US Estate Tax Calculator
Calculate federal estate tax and state inheritance taxes
Estate Information
Married couples can combine exemptions
Total value of all assets at death
Mortgages, loans, funeral costs, legal fees
Gifts to qualified charities (unlimited deduction)
Marital deduction (unlimited for US citizen spouse)
Prior Gifts & Exemption
Lifetime taxable gifts already made
Exemption used for prior gifts
Estate Tax Summary
Enter estate details and click Calculate
Estimate your federal estate tax liability
Understanding Federal Estate Tax
What is Estate Tax?
The federal estate tax is a tax on the transfer of property at death. It applies to estates exceeding the exemption amount, currently $13.99 million per person (2025).
Key Deductions
- Marital Deduction: Unlimited transfers to US citizen spouse
- Charitable Deduction: Unlimited gifts to qualified charities
- Debts & Expenses: Mortgages, administrative costs, funeral expenses
Portability
A surviving spouse can use the deceased spouse unused exemption (DSUE), effectively doubling the exemption to $27.98 million for married couples.
Important: 2026 Sunset
The current high exemption is scheduled to be cut roughly in half on January 1, 2026, unless Congress acts. Planning now may help lock in the higher exemption.
Estate Planning Strategies
- Annual gift exclusion ($18,000 per recipient in 2025)
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs)
- Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)
- Charitable Remainder Trusts
- Family Limited Partnerships
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information provided and current tax laws. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
Need More Powerful Financial Tools?
MyMoneyTrends offers comprehensive financial planning with personalized insights.
Try MyMoneyTrends Free