The big mistake: One couple transferred $10 million in crypto to a trust, paid $1 million in gift tax, and locked in $3 million in future capital gains taxes for their heirs. Had they structured it differently, total taxes would have been about $1 million.

You’ve seen your digital assets climb in value — sometimes from pennies to thousands per token — and now you’re thinking about what comes next. How do you protect them, minimize taxes and pass them to your heirs without leaving behind confusion or unnecessary costs? Estate planning with cryptocurrency can feel like uncharted territory; it makes sense to get the right guidance before taking your next steps.

A recent conversation with estate planning experts highlights a truth many crypto holders overlook: Mishandling trusts and transfers can cost millions in avoidable taxes. One case stands out. A client moved $10 million in tokens into a trust, paid $1 million in gift tax, only to learn their heirs would owe