Estates and Tax Planning
Legacy Planning Protecting What Matters Most
At Apple Blossom Tax Service, we help clients throughout Sonoma County protect what matters most. Our estate, trust, and legacy planning services are designed to safeguard your assets, support your loved ones, and create lasting impact for future generations. While we do not draft legal documents such as wills or trusts, we collaborate closely with your attorney to align your estate and legacy plans with tax-efficient strategies and your long-term goals.
Whether your focus is building a legacy, protecting assets, planning charitable gifts, or managing trust tax obligations, we ensure your plans reflect your wishes and provide clarity for those who will carry them forward.
What We Cover:
File Taxes for Estates & Trusts
Estates and trusts must file annual income tax returns (IRS Form 1041). Beneficiaries may pay tax on distributed income through Schedule K-1. We simplify the filing and reporting process so you can focus on what matters most.
Legacy & Family Impact
Estate tax planning lets you leave meaningful legacies for family, friends, or charitable causes. We can guide you in structuring inheritances to ensure your values and wishes continue across generations and to reduce conflict or confusion for loved ones.
Asset Protection
Through the use of trusts and legal tools, you may be able shield your assets from mismanagement, lawsuits, or unnecessary estate taxes, protecting family wealth for future generations. Specialized trusts, such as irrevocable trusts, charitable remainder trusts, or family partnerships, can ensure responsible stewardship and lasting benefits.
Charitable Giving
Charitable contributions and trusts can reduce estate taxes and magnify your philanthropic impact. We advise on strategies like Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) and annual gifting to align with your values and maximize tax advantages.
Comprehensive Support
Melissa Ochoa and her team work closely with attorneys and fiduciaries, guiding you step-by-step through evolving tax laws, beneficiary designations, and all filing requirements. We bring more than thirty years of experience to every situation.
Personalized Planning
Every family and situation are unique. We take time to understand your intentions, support you with judgement-free expertise, and keep your estate plan up to date with changing tax laws and life milestones.
Let’s make your legacy count!
Ready to plan your next step? Schedule a Estate Planning session.
Are you a newly an executor? We can help you with next steps with support and information.