The BBB Act: Why Estate Planning Still Matters in 2025 and Beyond
By Attorney Bryce Kaufman
What is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, often referred to as the “BBB,” was recently passed by Congress and signed into law on July 4th, 2025, by President Donald Trump. Since then, the official title as enacted is an act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14. For purposes of this article, we’ll refer to it simply as the “Act.”
Building on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Act extends certain tax provisions and adjusts rates, deductions, and incentives. Many provisions of the 2017 law were set to expire at the end of 2025, which would have brought back higher estate tax rates. The Act prevents this by creating “permanent” rates and thresholds. This means they no longer have set expiration dates. Of course, “permanent” in tax law doesn’t mean unchangeable; future administrations and Congress can always revisit these policies. For those focused on preserving generational wealth, the most significant changes in the Act relate to federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes.
How Does This Impact Your Legacy?
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the federal estate tax exemption was temporarily doubled, but set to drop back down in 2026. The Act keeps those higher exemptions in place and raises them even further: $15 million per individual and $30 million combined for married couples with portability. These new exemptions apply to estates of individuals who pass away or make lifetime gifts starting January 1, 2026. The generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption is also increasing to $15 million per individual. All of these amounts will be adjusted for inflation moving forward. These changes are intended to make it easier for families to preserve more of their wealth, support family businesses and farms, and simplify tax planning. For most Americans, federal estate tax is not a concern. For those with significant wealth, however, the savings can be substantial and planning much simpler.
Estate Planning Still Matters… Even Without Federal Estate Tax
Even if the federal estate tax doesn’t apply to your situation, estate planning remains essential, especially if you live in a state like Oregon or Washington. Oregon and Washington have some of the lowest state-level exemptions in the country with Oregon sitting at $1 million exempt and Washington at $3 million exempt. With home values in areas like Portland and Seattle, combined with the value of retirement and investment accounts, and other assets, Oregon and Washington residents may find themselves exceeding these state exemptions. So even if federal estate tax isn’t a concern, state estate tax may still significantly affect your estate.
Consider these examples for a Pacific Northwest resident:
- Oregon: An estate valued at $3 million would be taxable on $2 million, as Oregon’s exemption is just $1 million. In this case, the estate would owe approximately $205,000 in Oregon estate taxes.
Washington: An estate valued at $5 million would be taxable on $2 million, as Washington’s exemption is $3 million. In this case, the estate would owe approximately $300,000 in Washington estate taxes.
More Than Taxes: The Broader Benefits of Estate Planning
Even if taxes are not a primary concern for your estate, comprehensive planning provides critical value in other ways.
At Myatt & Bell, we are committed to helping clients put protections and strategies in place to ease difficult transitions and prepare for the future, whatever it may hold. With a thoughtfully crafted plan, you can:
- Safeguard Assets: Strategic planning can help manage how assets are transferred and reduce potential exposure to third-party claims.
- Bring Peace of Mind: Clear documentation and intentional decision-making can help minimize misunderstandings or disputes during difficult times.
- Care for Loved Ones: Use of tools such as guardianships or special needs trusts can ensure proper care for minor children or dependents with additional needs.
- Streamline Administration: Avoid or minimize probate, helping your loved ones sidestep delays, legal costs, and public court proceedings.
Estate planning is more than passing down assets. It’s about protecting what matters most and ensuring your legacy is carried out with clarity and purpose.
We’re Here to Help
Although the Act raises the federal estate tax exemption, state-level estate taxes and personal circumstances remain central considerations in effective estate planning for those situated in the Pacific Northwest. The Act simplifies certain aspects of federal tax law, but it does not address the complexities many families face due to state tax regimes, family dynamics, or long-term planning goals.
Myatt & Bell is here to help you navigate the new rules and create or review a plan that offers clarity today and protection for those you care about in the years ahead.
Jaime Ackler
Lead Administrator
Tell us something fun about you: My dad was a National park ranger so I grew up inside National Parks all over the United States until I was 10… Best backyards and childhood EVER!
What are you currently reading: The Betrayal of Anne Frank
What is your all-time favorite book or movie? My favorite movie is Charade with Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Walter Matthau.
Blender Breakfast Quiche*
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Bisquick
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pinch of fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled sausage (I use bacon mostly, but sausage works too, or both!)
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp crushed bread crumbs
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Place skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble up enough sausage to make 1/2 cup.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a blender, combine eggs, Bisquick, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Process for 10 to 15 seconds to until completely blended.
- Spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray, then sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly along the bottom of the pan.
- Pour egg mixture into prepared pie pan. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled sausage over the top of the quiche.
- Transfer quiche to preheated oven and cook for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the eggs have completely set and the cheese is golden browned. Let quiche cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Slice quiche in half and then cut in half again. Place 2 slices of quiche onto each serving dish. Serve immediately.
*Source: Blender Recipes
Estate Planning & Peace of Mind
Have you found yourself making excuses for why not to get your estate in order? Maybe you’re convinced that you really don’t need estate planning. If you have assets and loved ones, you need an estate plan. Having an estate plan that is right for you ensures your loved ones are taken care of and that the transition is as easy as possible.
Attend one of our complimentary estate planning webinars and see for yourself. Having your estate plan prepared and understanding the why’s behind the importance of estate planning can bring you the peace of mind you have been needing.
From Our Clients
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Families choose Myatt & Bell to design their estate plans with honest optimism and meticulous attention to detail.
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