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Estate & Inheritance Tax Planning

Navigate NJ inheritance tax and federal estate planning with a licensed CPA.

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5.0 · 13 Google ReviewsNJ CPA Firm Lic. #20CB00789800

Estate and inheritance tax planning involves analyzing how assets will transfer at death and structuring your estate to minimize transfer taxes for your heirs. Monaco CPA provides NJ inheritance tax return preparation, federal estate tax analysis, and coordination with estate planning attorneys for NJ families and business owners.

New Jersey abolished its estate tax in 2018, but the NJ inheritance tax is still very much alive and can hit families hard when assets pass to siblings, in-laws, or non-family beneficiaries.

At Monaco CPA, I provide inheritance tax return preparation (Form IT-R), federal estate tax analysis, and coordination with estate attorneys to ensure the tax picture is handled correctly alongside the legal planning.

Whether you need the NJ inheritance tax return prepared after a loss, or are planning ahead to protect your heirs, I can help you understand your exposure and your options.

What's Included

NJ Form IT-R (inheritance tax return) preparation
Federal estate tax analysis and Form 706 support
Beneficiary classification analysis (Class A/C/D)
Asset inventory and valuation guidance
NJ inheritance tax waiver coordination
Federal gift tax planning (Form 709)
Coordination with estate planning attorneys
OBBBA permanent exemption planning ($15M TY2026+, indexed)
Trust income tax return preparation (Form 1041)
Entity succession planning for family businesses

How It Works

1

Review Estate Situation

I review the decedent's assets, beneficiaries, and estate documents to identify all applicable taxes.

2

Prepare Returns

I prepare NJ Form IT-R, federal Form 706 if applicable, and any required trust income tax returns.

3

Coordinate Waivers

I assist with the NJ tax waiver process to release holds on financial accounts and real estate transfers.

4

Plan Ahead

I analyze beneficiary designations, gifting strategies, and entity structures to reduce future transfer tax exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did NJ repeal its estate tax?
Yes. New Jersey abolished its estate tax effective January 1, 2018. However, the NJ inheritance tax was not repealed and remains in full effect. Assets passing to Class C beneficiaries (siblings, in-laws) and Class D beneficiaries (friends, cousins) are subject to NJ inheritance tax.
Who is exempt from NJ inheritance tax?
Class A beneficiaries (spouses, children, grandchildren, and parents) are completely exempt from NJ inheritance tax, regardless of the amount inherited. Class E beneficiaries (qualifying charities) are also exempt.
When must the NJ inheritance tax return be filed?
NJ Form IT-R must be filed within 8 months of the decedent's date of death. Interest at 10% per year accrues on unpaid taxes beginning 8 months after the date of death (the filing/payment deadline). Tax waivers are required to transfer most financial assets and real estate.
What is the 2025 federal estate tax exemption?
The federal estate and gift tax exemption is $13.99 million per individual for 2025. The OBBBA (signed July 4, 2025) eliminated the TCJA sunset and permanently raised the exemption to $15 million per individual ($30 million for couples) starting January 1, 2026, indexed for inflation going forward.
Does Monaco CPA prepare trust tax returns?
Yes. I prepare Form 1041 fiduciary income tax returns for trusts and estates, including complex trusts with investment income, capital gains, and K-1 issuance to beneficiaries.
"I've had a great experience working with Greg Monaco. He is incredibly detail-oriented and thorough, making sure everything is handled correctly and fully compliant. What really stood out to me is how proactive and dedicated he is. He goes above and beyond to ensure he has a complete understanding before making any recommendations. Greg is also exceptionally patient and takes the time to clearly explain things in a way that's easy to understand, which is something I truly value and haven't always found with other CPAs. Throughout the entire process, I felt confident that he had my best interests as a top priority. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with him long-term and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and trustworthy CPA."

Laura M.

These testimonials reflect individual client experiences and do not guarantee similar outcomes. Results vary based on each client's specific facts and circumstances. No client was compensated for providing a review. Tax savings and outcomes depend on individual tax situations and are not typical of all client experiences.

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Use of this website does not create a CPA-client relationship.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, I inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

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What Clients Say About Gregory Monaco, CPA LLC

"Greg was very easy to work with. I had a complicated scenario that he was able to manage, with complete confidence. I would highly recommend using him."

- Justin K. · 5 stars

"I've had a great experience working with Greg Monaco. He is incredibly detail-oriented and thorough, making sure everything is handled correctly and fully compliant. What really stood out to me is how proactive and dedicated he is."

- Laura M. · 5 stars

"Monaco CPA is excellent to work with! Greg is detail-oriented, knowledgeable, and prompt. He's been instrumental in helping me get my business off the ground with a strong financial foundation."

- Dex P. · 5 stars

"If you need a CPA or accountant in Livingston or Essex County, I highly recommend Greg at Monaco CPA. My wife and I switched because my old accountant often didn't return my calls. Greg is different."

- Tom M. · 5 stars

"I've been working with Greg Monaco, CPA for a few years now, and he's honestly saved me real money with both personal tax help and crypto tax stuff."

- Dylan P. · 5 stars

"I've been working with Gregory Monaco CPA LLC for my taxes, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Extremely professional, thorough, and organized from start to finish."