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About the Estate Planner

The Estate Planner models the "Buy, Borrow, Die" strategy: rather than selling Bitcoin — and paying capital-gains tax — to fund your life, you borrow against it and let your heirs inherit at a stepped-up cost basis. It estimates the capital-gains tax your estate can avoid and what your heirs keep over time.

It's free, runs entirely in your browser, and needs no account. Borrowing is modeled at Lygos' all-in 10% APR with non-custodial, DLC-secured collateral — your Bitcoin never leaves the blockchain. This is an educational model, not tax or legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

It's a way to access your wealth without ever triggering capital-gains tax: you buy and hold an appreciating asset like Bitcoin, borrow against it to fund your life instead of selling, and pass it to your heirs at death. Because heirs inherit at a stepped-up basis, the embedded gains can escape capital-gains tax entirely.

When someone inherits an asset, its cost basis is generally 'stepped up' to its fair market value on the date of death. So if you bought Bitcoin at $5,000 and it's worth $100,000 when your heirs inherit it, their basis becomes $100,000 — and the $95,000 of gain is never taxed as a capital gain.

Generally not on the appreciation that occurred during your lifetime, thanks to the stepped-up basis. They would only owe capital-gains tax on growth after they inherit it. Estate tax is a separate matter and depends on the size of the estate and current exemptions — consult a professional.

No. The Estate Planner is an educational model using simplified assumptions, and tax law varies by jurisdiction and changes over time. Use it to understand the strategy, then consult a qualified estate attorney or tax advisor before acting.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax treatment depends on your jurisdiction and personal circumstances; consult a qualified tax advisor.

Borrow against your BTC collateral to obtain cash while maintaining full long-term exposure. Because you are borrowing—rather than disposing of—your assets, this structure allows for liquidity access without the tax consequences commonly associated with a sale. Your collateral remains native BTC and is held in isolation: not commingled, not swapped, and never converted to a wrapped asset.

Risk Warning: Borrowing against cryptocurrency involves significant risks, including but not limited to liquidation risk, market volatility, and potential loss of collateral. Please review all terms and conditions carefully before participating.

Regulatory Notice: Services may not be available in all jurisdictions. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. Lygos does not provide services to residents of certain restricted jurisdictions.