Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill: What Georgia Families Should Know

Trump’s 2025 tax law raises the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million per person starting in 2026. Most Georgia families won’t owe estate tax, but you should still review your will, trust, and healthcare directives to ensure they’re up to date.

Headlines about Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” are loud, but like all tax law, the bill itself is long and tedious to read. If you’re a parent trying to protect your family’s future, you’re probably wondering what (if anything) this sweeping new tax legislation means for your will, your trust, or your estate plan.

For most Georgia families, there’s no immediate change to worry about, but smart planning still matters if you want to avoid surprises down the road. Let’s break down what the new law actually does and what it means for your estate plan.

What’s in Trump’s 2025 tax plan?

Officially called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the tax plan signed into law in July 2025 has been called the biggest rewrite of the tax code since 2017. Most changes take effect retroactively for the 2025 tax year, but estate tax changes start in 2026.

Among other things, the tax bill:

• Raises the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million per person (or $30 million per married couple) starting in 2026.
• Maintains the current exemption ($13.99 million per person or $27.98 million per married couple) through the end of 2025.
• Includes other income tax provisions, such as changes to state and local tax (SALT) deductions, child tax credits, and a new senior deduction. 

For estate planning, the key takeaway is this: Most families now have even more breathing room before they’ll owe any estate tax. 

Will Trump’s tax bill affect my estate plan?

Most Georgia families will not owe federal estate tax under the new law, but it’s still a good idea to update your estate plan to reflect current exemptions and ensure it’s up to date.

If your estate is worth less than $13 million as an individual (or $27 million as a couple), you don’t owe federal estate tax today. When the exemption increases in 2026, that threshold will be even higher. Georgia doesn’t have its own estate or inheritance tax, so federal tax is the only benchmark to consider.

Although the updated tax bill won’t change how most families plan for estate tax, any change to U.S. tax law is a good reminder that it’s time to:

• Update or create wills and trusts that reflect your values and plan for future uncertainty.
• Review beneficiary designations, guardianship choices, and powers of attorney.
• Think ahead about gifting strategies, especially for high-net-worth families. 

Estate planning in Georgia isn’t just about avoiding estate taxes. It’s about making sure your will, trust, and healthcare directives reflect your current wishes and protect your family, regardless of what’s happening in Congress.

What about other tax changes in the bill?

Some clients have asked about other parts of the bill, like deductions for overtime, tips, or car loan interest. These are income tax changes, not estate tax changes. They may affect your annual return, but they won’t factor into your estate plan. Still, it’s a good reminder to speak with your tax advisor alongside your estate planning attorney to make sure all parts of your plan work together.

Could the 2025 tax changes be reversed later?

Yes, any change to the U.S. tax code could potentially be reversed by a future administration. That’s why your estate plan should include built-in flexibility to adapt to changing laws. Tools like revocable living trusts and disclaimer provisions can help your plan adjust without needing a complete rewrite every election cycle, though a regular review of your estate plan is always a good idea.

“I’m not a millionaire… Do I still need an estate plan?”

Absolutely. Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. In fact, middle-class families often have more to lose than they think, both financially and emotionally, if they don’t plan ahead. For one, your estate may grow larger than you realize. Home values, life insurance payouts, and retirement accounts can add up quickly and push your estate closer to taxable territory over time.

Even if you never reach the exemption threshold, a strong estate plan still helps you:

• Appoint a guardian for your children in case something happens to you.
• Make sure your family avoids probate (a costly, time-consuming court process).
• Determine who inherits which assets and when.
• Choose someone to make medical and financial decisions if you can’t.
• Protect loved ones from conflict, confusion, or unnecessary taxes and fees. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my will after the 2025 tax law?

If you haven’t updated your estate plan in the last three years or more, now is a good time to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

What is the new estate tax exemption in 2026?

The federal estate tax exemption will increase to $15 million per person (or $30 million per married couple) starting January 1, 2026.

Does Georgia have its own estate or inheritance tax?

No, Georgia does not impose a separate estate or inheritance tax.

Do I need to update my estate plan because of the new tax law?

U.S. tax law is a moving target, and your family deserves a plan that can stay a step ahead. Here’s the rule of thumb we recommend:

• If you haven’t updated your estate plan in 3+ years,
• If your life circumstances have changed,
• Or if you’re relying on a DIY will or documents that haven’t been reviewed by an attorney… 

Now’s the time to update your estate plan. While the new tax bill may not impact your plans, major changes are a good reminder to revisit the state of your legacy. A clear, flexible estate plan is the best way to stay in control, no matter what happens on Capitol Hill.

Ready to create or update your plan? Download our free guide on Wills vs. Trusts to determine what’s right for you in 2025.