What records help with an estate tax review?

Bring estate documents, an asset and debt summary, ownership records, and information about prior gifts. Note property in other states and any existing tax advice.

Is estate tax the same as income tax?

No. Estate tax concerns transfers at death; an estate or trust can also have separate income tax obligations. Ask which issues are relevant to your circumstances.

Should I make gifts before seeking advice?

Discuss the proposed gift first. Bring details about the asset, recipient, timing, and your goals so legal and tax implications can be considered together.

Does a living trust automatically remove estate tax?

No. Tax treatment depends on the trust and your overall circumstances. Bring the complete document for review rather than rely on its title.

When should I review my tax plan?

A major asset change, marriage, death, relocation, or legal change may affect the plan. Ask what events should trigger a review for your family.

Truckee, California — Truckee & Donner Summit

Your legacy, considered from every angle

Estate Tax Planning in Truckee, CA

$15 millionfederal estate tax exemption per person, 2026

Evaluate potential tax exposure and transfer choices alongside the wishes you want your estate plan to carry forward.

Free consultation (530) 550-8736

County: Nevada County
Probate venue: Superior Court of California, County of Nevada
Our office: In town · 10270 Donner Pass Road
Region: Truckee & Donner Summit

Know which tax questions apply to your estate

The Andrews Law Firm reviews your estate, existing documents, and goals before considering tax strategies. Tax exposure depends on current law and your circumstances; estate tax is not a concern in the same way for every estate.

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.

Start with the full picture

Review assets, ownership, prior gifts, and intended beneficiaries to identify questions that matter to your plan.

Three generations of a family walking on a trail near Truckee, California — Truckee Nevada County, California

Gifts and planning tools

Consider gifting options, trusts, and other estate tools in context. Their tax consequences and suitability need careful review; a trust alone does not eliminate estate tax.

Federal and state considerations

Federal estate tax rules may apply. California currently has no separate estate tax, while property or connections elsewhere can raise additional questions. Distinguish transfer taxes from estate or trust income taxes.

California rules that apply in Nevada County

The same state law, applied to Truckee property.

Truckee households often combine full-time residents with owners of second homes in neighborhoods such as Tahoe Donner. Truckee is in Nevada County, so a probate or conservatorship for a Truckee resident is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Nevada.

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 Truckee 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: Tahoe City Kings Beach Homewood Sierraville 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 Truckee families.

What records help with an estate tax review?: Bring estate documents, an asset and debt summary, ownership records, and information about prior gifts. Note property in other states and any existing tax advice.
Is estate tax the same as income tax?: No. Estate tax concerns transfers at death; an estate or trust can also have separate income tax obligations. Ask which issues are relevant to your circumstances.
Should I make gifts before seeking advice?: Discuss the proposed gift first. Bring details about the asset, recipient, timing, and your goals so legal and tax implications can be considered together.
Does a living trust automatically remove estate tax?: No. Tax treatment depends on the trust and your overall circumstances. Bring the complete document for review rather than rely on its title.
When should I review my tax plan?: A major asset change, marriage, death, relocation, or legal change may affect the plan. Ask what events should trigger a review for your family.

Right here in Truckee.

Our office is at 10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161. Ask about meeting arrangements if getting to the office is difficult.

Book a free consultation Call (530) 550-8736