Estate Tax Calculator

Estimate US federal and state estate taxes (2024 rates)

$
$
$0
Net to Heirs
Total Estate Value$0
Federal Exemption$13,610,000.00
Taxable Estate$0
Federal Estate Tax$0
State Estate Tax$0
Total Estate Tax$0

About the Estate Tax Calculator

Our estate tax calculator helps you estimate the federal and state estate tax liability on a decedent's estate using 2024 exemption amounts and progressive tax brackets. Enter the total estate value, any annual gifts made, and the state of residence to see the net amount passing to heirs.

Estate planning is a critical component of comprehensive financial management, especially for high-net-worth individuals. Our estate tax calculator helps you understand the potential tax burden your heirs may face and allows you to explore strategies to minimize estate tax liability through gifting and other planning techniques.

The federal estate tax exemption for 2024 stands at $13.61 million per individual, but this amount is set to decrease significantly after 2025. Understanding your current and potential future estate tax exposure is essential for effective wealth transfer planning.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the total estate value and any annual gifts made.
  2. Select the state of residence from the dropdown to apply state-level estate tax rules.
  3. Click Calculate to see net to heirs, federal exemption, taxable estate, and both federal and state tax amounts.

The Formula

The taxable estate is the adjusted estate value minus the federal exemption ($13.61 million for 2024). Federal tax is computed using progressive brackets on the taxable amount. State tax applies if the selected state has its own estate tax with its own exemption and flat rate.

Net to Heirs = Estate Value − Gifts − Federal Tax − State Tax

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2024?

The federal estate tax exemption is $13.61 million per individual for 2024. Estates valued below this threshold generally owe no federal estate tax.

Does every state have an estate tax?

No, only some states impose their own estate tax. Our calculator includes states with estate taxes such as Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and others. If your state is not listed, no state estate tax is applied.

What is the difference between estate tax and inheritance tax?

An estate tax is levied on the estate itself before assets are distributed to heirs. An inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiaries who receive the assets. Some states have inheritance taxes while others have estate taxes.

Can lifetime gifting reduce estate tax?

Yes, making annual tax-exempt gifts (up to $18,000 per recipient in 2024) can reduce the size of your estate over time. These gifts also remove future appreciation from your estate.

What happens to the estate tax exemption after 2025?

The current $13.61 million exemption is scheduled to sunset after 2025, reverting to approximately $5 million (adjusted for inflation) unless Congress passes new legislation to extend it.

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