Can you reduce future estate taxes without completely giving up access to your wealth?
In this episode of Tax Blueprints, Daniel J. Rohr, CPA/PFS, EA, explains one of the most powerful estate planning strategies available to married couples: the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT).
SLATs have become increasingly popular among high-net-worth families looking to reduce potential estate taxes while preserving indirect access to transferred assets through a spouse. But they're also one of the most misunderstood estate planning tools—and there are significant risks that every family should understand before implementing one.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) is
- How a SLAT works
- How SLATs can reduce future estate taxes
- Grantor trust income tax rules explained
- Why appreciation outside your estate can be so valuable
- The advantages and disadvantages of funding a SLAT
- The risks of divorce and the death of a spouse
- Understanding the Reciprocal Trust Doctrine
- How asset selection impacts your planning
- Common mistakes families make when creating SLATs
- Which clients are good candidates—and who probably shouldn't consider one
Rather than simply explaining the law, this episode focuses on the practical planning decisions families face when evaluating whether a SLAT belongs in their estate plan.
If you're a business owner, real estate investor, executive, retiree, financial advisor, or married couple interested in protecting family wealth, this episode will give you a practical framework for understanding one of today's most effective estate planning strategies.
