Estate & Trust Planning CPA
Navigating the tax requirements for an estate or trust can be complex, especially during an already challenging time. Whether you are serving as an executor, trustee, or beneficiary, Dark Horse CPAs provides expert guidance in estate and trust tax preparation, compliance, and administration. We handle everything from filing IRS Form 1041 and resolving tax issues to advising on distributions and long-term trust planning. Our goal is to ensure accurate filings, minimize tax burdens, and provide peace of mind so you can focus on your family and responsibilities.
Protecting Your Legacy
Your legacy and your wealth weren't built overnight. With improper planning, however, both could be substantially impaired overnight by the IRS and state agencies taking a chunk of your assets in the form of the Estate (aka "Death") Tax. And, because you can't just take a piece of a house or family heirloom, that could mean your family is forced to sell prized assets just to pay the tax. Dark Horse CPAs ensure your legacy is preserved and that your assets transfer to your loved ones and/or supported charitable organizations.
Don't Let Death Become a Tax Burden
We work closely with your estate planning attorneys, financial advisors, and other trusted professionals to ensure your estate or trust is structured for the most tax-advantageous outcome possible. From minimizing estate taxes to ensuring compliance with IRS estate and trust filing requirements, our coordinated approach puts the right expertise in the right places. Our priority is protecting your family’s legacy while reducing unnecessary tax exposure and ensuring your wishes are carried out effectively.
Estate & Trust Planning, Advisory and Partnerships
There are a lot of moving parts when dealing with any estate/trust compliance needs. Dark Horse works closely with your financial advisors, attorneys, trustees and executors to ensure that we are not just structuring, but executing on the estate/trust in the most tax advantageous way possible. Some typical areas we support are clients with are:
Tax Services for Estate & Trust Planning
- Estate Tax Planning
- Wealth Transfer Planning
- Basic Estate & Gifting Strategies
- Charitable Planning
- Incapacity Planning
- Postmortem Estate Planning
Estate Tax Advisory Leads to Substantial Tax Savings.
Without Dark Horse
Client was dealing with the unexpected death of their spouse and was not aware of the need to file an estate tax return given that their spouse’s half of the estate was less than the $13.61M estate and gift tax exclusion by the IRS.
#1
Client did not file an estate return in the year of the spouses’ death.
#2
The client’s estate and gift exclusion remained at $13.61M in 2024.*
Without the proper guidance, the client was unaware of the impact of not filing an estate return, resulting in a missed opportunity to double their gift/estate tax exclusion. This in turn, creates a MUCH larger tax liability for the family.
With Dark Horse
Client reached out to Dark Horse CPAs following the death of their spouse. They were given the guidance to file an estate tax return for future estate planning.
#1
Dark Horse files a form 706 in the year of the spouses’ death
#2
Client’s estate and gift exclusion increases to $27.22M in 2024.*
#3
As the estate builds, client’s family can avoid 18-40% tax on an additional 13.61M
Having the right expertise in the right areas can mean millions of dollars in savings for you and your family.
Your Estate/Trust Experts
Megan Leesley, CPA
Director of Tax
James Larsen, CPA
Principal
Jordan Keller, CPA
Principal
Tina Lawrence, CPA, MBA
Principal
Estate & Trust Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes if the estate or trust has $600 or more of gross income during the tax year (or has a nonresident alien beneficiary).
Form 1041 is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of the estate’s or trust’s tax year (e.g., April 15 for calendar‑year filers).
Estates may elect a fiscal year ending on the last day of any month (the first year can be less than 12 months). Most trusts must use a calendar year, though a §645 election can let a qualified revocable trust align with the estate’s year.
For decedents who pass away in 2025, the federal basic exclusion is $13.99 million (up from $13.61 million in 2024).
Form 706 is generally due 9 months after the date of death. Estates can request an automatic 6‑month filing extension by filing Form 4768 on or before the original due date; payment of any tax is still due at 9 months.
Possibly. To elect portability (so a surviving spouse can use the deceased spouse’s unused exclusion), you must file Form 706 even if no estate tax would otherwise be due. If you missed it, Rev. Proc. 2022‑32 provides a simplified late‑election relief window of up to 5 years after death for estates not otherwise required to file.
File Form 709 for gifts exceeding the annual exclusion ( $19,000 per recipient in 2025 ), among other triggers. The return is due April 15 of the year following the gift (extensions available via your income‑tax extension or Form 8892).
Beneficiaries are taxed on distributions to the extent of Distributable Net Income (DNI); estates/trusts deduct those amounts. Beneficiaries receive a Schedule K‑1 (Form 1041) showing their share of taxable items.
Beyond the >$600 income rule, an estate/trust may need to file due to the presence of nonresident alien beneficiaries; details are in the 1041 instructions and IRS guidance for fiduciaries.
Yes—estates/trusts that will owe tax often need to make estimated payments using Form 1041‑ES to avoid underpayment penalties. See the 1041 instructions and Form 1041‑ES package for thresholds, schedules, and exceptions.
Dark Horse Tip: If portability or filing deadlines were missed, act promptly—late‑election relief under Rev. Proc. 2022‑32 is time‑limited.
Nancy R.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
80%
Net Promoter Score
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.
Net Promoter Score
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
550+
5-Star Reviews
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
5-Star Reviews
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
90%
Retention Rate
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
Retention Rate
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.
Locations
Because we're entirely cloud-based, we can work with you from anywhere. If you prefer to work with a local CPA, check out our quickly growing list of locations.
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