The federal estate tax applies to the transfer of wealth at death when the total estate value exceeds the exemption threshold. For 2026, the exemption is $13.99 million per individual ($27.98 million for married couples using portability). This calculator helps you estimate federal estate tax liability by factoring in deductions, debts, and the applicable exemption amount.
Estate Information
Include all assets: property, investments, life insurance, retirement accounts, etc.
Married portability uses both spouses' exemptions
Exemption amounts differ by year
Bequests to qualified charities (unlimited deduction)
Mortgages, funeral costs, administrative expenses, outstanding debts
Estate Tax Breakdown
How your estate tax liability is calculated
State Estate Taxes May Also Apply
About 12 states and Washington D.C. impose their own estate tax, often with much lower exemption thresholds (as low as $1 million in some states). States with estate taxes include Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Check your state's rules for additional tax liability.
How to Use This Estate Tax Calculator
The federal estate tax can create a significant liability for high-net-worth estates. Understanding whether your estate will owe tax and how much requires knowing the current exemption amounts, applicable deductions, and the flat 40% tax rate. This estate tax calculator walks you through the calculation step by step, so you can plan ahead and explore strategies to minimize your estate's tax burden.
Step 1: Enter Your Total Estate Value
Start by entering the gross value of the estate. This includes all assets owned at the time of death: real estate, bank accounts, investment portfolios, retirement accounts (401k, IRA), life insurance death benefits, business interests, vehicles, jewelry, and any other property of value. Use the fair market value at the date of death. The IRS requires reporting the total gross estate before any deductions are subtracted.
Step 2: Select Filing Status and Tax Year
Choose whether the decedent was single or married. For married couples, portability allows the surviving spouse to claim any unused portion of the deceased spouse's exemption, effectively doubling the combined exclusion to $27.98 million for 2026. Select the tax year to use the correct exemption amount — the 2026 exemption is $13.99 million per individual, while 2025 uses $13.61 million.
Step 3: Enter Deductions and Debts
Reduce the taxable estate by entering charitable deductions and debts. Charitable bequests to qualified organizations are fully deductible with no cap. Debts include mortgages, outstanding loans, credit card balances, funeral expenses, and estate administrative costs (legal fees, executor fees, accounting costs). These amounts are subtracted from the gross estate before applying the exemption.
Step 4: Review Your Results
After clicking Calculate, you will see four key figures: the taxable estate (amount subject to tax after exemption), the federal estate tax owed (40% of the taxable amount), the effective tax rate (tax as a percentage of the gross estate), and the exemption amount used. If your estate falls below the exemption threshold, the calculator confirms that no federal estate tax is owed. The detailed breakdown table shows each step of the calculation.
Estate Tax Planning Considerations
Estate tax planning is most critical for individuals with estates approaching or exceeding the exemption threshold. Common strategies include making lifetime gifts (the annual gift exclusion is $19,000 per recipient for 2026), establishing irrevocable trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and maximizing the marital deduction. Remember that the federal estate tax exemption is subject to change by Congress, and some states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes with lower thresholds. Always consult a qualified estate planning attorney or tax advisor for personalized guidance.
FAQ
Is this estate tax calculator free?
Yes, this estate tax calculator is completely free with no signup or account required. All calculations run locally in your browser. No estate value or personal data is ever sent to any server.
Is my financial data private?
Absolutely. All calculations happen entirely in your web browser using client-side JavaScript. No data is transmitted, stored, or logged anywhere. You can verify this by disconnecting from the internet after the page loads.
What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2026?
The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is $13.99 million per individual, or $27.98 million for married couples using portability. Estates valued below the exemption owe zero federal estate tax. The exemption amount adjusts annually for inflation.
What is the federal estate tax rate?
The federal estate tax rate is a flat 40% on the taxable estate amount above the exemption. The taxable estate is calculated by subtracting the exemption, charitable deductions, and debts from the gross estate value.
Do all states have an estate tax?
No, only about 12 states and the District of Columbia impose their own estate tax, often with much lower exemption thresholds than the federal level. Some states exempt estates above $1 million, while others set the threshold higher. Check your state's specific rules.
What is the difference between estate tax and inheritance tax?
Estate tax is paid by the estate before assets are distributed to heirs. Inheritance tax is paid by the individual recipients of the inheritance. The federal government only levies an estate tax, but six states impose an inheritance tax on beneficiaries.
What is portability for married couples?
Portability allows a surviving spouse to use any unused portion of the deceased spouse's estate tax exemption. If the first spouse used $5 million of their $13.99 million exemption, the survivor can add the remaining $8.99 million to their own exemption, effectively doubling the combined exclusion.
Can charitable donations reduce estate tax?
Yes, charitable bequests are fully deductible from the gross estate for estate tax purposes. There is no limit on the charitable deduction, so leaving assets to qualified charities can significantly reduce or eliminate estate tax liability.