When planning for your legacy, it’s essential to build the right team of professionals. While attorneys and estate planning financial advisors play pivotal roles, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an often-overlooked but critical asset to any estate strategy—especially when tax optimization and financial compliance are priorities.

This post explores how a trust accountant or estate planning CPA brings clarity, compliance, and strategy to your trust and estate planning goals.

What is Trust and Estate Planning?

Trust planning 

 Involves establishing a legal entity to hold and manage assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. It helps protect assets, minimize estate taxes, and streamline the transfer of wealth.

Estate planning

Includes creating wills, medical directives, power of attorney, and designating heirs. Integrating the two ensures your legacy is preserved, taxes are minimized, and your loved ones are taken care of.

The Role of a CPA in Trust and Estate Planning

A CPA brings unique value that complements legal and financial advising roles. Here’s how a CPA for real estate and estate planning can strengthen your plan:

1. Tax Planning and Compliance

Estate and trust-related tax laws are complex. An estate planning CPA understands how to minimize liabilities related to:

• Estate taxes
• Gift and inheritance taxes
• Fiduciary income tax returns

They ensure your tax filings are accurate and timely—essential for IRS compliance and peace of mind.

2. Accurate Financial Analysis and Asset Valuation

A trust accountant provides detailed valuations of real estate, securities, and business interests—essential for accurate distribution planning and avoiding disputes.

They also offer insight into how to grow and protect those assets over time.

3. Coordination with Legal and Financial Experts

Your CPA real estate and estate planning advisor works closely with your attorney and financial advisor to align legal documents with financial strategies. This coordination prevents gaps and ensures your entire plan works harmoniously.

4. Strategic Charitable Giving

Planning to support a cause? Your CPA can guide you in setting up charitable remainder trusts or donor-advised funds—maximizing tax benefits while achieving philanthropic goals.

5. Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustments

Tax laws change. Asset values shift. Life evolves. A CPA specialized in estate planning offers ongoing guidance and plan updates—keeping your strategy current and effective.

Why Holbrook & Manter Recommends Including a CPA

A CPA doesn’t replace your estate attorney or financial advisor—they complete the team. From real estate assessments to multi-state tax strategy, your trust accountant plays a vital role in preserving wealth and ensuring a seamless transfer of assets.

Ready to Optimize Your Estate Plan?

Whether you’re building your first estate plan or refining an existing one, Holbrook & Manter brings deep expertise in CPA real estate services, trust accounting, and estate planning strategy. Our team collaborates seamlessly with your legal and financial advisors to create a plan that reflects your values and secures your legacy.

Contact Holbrook & Manter for expert, personalized guidance.