Tax strategies

A charitable giving account held at a sponsoring public charity (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, community foundations). You contribute and take the full income-tax deduction today; you recommend grants to operating charities over time. Simple, cheap, and tax-efficient for most HNW families — the common first step before a private foundation.

A 501(c)(3) organization your family controls. More paperwork and stricter rules than a donor-advised fund, but the family gets full governance, can hire family members, and can fund scholarships and operating programs. Typical minimum scale to justify the overhead: ~$5M+.

Federal capital-gains exclusion on sale of qualifying C-corp stock. Up to $10M or 10× basis (greater of) excluded from income after 5-year hold. Post-OBBBA 2025, the cap rises to $15M with tiered exclusions at 3- and 4-year holds. The largest single US tax incentive available to startup founders and early employees.

Lets an estate that holds a large closely-held business interest pay federal estate tax in installments over up to 14 years at favorable interest rates, instead of forcing a distressed sale to cover the tax. Relief valve for family-business successions.