The Role of CPAs in Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer

by | Apr 25, 2025 | CPA Societies

Three women in an office collaboratively examining a computer screen, engaged in discussion and teamwork.

Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

When people hear “estate planning,” many assume it’s only for the ultra-rich. But here’s the truth: if you own a home, a business, or have a retirement account, you have an estate. And whether your assets are modest or significant, making a plan for how they’ll be handled matters more than you think.

At Estess CPA, we work with families and business owners across Mississippi and Louisiana to simplify what can feel like an overwhelming process. Our goal is to help you make smart decisions now—so your loved ones are protected later.

1. What Does a CPA Have to Do with Estate Planning?

A CPA’s role in estate planning goes far beyond just preparing tax returns. While an attorney may draft your will or trust, your CPA looks at the bigger financial picture to make sure everything works together.

Here’s how we support your estate planning process:

  1. Understanding your full financial landscape

  2. Identifying tax-saving opportunities

  3. Helping you transfer wealth efficiently to your heirs

  4. Making sure your estate plan aligns with your business succession plans (if you’re a business owner)

  5. Preparing necessary tax documents for gifting and estates

It’s not about one piece of paper. It’s about creating a strategy that makes sense for you and your family.

2. Key Ways a CPA Supports Wealth Transfer

2.1 Minimizing Estate and Gift Taxes

The last thing you want is for a large portion of your estate to go to taxes instead of your family. A CPA helps you understand how federal and state estate taxes might apply to your situation and offers strategies to minimize those liabilities.

For example, this could include making annual tax-free gifts to family members or setting up trusts that reduce your taxable estate.

2.2 Helping You Avoid Probate Pitfalls

Without proper planning, your estate could get tied up in probate court—a slow, costly, and very public process. We work alongside your legal team to help structure your assets in ways that could avoid probate entirely or at least reduce its impact.

2.3 Planning for Business Succession

If you own a business, the question isn’t just “Who will take over?” It’s also “How will that transition work financially?”

We help business owners craft succession plans that protect the company they’ve built and provide a smooth handoff to the next generation or key employees.

2.4 Navigating Retirement Accounts and Beneficiaries

Did you know that naming the wrong beneficiary on a retirement account could accidentally increase your heirs’ tax bills? CPAs help ensure your IRA, 401(k), and life insurance policies are set up to benefit your loved ones the right way.

3. Why Estate Planning Is Not “Set It and Forget It”

Life changes. Your estate plan should, too. Marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, and changes in tax laws can all impact your plan.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is people creating a will or trust and never revisiting it. At Estess CPA, we recommend a regular estate planning review to ensure your wishes still match your current situation.

4. How Estess CPA Makes Estate Planning Easier

We know these conversations aren’t always easy—but they’re important. Our approach is personal, not transactional. We sit down with you, listen to your goals, and explain your options in a way that makes sense.

Our Estate Planning Services Include:

  1. Estate and gift tax planning

  2. Business succession planning

  3. Trust and inheritance tax reporting

  4. Coordination with attorneys and financial advisors

  5. Multi-state tax compliance for out-of-state property or heirs

5. Let’s Plan for Peace of Mind

Whether you’re thinking about your family’s future, planning to retire, or preparing to hand off your business, having a solid estate plan in place is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones.

At Estess CPA, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you make the smartest choices for your situation.

Contact Estess CPA

Estess & Associates, LLC
Small Business Services
7822 Highway 23
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
📞 (504) 433-5122

Estess & Company, LLC
Certified Public Accountants
128 Lakewood Drive
Luling, LA 70070
📞 (985) 785-1470

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.estesscpa.com