Estate & Trust Tax Services for Michigan Families and Trustees

Protect your legacy, minimize tax burdens, and navigate complex estate and trust finances with confidence. PLW CPA PLLC partners with Metro Detroit families, high-net-worth individuals, executors, and trustees to deliver year-round estate and trust tax strategies that keep your plans—and your peace of mind—on track.

Comprehensive Estate & Trust Tax Services

Our team provides expert support for:

  • Estate tax minimization and inheritance planning
  • Coordination with attorneys to structure wills and trusts for maximum tax efficiency
  • Gift tax strategies and annual exclusion planning
  • Preparation of fiduciary tax returns (Form 1041), estate income tax returns, and final returns for decedents

We handle the tax side, so you and your advisors can focus on your family’s goals and legal needs.

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Planning Ahead: Preserve More of What You’ve Built

We help clients:


  • Project potential estate tax liability under various scenarios
  • Recommend strategies like trusts, charitable gifts, and lifetime giving to reduce or eliminate estate taxes
  • Plan for business or property succession to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation

With proactive planning, your wealth goes to your loved ones—not to taxes or red tape.

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Support for Trustees, Executors & Families

Are you managing a trust or handling an estate? We’ll guide you through every step:



  • Filing all required tax returns accurately and on time
  • Complying with IRS and Michigan rules (no state estate tax currently, but federal rules apply)
  • Providing detailed reporting and recordkeeping to satisfy beneficiaries and legal requirements

Our firm’s experience brings clarity, compassion, and compliance—when you need it most.

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Confidential, Personal Service

Estate planning and trust administration can be sensitive and complex. You can count on our team for discretion, responsiveness, and a personal approach. We often collaborate with your attorneys and financial advisors to deliver a holistic, compliant plan.

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Local Expertise for Michigan Families

From Sterling Heights to Detroit and across Michigan, we’ve helped families and trustees safeguard their legacies for over 20 years. Our knowledge of state and federal tax law ensures every plan is both effective and compliant.

FAQs

  • Do I need a CPA for estate or trust planning in Michigan?

    Yes—a CPA is crucial for tax strategy, projections, and compliance. We work alongside your attorney to ensure your plan is tax-efficient and filings are done right.

  • What is a fiduciary tax return (Form 1041), and who must file it?

    Form 1041 reports income earned by estates and trusts. If you are an executor or trustee and the estate/trust generates income, you must file this annual return.

  • Can you help with inheritance tax planning for high-net-worth families?

    Absolutely. We design strategies to reduce estate and inheritance taxes, leveraging federal exemptions, trusts, and lifetime gifting.

  • I’m a trustee or executor—can you handle all required filings?

    Yes. We’ll prepare all necessary federal and state returns, provide asset valuation, and keep you compliant throughout the process.

  • How soon should I start estate planning?

    It’s never too early—estate and trust strategies are most effective when planned well in advance of major life changes, asset transfers, or retirement.

Guidance for Important Decisions

Ready for Clarity and Confidence at Tax Time?

Ready to secure your legacy or need help with a trust or estate? Contact PLW CPA PLLC for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about your goals and questions.