February Estate‑Planning Reminders Tied to Tax Season

Although February is the shortest month of the year, it is far from the least important for law offices. February sits at the intersection of tax preparation and estate planning review. Because of this, early-year financial clarity helps identify gaps before April deadlines. February is early enough in the tax season that you can still make adjustments, but late enough that you have a clear picture of last year’s financial activity. 

When clients understand how estate planning and tax preparation intersect, they’re far more likely to keep their plans compliant and aligned with their long‑term goals. Focusing on a handful of core areas allows an estate‑planning practice to deliver practical guidance during this mid‑winter season. Here at Sutton & Lovette Law Offices, we want to help you with your estate planning. 

A New Tax Bill & Prior-Year Financial Changes

With the onset of tax season on Monday, the next three months will include millions of Americans filing returns for the 2025 tax year. Many filers don’t realize just how much their estate plan requires accurate financial information. This makes February a great time to assess major life events from the previous year that affect filing and estate planning. It is important that you update all of your documents to reflect new assets, liabilities, and family changes. With a new tax bill taking effect this year, standard deductions have changed. The new totals are $15,750 for single filers, $23,625 for heads of households, and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. 

During tax prep season (February and March), clients are naturally gathering statements and financial summaries. This makes February a great month for the attorneys at Sutton & Lovette to ensure that wills and asset-distribution plans still reflect the client’s current situation. Check-ins before filing prevent disputes and guarantee that the estate plan continues to function properly. 

Coordinating Tax Prep With Trusts, Gifting, And Annual Exclusions

Trusts and gifts hold multiple tax implications that clients can forget about until it’s too late. That is why it is a great idea to employ a trusted attorney to help you confirm that all of your distributions are properly allocated to the channels that you want them to live. 

Further, the beginning of the year is a smart time to figure out whether clients should adjust their trust funding or revisit their approval to wealth transfer. Planning ahead allows all parties involved to perform their due diligence and ensure that everything ends up where it is supposed to until the next year. 

Updating Beneficiary Designations and Account Information

One of the most common types of estate planning errors are beneficiary designations. These designations allow you to transfer assets directly to individuals, regardless of the previously written terms of your will. The errors come in when clients forget to update the beneficiary designations after major life changes. This is another piece of estate planning that is good to correct and update in February because clients are already looking over retirement accounts and insurance policies for tax purposes. 

Clients should come to their attorneys during this time to confirm their designations match their current intentions. Inconsistencies between documents can create big problems during estate administration, causing problems for families and loved ones. A quick review in February can prevent these issues before they exist and reduce the risk of further litigations for descendants. 

Organizing Financial Records That Affect Estate-Tax Exposure

Asset valuations, charitable‑giving records, business‑income statements, and documentation of major transactions all play a role in determining estate‑tax exposure and shaping long‑term planning strategies. The attorneys at Sutton & Lovette encourage our clients to organize these records in a way that supports both tax filing and estate planning at the same time. Along with saving time, this process often reveals missing information, outdated valuations, or assets that haven’t been incorporated into the estate plan. 

Reviewing Core Estate Documents Before April Deadlines

Wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives should be reviewed regularly, and February offers a practical moment to do so. Clients are already thinking about finances, deadlines, and compliance. Attorneys can use this mindset to encourage a quick review of whether documents still reflect the client’s wishes, whether fiduciary appointments are still appropriate, and whether any legal or tax‑related changes require updates.

This review doesn’t need to be exhaustive. Even small adjustments, updating addresses, adding newly acquired assets, or clarifying distribution instructions, can make a significant difference. February’s timing ensures that clients can make these updates before tax season ends and before the busier months of spring and summer pull their attention elsewhere.

Protecting Estates for Our Clients

February is a crucial month for law offices across the United States, and it is no different for the team at Sutton & Lovette. Estate planning maintenance is a fantastic way to have a more organized, proactive approach to your long-term goals. Because tax season is right around the corner, it is a great time to review your documents and correct any inconsistencies there might be. 
The trusted attorneys here at Sutton & Lovette use this month to reinforce the importance of annual check-ins and legal planning. We want to help our clients avoid the pitfalls that come with inconsistent documents. Contact us today to request a free consultation!