefits for your loved ones. Our estate tax attorneys in Raleigh are here to explain your options, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals. Call our Raleigh office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding more of your legacy.