Succession Planning

Tax considerations typically play a central role in both business and wealth succession. Whether assets pass on at death or during lifetime, they should be transferred to the next generation or a family foundation in the most tax-efficient manner possible.

An essential first step is a careful planning of the asset transfer: this begins with a comprehensive inventory of the status quo—namely, determining what inheritance tax would fall due in the event of an untimely death, including any relevant provisions in an existing will or inheritance contract. We then provide an indicative valuation of your assets under the applicable tax rules and identify the available reliefs. Based on this analysis, we develop tailored planning concepts designed to minimize inheritance and, where applicable, income-tax burdens. In addition to classical solutions (use of tax exemptions, life-interest arrangements), there are often attractive alternatives—such as domestic or foreign foundations or charitable GmbH structures. Although these can be more complex to implement, they frequently offer substantial savings that far outweigh the additional effort. In general, those who plan early and thoroughly save significantly on both taxes and advisory costs.

Our support extends beyond strategy development to full implementation: we prepare and document valuations of businesses and real estate, quantify applicable reliefs, and, if needed, defend your plan in the course of a tax audit or before the tax court.

A core element of any succession concept is governance: together, we design structures that allow you to retain influence after the transfer without incurring additional tax disadvantages. Common instruments include upstream holding companies endowed with special rights (multiple-voting shares, “golden shares”) or tailored revocation clauses in gift agreements.