Donna L. Stern, C.P.A.

When it comes to handling real estate taxes tied to estates and trusts, mistakes are more common than you might think, and they’re often expensive. Whether you’re administering a trust, managing a probate estate, or planning for your family’s future, it’s not enough to simply hand everything to a general accountant and hope for the best. Real estate tied to estates and trusts requires a deeper understanding of tax law, timing, and compliance. That’s why the most successful trustees and executors in Orange County turn to specialized professionals like an experienced estate and trust accountant to avoid common pitfalls. I’m Donna L. Stern, CPA, and after decades of working with estate and trust tax clients in Orange County, I’ve seen it all. Here are five real estate tax mistakes I regularly see, even from well-meaning people with good advisors. If you’re in charge of an estate, a trust, or just want to avoid making costly moves, take note. Not Getting a Step-Up in Basis...

Estate tax is one of those things many people don’t think about until they absolutely have to. Maybe someone close to you passed away, or perhaps you’re planning your own estate to make sure your loved ones aren’t left with a financial mess. Either way, hiring the right estate tax accountant is a serious decision—and not one you want to rush.  At Donna L. Stern, C.P.A. , we’ve worked with high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and families who are navigating complex estate situations. If you’re in that same boat, here are five essential questions to ask before signing anything with an estate tax accountant. What Kind of Experience Do You Have With Estate Tax Cases Like Mine? Let’s get one thing out of the way: not all accountants are estate tax experts. Just because someone has “CPA” after their name doesn’t mean they’ve handled the kind of estate situation you’re facing. Maybe you’ve got property in multiple states. Or maybe you’re dealing with family trusts, l...