Comment by triceratops

> They're the same as far as this discussion is concerned, as the amount that the beneficiary gets is (roughly) the same.

The estate's value is reduced by what it owes.

> if your business tries to classify borrowed money as "income"

sigh C'mon man, engage in good faith here. Stop saying things I didn't say.

If you can borrow cash against assets, don't have to pay principle until you die, and only pay low interest payments then it's functionally the same as selling those assets at a low tax rate. That's the principle.

And if you can use trusts to avoid estate taxes then there are no (or very low) taxes due ever.

> I rely on my CPA for tax advice

Ok ask your CPA what they know about using trusts to avoid estate taxes. Maybe it's BS but maybe it's true. Without some curiosity, how will you ever know?

> not the internet

More reputable sources than Reddit indicate it may be possible to use trusts to greatly reduce or eliminate estate tax:

https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/nam/en/insights/wealth-plan...

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/grat.asp

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/wh...