Navigating Estate Planning: Answers to the Top 5 Questions for NOV Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for NOV The healthcare provider for NOV Inc. (formerly known as National Oilwell Varco) is typically determined by their employee health insurance plans, which can include various major insurance carriers. These providers may vary depending on the location and specific plans offered through NOV's benefits packages. Common offerings may include large insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the healthcare landscape evolves, significant premium hikes for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are anticipated in 2026, with some states projecting increases exceeding 60%. The primary drivers of these surges include rising medical costs, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and substantial rate increases from major insurers. The Kaiser Family Foundation warns that without congressional intervention, approximately 22 million enrollees could experience a staggering rise in out-of-pocket costs, with a potential increase of over 75% in their premiums. This combination of factors signals a challenging financial environment for healthcare consumers as they navigate impending cost fluctuations. Click here to learn more

For NOV employees building long-term wealth, the energy sector's Q1 2026 rally — fueled by Strait of Hormuz supply disruptions — underscores the importance of revisiting estate planning strategies to account for rapidly appreciating company stock and energy sector holdings.

Global energy markets have been upended in Q1 2026, with Brent crude near ~$107/barrel and WTI near ~$94/barrel following the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint carrying approximately 20% of the world's seaborne oil supply.

LNG markets have been hit particularly hard, with European TTF near ~$16.90/MMBtu following Iran's attacks on the Ras Laffan LNG facility, which handles roughly 20% of global LNG production.

The elevated valuations created by the Q1 2026 energy price shock may present strategic estate planning opportunities for NOV employees — including accelerated gifting of appreciated shares before potential market normalization.

Estate planning is a complex process that need for considerable thought and preparation, particularly in light of changing tax and regulatory requirements. The estate planning landscape has shifted significantly: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in 2025, permanently extended key provisions including the higher estate and gift tax exemption. Estate plans should be reviewed to confirm they are still appropriate and aligned with current law and individual needs and objectives.

The conversation that follows tackles the most common questions by NOV individuals and others about estate planning, based on guidance from estate planning professionals and IRS resources. Understanding the nuances of the current rules provides direction and clarity for navigating this important process.

One of the main worries is what happens if gifts are made below the exemption barrier, which rose to $13.99 million per person in 2025 and has been permanently extended under the One Big Beautiful Budget Act (OBBBA, signed 2025). The regulations issued by the Treasury Department in November 2019 guarantee that those who use the higher exemption amounts for gifts given between 2018 and 2025 won't suffer negative consequences when the exemption goes back to what it was before 2018. With this clause, there is no more concern about a 'clawback' on contributions that surpass future exemption limits, which encourages thoughtful giving without fear of future tax consequences. Furthermore, NOV individuals can give gifts to numerous recipients totaling up to $19,000 per year without exceeding their lifetime exemption cap.

The federal estate tax is applicable to all assets left to heirs, regardless of the kind of asset or account in which it is held. However, depending on the kind of account, the asset transfer process can differ greatly. Retirement accounts, like 401(k)s and IRAs, for example, have unique tax implications and transferability restrictions. Typically, gifting methods concentrate on transferring taxable assets, such as real estate or brokerage accounts, in order to maximize tax efficiency and reduce the income tax liability of the recipient. While strategies like Roth conversions can be especially advantageous, careful planning is necessary from NOV individuals to ensure that they are in line with the overall goals of the estate.

For individuals leaving real estate or business holdings as bequests, the possible adjustments to inheritance tax limits may cause anxiety. The decedent's estate is responsible for paying estate taxes; the beneficiaries' intended use of the inherited assets has no bearing on these duties. Beneficiaries may be required to pay inheritance taxes in areas where they apply. The likelihood of a lower estate tax exemption threshold in 2026 emphasizes how crucial liquidity planning is for paying taxes and preventing the forced sale of inherited property.

Because the death benefit of a life insurance policy is included in the decedent's gross estate, life insurance is essential to estate planning. Nonetheless, irrevocable trust-owned life insurance policies are not included in the estate, providing a way to reduce the estate tax obligation. The ability to fund life insurance premiums through trust beneficiaries is made possible by the flexibility of yearly exclusion gifts, which facilitates tax optimization and strategic estate planning.

Because laws and each NOV individual circumstances change often, it is necessary to examine one's estate plan on a frequent basis. Every three to five years is the suggested period, though it may be sooner if there are significant life events. Updates to an estate plan may be necessary due to changes in legal regulations, family composition, net worth, or place of residence. For arranging an estate and being ready for legal consultations, tools such as the online Estate Planner® from Fidelity are a great resource.

In conclusion, managing the intricacies of estate planning necessitates being proactive and keeping up with the changing legal environment. NOV individuals may efficiently manage their estate planning efforts, guaranteeing their legacy is preserved and their successors are well-protected, by addressing important questions and taking strategic planning alternatives into consideration.

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Apart from the essential estate planning factors mentioned, it's crucial to acknowledge the influence of digital assets on estate planning. According to an AARP analysis from 2021, digital assets—such as social media profiles, online banking, and cryptocurrency—are becoming more and more important parts of contemporary estates. However, in conventional estate planning, these resources are frequently disregarded. Estate plans must contain specific procedures to guarantee that these assets are accounted for and handled in accordance with the beneficiaries' preferences. This emphasizes how important it is to include digital asset management in estate planning conversations in order to guarantee a thorough strategy for asset distribution and legacy preservation.

Getting around estate preparation is like getting ready for a long trip on a luxury ship. Estate planning requires careful attention to detail and foresight, just as you would meticulously plan your travel itinerary, choosing the right destinations (gift exemptions and estate taxes), making sure your luggage is appropriately tagged and organized for each leg of the trip (strategizing asset transfers and managing digital assets), and arranging for the most comfortable and efficient mode of transportation (using Roth conversions and comprehending life insurance implications). The recent changes to estate and retirement law are like shifting tides, forcing everyone on board to review their navigational aids. Consulting with estate planning professionals guarantees that your legacy journey is fulfilling and in line with your ultimate goal, just as an experienced traveler seeks advice from a captain or cruise director to maximize their experience.