Estate Tax Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
For individuals and families in Virginia Beach planning to transfer wealth, the federal estate tax remains an important consideration—even though Virginia itself imposes no state-level estate tax. Planning strategies, the federal exemption amount, and proper structuring of trusts and wills require experience. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. advise Virginia Beach clients on estate tax planning, including the use of the lifetime exemption, portability elections, and tax-efficient trust structures. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Estate Tax Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach residents face only the federal estate tax; the Commonwealth of Virginia repealed its own estate tax and does not impose an inheritance tax. Federal estate tax applies to estates exceeding the applicable exclusion amount, which is $15,000,000 per individual for decedents passing in 2026 under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, Public Law 119-21). The exemption is portable between spouses, meaning a married couple may effectively shield up to $30,000,000 from federal estate tax if the proper portability election is made.
For decedents dying in 2026, the federal estate tax applicable exclusion amount is $15,000,000 per individual ($30,000,000 per married couple with portability).
Source: 26 U.S.C. § 2010(c)(3), as amended by OBBBA, P.L. 119-21. IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Even below the exemption threshold, proper planning can minimize future tax burdens, particularly for families with closely held businesses, rental real estate, or assets expected to appreciate. In Virginia Beach, the Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 handles probate and estate administration matters. Because federal estate tax returns are due nine months after the date of death, early planning is essential.
Virginia also provides a simplified small-estate affidavit procedure for estates valued at $75,000 or less (as amended in 2025), which can help avoid formal probate. Whether your estate is modest or substantial, reviewing titling, beneficiary designations, and the impact of the federal exemption is a prudent step.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Estate Tax Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by evaluating the client’s entire financial picture—real property, investments, business interests, life insurance, and retirement accounts—to determine whether federal estate tax exposure exists. They then design a plan that may include revocable living trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), or other vehicles intended to reduce the taxable estate.
For married couples, they advise on portability elections under Internal Revenue Code § 2010(c)(5) to preserve the unused exemption of the first spouse to die. They also coordinate with CPAs and financial advisors to align the estate plan with the family’s broader wealth management goals. While every estate is different, the goal is always to structure assets so that they pass to the intended beneficiaries with minimal tax erosion. Results may vary. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has served clients from the firm’s Richmond location since 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings a disciplined, analytical approach to estate planning and tax-sensitive transfers. His Of Counsel team adds substantial depth in trust administration, probate litigation, and fiduciary law.
Over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, along with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, informs their handling of complex estate tax matters. Results may vary. The firm’s Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 serves clients throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads community by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to arrange a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia have an estate tax?
No. Virginia repealed its estate tax and does not impose an inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies to Virginia residents. The federal exemption for 2026 is $15,000,000 per individual, meaning the vast majority of Virginia Beach estates do not owe federal estate tax.
What is the federal estate tax exemption in 2026?
The federal estate tax applicable exclusion amount is $15,000,000 per individual for decedents dying in 2026, pursuant to the OBBBA (Public Law 119-21). A married couple may protect up to $30,000,000 by electing portability. The exemption is indexed for inflation in future years.
How can I reduce my estate tax exposure?
Strategies may include making lifetime gifts up to the annual exclusion ($19,000 per recipient in 2026), transferring assets to irrevocable trusts, or utilizing valuation discounts for family-owned businesses. An appropriate approach depends on your asset mix, family goals, and whether portability is advantageous. An experienced attorney can review your specific situation.
Do I need a lawyer for estate tax planning in Virginia Beach?
While not required by law, working with an attorney who understands the interaction of Virginia probate law and the federal estate tax system can help ensure your plan is properly structured and documents are correctly executed. Mistakes in titling, beneficiary designations, or trust funding can create unintended tax consequences. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between estate tax and inheritance tax?
Estate tax is levied on the decedent’s estate before distribution; inheritance tax is imposed on the recipient. Virginia has neither. The federal government imposes only an estate tax, not an inheritance tax. A few other states impose inheritance taxes, but Virginia Beach residents are not subject to them.
How does probate work in Virginia Beach for taxable estates?
Probate is administered by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s office at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. The personal representative gathers assets, pays debts, and files any required federal estate tax return (Form 706) within nine months of death. If the estate exceeds the federal exemption, estate tax is due at that time.
Related trust and estate pages: Fairfax County · Fairfax City · Falls Church · Prince William County · Manassas
Official resources: Virginia Code Title 64.2 — Wills, Trusts, Fiduciaries · Virginia Beach Circuit Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.