Estate Tax Calculator
Adjust the inputs below. Results update as you type.
How it works
The federal estate tax exemption is $13.61 million per person (2024), indexed for inflation. Amounts above the exemption are taxed at rates from 18–40%. The unlimited marital deduction allows assets to pass tax-free to a US citizen spouse. Portability lets a surviving spouse use the deceased's unused exemption. State estate taxes apply in about 12 states with lower exemptions.
Input guidance
- Use realistic rates from lender or provider quotes instead of headline averages.
- Model conservative, baseline, and optimistic scenarios before deciding.
- Include recurring real-world costs (fees, taxes, insurance, maintenance) where relevant.
The formula
Taxable estate = gross estate − deductions (debts, charitable gifts, spousal transfers) − the exemption. Tax applies only to the amount above the exemption, at the estate tax rate.
Worked example
If the exemption is $13 million and a $15 million estate has $1 million in deductions, the taxable amount is $1 million ($14M − $13M exemption), taxed at the top estate rate.
More examples to test
- Conservative case: use a higher interest rate and lower growth assumptions to stress-test affordability.
- Optimistic case: use a lower rate with stable income assumptions to compare upside potential.
How to interpret results
Treat this as a planning model, not a final approval tool. Compare at least two scenarios and focus on total-cost and cash-flow trade-offs.
When this can be inaccurate
Results can diverge due to fees, changing rates, tax rules, lender policies, and behavior changes that simplified models cannot fully capture.
Change history
- July 2026: Quality-reviewed for publication with formula checks and explanatory copy updates.
Site-wide corrections also appear on the corrections log.
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Frequently asked questions
Do most estates owe estate tax?+
No. The federal exemption is very high, so only a small fraction of estates owe any federal estate tax at all.
Is there a spousal exemption?+
Transfers to a surviving spouse are generally fully deductible, and unused exemption can often be carried over to the spouse (portability).
Do states have their own estate tax?+
Some do, often with lower exemptions than the federal level, so a large estate may owe state tax even when no federal tax is due.
How should I use this result?+
Treat it as a planning estimate. Compare at least two realistic scenarios, then confirm with statements, quotes, or a qualified professional before acting.
How often should I refresh assumptions?+
Refresh whenever rates, income, costs, or policy limits change materially, and before making irreversible commitments.