Make lifetime gifts before death, while following federal and state gift-tax rules
Leave assets to a surviving spouse, where Pennsylvania inheritance tax is generally not imposed
Leave assets to a charitable organization that qualifies for the exemption
Use joint ownership or beneficiary designations where appropriate and legally effective
Transfer assets through retirement accounts or life insurance with proper beneficiary planning
Create and fund irrevocable trusts when suitable for your estate plan
Re-title assets to avoid probate-only transfers that trigger tax
Keep assets passing to exempt beneficiaries such as certain charities or government entities
Review and update beneficiary forms on bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and insurance policies
Work with a Pennsylvania estate-planning attorney to structure transfers correctly