Trust and Tax Planning for Business Owners: From Inception to Exit

Business owners face a unique and constantly evolving set of tax, trust, and planning challenges⁠—⁠especially as their companies grow, restructure, or prepare for an eventual exit. This February, REEPC welcomes a nationally experienced wealth strategist for a deep, practical discussion on trust and tax planning for business owners from inception through exit .

This program will explore how early‑stage decisions can dramatically affect long‑term outcomes, and how thoughtful planning can create flexibility, tax efficiency, and better results for both business owners and their families.

Featured Presentation

Trust and Tax Planning for Business Owners: From Inception to Exit

Topics will include:

Business entity selection and early‑stage planning considerations

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) opportunities and pitfalls

Equity compensation planning (options, AMT exposure, and 83(b) elections)

Income and transfer tax planning strategies for business exits

Use of charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) to mitigate income taxes at exit

GST exemption planning for business owners

F reorganizations for S corporations

The presentation will incorporate real‑world planning anecdotes drawn from active business‑owner engagements, offering practical insights beyond theory.

Meet the Speaker

Ryan J. Szczepanik is a Senior Wealth Strategist with BNY Wealth . In this role, he works closely with wealthy families, key corporate executives, business owners, and their advisors to deliver comprehensive wealth, trust, and estate planning strategies.

Prior to joining BNY Wealth, Ryan practiced as a trusts and estates attorney at both boutique and international law firms, and he is a California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law . He has served in multiple leadership roles within the estate planning community, including President of the East Bay Trusts & Estates Lawyers (EBTEL).

Ryan’s practice focuses on complex trust, estate, and tax planning issues affecting business owners and closely held enterprises throughout all stages of growth and transition.

We are honored to have Edward Jones as the sponsor for our February Dinner Meeting. With over a century of experience, Edward Jones is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized investment strategies and client‑focused service. Their commitment to building long‑term relationships and tailoring solutions to each client’s unique needs aligns perfectly with the values of REEPC.

Thank you, Edward Jones, for your generous support of our event and the estate planning community!