Colorado Estate Planning Law Firm Helps Local Families Adapt to the New $15 Million OBBBA Exemption, Redirecting Emphasis Toward Critical Basis Step-Up Strategies
Hammond Law Group PC, a practice that serves Colorado households through a relationship-driven, holistic approach to Estate Planning, is calling on residents and high-net-worth individuals to promptly reassess their estate plans after a significant change in federal tax law.
On January 1, 2026, the comprehensive “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) took effect. The legislation effectively eliminates the long-dreaded sunset provisions, permanently raising the federal estate tax exemption to an unprecedented $15 million per person. Although this development avoids the anticipated tax cliff, it also renders estate plans that were built around the prior, lower exemption limits largely outdated.
For years, financially established professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees concentrated on “accelerated gifting” to remove assets from their estates ahead of the expected tax reduction. Today, the legal environment calls for a dramatic shift. The strategic priority must now turn toward basis step-up planning, income tax reduction, and lasting asset protection.
Without appropriate revisions to existing trusts and legal documents, families may lose out on substantial capital gains tax savings for their beneficiaries.
“Over the past several years, families were preparing for a major decline in the estate tax exemption, which triggered widespread, aggressive gifting approaches,” said Catherine Hammond, founder of Hammond Law Group. “Now that the OBBBA locks in a $15 million exemption, the priority is no longer just about dodging estate taxes. It’s about safeguarding your genuine wealth and enabling a smooth basis step-up for your heirs. Estate planning is fundamentally about shielding your loved ones from complex legal obstacles and setting the stage for your family to flourish, and this new legislative reality demands a fresh evaluation to ensure your plan continues to serve your family’s best interests.”
The new law affects Colorado households and business owners in several key ways:
The End of Rushed Gifting: Tactics designed to quickly shrink estate size may now needlessly deprive individuals of appreciating assets that could otherwise receive a step-up in basis upon death.
Income Tax Prioritization: With the $15 million threshold, the main danger to generational wealth is often no longer the estate tax, but rather the significant capital gains taxes that the next generation will inherit.
Asset Protection Emphasis: Families now have the flexibility to focus on insulating their wealth from creditors, predators, and lawsuits, rather than solely from the IRS.
Hammond Law Group PC maintains a core mission of helping families seek to resolve problems before they occur. Every member of the Hammond Law Group team is chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their values and demonstrated dedication.
The enactment of the OBBBA offers a timely chance for families to align their assets with the current law, using trust-based estate planning to reduce risks and ensure their final wishes are carried out smoothly.
For more information about Hammond Law Group PC and how the new OBBBA limits affect your estate plan, visit www.ColoradoEstatePlan.com.
About Hammond Law Group PC
Each member of our team is selected not only for their skills, but also for their values and proven commitment. We have deliberately built a team with diverse talents, all united by a genuine passion for serving our clients—both in crafting your Estate Plan and, when it matters most, caring for your family during your disability and after your passing.
Whether you are working through a complex legal issue or have decided that now is the time to start planning for the future, our team understands where you are. We have the compassion and experience to guide you through the process.
The Hammond Law Group team will deliver the skilled representation you need, regardless of the situation. Let us be your guide on the journey toward protecting your family’s future.
Read the original press release on Hammond Law Group PC’s website: https://coloradoestateplan.com/hammond-law-group-pc-urges-estate-plan-updates-after-15m-obbba-exemption/
Catherine Hammond, Esq.
Hammond Law Group PC
(719) 520-1474
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