Trusts & Taxes in the Golden State: Cracking the Code 

Wednesday, March 18 @ 5:00 pm | City Club of SF
Featured Speakers: Chris Parker and Sonia Woodruff 

* Please RSVP by March 16, 2026 *

Speakers

• Chris Parker and Sonia Woodruff

Topic

Trusts & Taxes in the Golden State: Cracking the Code 
This session will explore key fiduciary concepts under California law, including how to identify who qualifies as a fiduciary and the responsibilities that status carries. The speakers will break down how to properly evaluate contingent beneficiaries for California tax and reporting purposes, an area that often creates confusion in trust administration. In addition, they will examine the application of Incomplete Gift Non-Grantor (ING) trust rules within California, highlighting how state law interacts with these planning strategies and where potential pitfalls may arise.  Attendees will also receive updates on California’s proposed billionaire tax, including the current developments and insights into the FTB’s approach to valuation issues!

Agenda

• 5pm - 6pm: Networking, cocktails, and appetizers
• 6pm - 730pm: Meeting and content presentation

Cost

• $125 Members (pre-registered)*
• $185 Guests (pre-registered)*

*An additional $25 fee applies if you register at the door. Please also note that non-member attendance fees are $185 per monthly meeting, effective as of January 1, 2026.

About the Speakers

Chris Parker

Chris Parker is a tax principal with Baker Tilly who began his tax career at California’s Franchise Tax Board in 2004 and joined the firm in 2015. Chris works with executives, business owners, and individuals on matters including wealth transfer, compensation, residency, and planning opportunities.

Chris resolved the first matter for the firm to ever go before California’s Office of Tax Appeals, which provided substantial benefits to the clients. Chris works with business and individual clients at every level of administrative controversy.

Sonia Woodruff

Sonia D. Woodruff is an Attorney IV with the California Franchise Tax Board. Sonia has been with the Franchise Tax Board for fifteen years in the General Tax Law Division, focusing on all areas of Personal Income Tax law. Sonia is the Legal Department’s subject matter expert on the taxation of Trusts and Estates. Prior to public service, Sonia worked in private practice with an emphasis on probate, estate planning, tax planning and trust and estate litigation. She obtained her J.D. from the school formerly known as UC Hastings (now UC Law San Francisco) and her B.A. in English Literature from UC Berkeley.

>>> Don't forget! We're meeting at The City Club of San Francisco!

CE Credit: This activity may be approved for continuing education credit by the State Bar of California and CFP Board. Certificates are provided after attendance.

Excused Absence: Members can request an excused absence in writing emailing us prior to the meeting.

Cancellations must be received three business days prior to the meeting.