What RIAs Need to Know About Current Estate Planning Opportunities

Buy-sell agreements are foundational planning tools for closely held businesses. When thoughtfully structured, they provide continuity, liquidity, and governance stability. If not drafted carefully, they can undermine estate planning objectives and create significant transfer tax exposure. For advisors of closely held business owners, the recurring question is not whether to use a buy-sell agreement, but whether the pricing mechanism embedded in the agreement will be respected for estate and gift tax purposes.

Buyer selection in the RIA M&A market is increasingly about fit, not just valuation. Strategy alignment, leadership depth, organic growth quality, and post-close integration all play a major role in determining whether a transaction creates lasting value.

This webinar provides attorneys with an in-depth review of the salient valuation topics from the recent Tax Court decision, Pierce v. Commissioner.