# Episode 229: How to Leave More Wealth to Your Children After Taxes

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/retire-with-style-5225834/episode-229-how-to-leave-more-wealth-to-your-children-after-taxes
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/retire-with-style-5225834/episode-229-how-to-leave-more-wealth-to-your-children-after-taxes.md
Podcast: [Retire With Style](https://stenobird.com/podcast/retire-with-style-5225834)
Published: 2026-05-19T16:29:13+00:00
Episode link: https://retirewithstyle.podbean.com/e/episode-229/
Audio file: https://op3.dev/e/mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/28hjiw5twyr9pmuw/Episode_229_How_To_Leave_More_Wealth_to_Your_Children_After_Taxes8uew5.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/retire-with-style-5225834/episodes/episode-229-how-to-leave-more-wealth-to-your-children-after-taxes
Duration seconds: 2436

## Resource

This episode of Retire with Style continues the Retirement Planning Guidebook series by focusing on how tax planning changes when legacy and estate considerations are incorporated into the retirement planning process. Wade and Alex break down key estate planning concepts in a practical way, including step-up in basis rules, Roth conversion decisions tied to beneficiaries’ future tax brackets, inherited IRA distribution rules under the SECURE Act, gifting strategies, estate tax exemptions, and how trusts and life insurance can be used to manage estate taxes and liquidity needs. The conversation emphasizes that retirement tax planning is not just about maximizing your own after-tax income, but also about improving the after-tax outcomes for heirs and charities. Listen now to learn more. Key Takeaways Retirement tax planning changes significantly when leaving a legacy becomes a priority, especially regarding how different account types are spent down. Taxable brokerage accounts receive a step-up in basis at death, allowing heirs to avoid capital gains taxes on appreciation that occurred during the original owner’s lifetime. Roth conversions can become more attractive if beneficiaries are expected to inherit assets during their peak earning years and face higher tax rates than the retiree. Equal inheritances before taxes do not always produce equal inheritances after taxes, making asset location across heirs an important estate planning consideration. In 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person, but future legislative changes could lower those limits substantially. Several states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes, meaning some households may face state-level estate planning concerns even if they avoid federal estate taxes. Annual gifting…

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## Transcript

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