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Sherwin-Williams Employees: 10 Critical Estate Planning Steps After the 2025 Tax Law

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“Sherwin-Williams employees should proactively revisit their estate and trust strategies—incorporating adjustable trust provisions, state-level mitigation tactics, and digital asset protocols under the new law—and consult a qualified legal or tax advisor for individualized guidance.” – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“Sherwin-Williams employees would be well advised to integrate flexible trust provisions, state-level tax strategies, and digital asset instructions into their legacy plans—and consult a legal or tax advisor to tailor these measures to their circumstances.” – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

  1. The key federal and state tax exemption updates and their planning implications.

  2. How trust taxation, long-term care funding, and digital asset protocols have changed under the new law.

  3. Key strategies for business succession and legacy preservation.

Sherwin-Williams employees should conduct a thorough review of their legacy arrangements in light of the major federal estate and gift taxation changes introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Though high net worth households have drawn much of the spotlight, these updates impact everyone managing health care funding, retirement savings, and intergenerational asset transfers.

First , the Act permanently raises the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption to $15 million per individual and $30 million for married couples. While this allows more assets to pass free of federal tax, the political landscape remains unsettled; if control of Congress shifts, senators like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders could push to reduce exemptions. Sherwin-Williams employees can build in flexibility by using adjustable trust provisions or formula clauses in wills to adapt to future legislative shifts.

Second , even though the prior “sunset” clause on exemptions is gone, Congress still has the power to roll back benefits. A change in legislative majority could restore lower exemption levels. To lock in current advantages without sacrificing flexibility, consider contingency vehicles such as charitable lead trusts and grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) tailored to your planning needs.

Third , the new law compresses trust income tax brackets and alters distribution rules, accelerating the point at which the highest rates apply for undistributed income. Sherwin-Williams employees should review existing irrevocable trusts and evaluate tiered distribution strategies to limit accelerated taxation and help preserve assets for beneficiaries.

Fourth , several states—including Massachusetts, Oregon, and Minnesota—still impose estate or inheritance taxes with exemption thresholds far below federal levels (for example, Massachusetts taxes estates over $2 million at up to 16%). Incorporating state-level exposure into planning, perhaps through state-qualified charitable remainder trusts or spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs), may help Sherwin-Williams employees mitigate unexpected liabilities.

Fifth , according to Genworth’s 2024 Cost of Care survey, the median annual cost of a nursing home is $108,405 and a semi-private room averages $96,060. 1  With long-term care expenses rising and potential Medicaid funding cuts on the horizon, Sherwin-Williams employees may benefit from Medicaid asset protection trusts or commercial long-term care insurance, taking into account individual health trends and premium deductibility under IRS rules.

Sixth , the law preserves or increases tax deductible limits for qualifying long-term care insurance premiums, ranging in 2025 from $450 for those under 40 to $5,640 for anyone over 70. Confirming that policies meet IRS Section 213(d) criteria helps Sherwin-Williams employees claim every available deduction.

Seventh , IRAs, Roth conversions, and income shifting techniques are affected by the Act’s revised individual income tax rules. Although the top rate remains 37%, phased-out deductions and new bracket thresholds may raise taxable income. Sherwin-Williams employees can coordinate retirement distributions with estate planning—such as using IRA assets to fund charitable remainder trusts—to lower overall tax exposure and help preserve legacy value.

Eighth , changes to grantor trust status, minority interest treatment, and valuation discounts directly influence family owned business successions. Sherwin-Williams employees involved in closely held enterprises should examine buy-sell agreements, equity freeze techniques, and liquidity planning to facilitate effective transfers and address potential estate tax obligations.

Ninth , digital assets must now be explicitly addressed in wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Clear transfer instructions and designated fiduciaries are vital for online banking accounts, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Establishing a digital asset memorandum with custodial details and wallet access protocols can help Sherwin-Williams employees preserve these holdings.

Tenth , comprehensive estate planning goes beyond taxes to encompass guardianships, philanthropic goals, and family values. Whether it’s donor advised funds, multigenerational wealth education, or special needs support, updating documents ensures they reflect current priorities. Sherwin-Williams employees should review plans regularly to align with evolving family circumstances.

All things considered, the 2025 tax law demands a holistic reassessment of estate plans—covering exemption thresholds, trust taxation, state exposures, long-term care funding, tax planning interplay, business succession, digital asset stewardship, and broader legacy objectives. By engaging a seasoned estate planning attorney and working with a trusted financial advisor, Sherwin-Williams employees can preserve flexibility for an uncertain legislative future while aligning documents with current law.

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Sources:

1. Business Wire. “ Genworth and CareScout Release Cost of Care Survey Results for 2024 .”  Business Wire , 4 Mar. 2025.

2. Assaf, Rita. “ While Over 70 % of Retirees Say Retirement Is Going as Planned, Confidence in Retirement Outlook Is Down Among Pre-Retirees .”  Fidelity Investments , 11 Mar. 2025.

3. Watson, Garrett, et al. “ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Tax Policies: Details and Analysis .”  Tax Foundation , 4 July 2025.

4. Internal Revenue Service. “ Eligible Long-Term Care Premium Limits .”  Internal Revenue Service , 2024.

5. Dangremond, Samuel. “ How to Protect Digital Assets in an Estate Plan .”  Real Property, Trust and Estate eReport , American Bar Association, 26 Feb. 2025.

What is the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for their future retirement.

How can I enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Sherwin-Williams offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.

At what age can I start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Employees can start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, which is generally after completing a certain period of service with the company.

Can I take a loan against my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sherwin-Williams allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan balance under certain conditions. Employees should review the plan’s specific loan provisions for details.

What investment options are available in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees grow their retirement savings.

How often can I change my contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) employer match?

Yes, Sherwin-Williams has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.

How can I check my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance?

Employees can check their Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance by logging into the benefits portal or contacting the plan administrator for assistance.

What happens to my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Sherwin-Williams, you have several options for your 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer’s plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Sherwin-Williams plan if eligible.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Sherwin-Williams at 101 w prospect ave Cleveland, OH 44115; or by calling them at 216-566-2000.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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