Estate Planning And Taxes As tax laws continually change, so do the rules regarding the tax implications on estate planning such as federal estate and gift taxes and state inheritance (death) taxes, as well as the definitions of, and rules regarding, what constitutes ‘gross’ and ‘taxable’ estates. This section provides articles and answers to frequently asked questions concerning when and how estates become taxable, how estate plans may be able to lower or avoid tax liabilities and how wills and trusts affect estate taxes.