When people think of Nevada, images of bustling casinos and the bright lights of Las Vegas often come to mind. But for families focused on protecting and growing their wealth, Nevada offers something far more valuable: the best trust and estate planning laws in the country.
Nevada has deliberately positioned itself as one of the most trust-friendly jurisdictions in the United States — providing a powerful alternative to offshore structures and offering exceptional benefits for high-net-worth families nationwide. By observing what states like Delaware and South Dakota were doing, Nevada made a conscious decision to become the gold standard for wealth protection and transfer planning.
Here are five major reasons families are moving their trusts — and their financial legacy — to Nevada:
Nevada’s tax environment is one of the most favorable in the country for wealth accumulation. The state has no personal income tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. For families focused on preserving wealth across multiple generations, this can translate into millions of dollars in tax savings over time.
Nevada is a national leader in asset protection. Its laws allow for self-settled spendthrift trusts, often referred to as Nevada Asset Protection Trusts, which shield assets from most future creditors.
Clients often establish Nevada asset protection trusts to safeguard against unforeseen risks such as lawsuits, business disputes, or personal liabilities — all while maintaining control and access under specific conditions.
Nevada’s decanting laws are among the most progressive in the country, allowing families to transfer assets from outdated or inflexible trusts into new trusts with more favorable terms.
Decanting is particularly powerful for families who want to adapt their estate plans to modern laws without needing court intervention — saving time, money, and preserving privacy.
Nevada’s directed trust statutes allow families to divide responsibilities among different advisors — such as investment managers, distribution advisors, and administrative trustees. This gives families more control without sacrificing the protections and oversight of an independent trustee.
For example, a family with LLCs or closely held businesses may want an advisor in their sphere of influence making investment decisions while IconTrust handles the trust administration.
Nevada allows for dynasty trusts — trusts that can last up to 365 years. Compared to states where trust lifespans are severely limited, Nevada offers families the opportunity to create lasting legacies.
Many high-net-worth families create Nevada dynasty trusts to pass down wealth free of state income taxes and federal estate taxes for generations to come.
No matter where you call home, Nevada’s wealth-friendly laws offer powerful tools for securing and growing your family's legacy. Whether your goals involve tax savings, asset protection, or multigenerational planning, partnering with an experienced Nevada trustee can make all the difference.
Interested in learning how a Nevada trust strategy could benefit your family? Contact IconTrust today to start the conversation 702-998-3700.
