Will my estate owe federal estate tax?

Only if your taxable estate exceeds the available exemption — $15 million per person in 2026, indexed for inflation. A married couple can shelter up to $30 million with planning.

Does California have an estate tax?

No. California has no estate or inheritance tax.

Should we file an estate tax return when no tax is due?

Often yes, when a spouse survives. Filing Form 706 to elect portability preserves the unused exemption for the surviving spouse.

Can the exemption change?

Congress can change it. Current law indexes the exemption for inflation each year, and a plan should be reviewed whenever the law changes.

Does a living trust reduce estate tax?

A standard revocable trust does not reduce estate tax by itself. Reductions come from specific provisions and strategies, such as lifetime gifts or irrevocable trusts.

Sierraville, California — Sierra Valley, Northern Sierra

Sierraville · Estate Tax Planning

Estate Tax Planning in Sierraville, CA

$15 millionfederal estate tax exemption per person, 2026

For larger estates: plan around the federal estate tax so more of what you built reaches the next generation.

Free consultation (530) 550-8736

County: Sierra County
Probate venue: Superior Court of California, County of Sierra
Route to our office: State Route 89 south to Truckee
Region: Sierra Valley, Northern Sierra

Who needs estate tax planning

With a federal exemption of $15 million per person in 2026, the estate tax affects relatively few families — but those it reaches can owe 40% above the exemption. The Andrews Law Firm, P.C. helps Sierraville clients with larger estates, closely held businesses or significant real estate plan ahead.

Federal estate tax, 2026

Where the tax begins.

$15,000,000Exemption per person

$30,000,000Married couple, with portability or planning

40%

Top federal rate on the amount above the exemption. Example: a single person with an $18,000,000 taxable estate has about $3,000,000 above the exemption — roughly $1,200,000 of tax. California adds no estate tax.

Simplified illustration; deductions, prior taxable gifts and changes in the law affect the result.

How the federal estate tax works

The tax applies to the value of everything you own at death, plus certain lifetime gifts, above the available exemption. California does not add a separate estate or inheritance tax.

Homes and community life in Sierraville, California — Sierraville Sierra County, California

Portability for married couples

A surviving spouse can use the deceased spouse’s unused exemption, but only if a timely federal estate tax return (Form 706) elects portability — even when no tax is due.

Strategies to review

Lifetime gifts, trusts that move future growth out of the estate, charitable planning and business valuation planning can each reduce exposure. Each has trade-offs, including the loss of a step-up in basis on gifted assets.

California rules that apply in Sierra County

The same state law, applied to Sierraville property.

Sierraville is a Sierra Valley community in Sierra County, where ranch and agricultural land is common. Proposition 19's parent-child exclusion covers a family farm as well as a family home, so title and use records deserve review before land passes to the next generation.

Read the full estate tax planning guide

$15 million per person (2026)Federal exemption
Indexed for inflation each year. A married couple can shelter up to $30 million with planning.
Requires a timely Form 706Portability
A surviving spouse can use a deceased spouse’s unused exemption only if an estate tax return elects portability.
40%Top federal rate
Applies to taxable transfers above the available exemption.

More for Sierraville families.

Estate PlanningWills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives drafted to work together. Living TrustsRevocable trusts that keep funded assets out of probate and under your control. Trust AdministrationTrustee guidance through notices, inventory, taxes, accountings and distribution. ProbateCourt-supervised administration for assets left outside a trust. Small Estate AdministrationSimplified California procedures for estates under the statutory limit. Conservatorship & GuardianshipCourt-supervised protection for adults and minors, and the alternatives to consider first. Asset ProtectionLawful structures that reduce avoidable exposure for personal and business assets. Tax PlanningGifts, sales and basis decisions coordinated with your estate plan. Business SuccessionOwnership and leadership transitions written into your estate plan. All practice areasEstate planning, trusts, probate, tax and protective proceedings.

Estate Tax Planning in other communities: Truckee Tahoe City Kings Beach Homewood See all areas served

In clients’ own words.

All client reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ronald Schmader 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As grieving parents of our deceased son, we were in need of guidance with regard to what do we do next.  Our son was without a will and, we had no experience with how to proceed. Luckily, we contacted Elane at the Andrews Law Firm Truckee who immediately understood our situation and was able to provide the information we needed and the necessary legal paperwork to resolve our problem. Our problem was magnified by the fact that we live in Milwaukee and involved my son's car for which we could not find the title. Rather than have to return to Truckee after 40 days to request a new title, Elane assisted us in creating a power attorney for a friend in Truckee which negated our having to return to Truckee from Milwaukee to simply apply for a new title. We are very appreciative with the help we found at The Andres Law Firm Truckee. Thank you, Elaine!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David VanderJagt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We really appreciate all the excellent work the Andrew’s Law Firm has done with updating our Trust. Her attention to detail is very appreciated and guiding us through our Trust planning has been exemplary . David and Linda VanderJagt
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   I “Sue” S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and efficient handling of my new Trust.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Stephanie (Lady Lebala) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were referred to Elaine Andrew's law firm through a friend and I'm very happy we went and sat down with her.   She quickly recognized a few mistakes in our previous trust and worked to correct them and ensure that our trust followed all legal requirements.  We now feel confident that we have a very solid trust for the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy Ann Homer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Elaine was very supportive and professional.  She sincerely listened to my concerns and questions.  She advised me of California Laws and guided me through the process of what steps would be the best for preparing my will.   Kenneth reviewed page by page of my will with me (before signing) and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend The Andrews Law Firm they made my dreaded will preparation bearable.  Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Linda Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Process was quick and easy. Appreciated all the help they provided.

This testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Frequently asked questions

Questions from Sierraville families.

Will my estate owe federal estate tax?: Only if your taxable estate exceeds the available exemption — $15 million per person in 2026, indexed for inflation. A married couple can shelter up to $30 million with planning.
Does California have an estate tax?: No. California has no estate or inheritance tax.
Should we file an estate tax return when no tax is due?: Often yes, when a spouse survives. Filing Form 706 to elect portability preserves the unused exemption for the surviving spouse.
Can the exemption change?: Congress can change it. Current law indexes the exemption for inflation each year, and a plan should be reviewed whenever the law changes.
Does a living trust reduce estate tax?: A standard revocable trust does not reduce estate tax by itself. Reductions come from specific provisions and strategies, such as lifetime gifts or irrevocable trusts.

From Sierraville to a plan you can rely on.

From Sierraville, take State Route 89 south to our office at 10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161. If the drive is difficult, ask about meeting arrangements when you call.

Book a free consultation Call (530) 550-8736