Estate Tax Planning Cost (2026)
Fee Type
Hourly ($300-$600/hr)
Cost Range
$3,000 - $20,000
National Average
$8,000
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Overview
Estate tax planning helps high-net-worth individuals minimize federal and state estate taxes through legal strategies including trusts, gifting, and charitable planning.
What Affects the Cost
- Estate value
- Tax strategy complexity
- Charitable giving plans
- Business succession
- Generation-skipping trusts
- State estate tax laws
Cost by State
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,460 | $6,560 | $16,400 |
| Alaska | $3,450 | $9,200 | $23,000 |
| Arizona | $2,850 | $7,600 | $19,000 |
| Arkansas | $2,400 | $6,400 | $16,000 |
| California | $4,350 | $11,600 | $29,000 |
| Colorado | $3,300 | $8,800 | $22,000 |
| Connecticut | $3,750 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Delaware | $3,300 | $8,800 | $22,000 |
| Florida | $3,150 | $8,400 | $21,000 |
| Georgia | $2,850 | $7,600 | $19,000 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does estate tax planning cost?
Basic planning: $3,000-$7,000. Complex strategies for large estates: $10,000-$20,000+.
When do you need estate tax planning?
The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is $13.61M per person. If your estate approaches this threshold, tax planning is essential.
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