Estate Tax Calculator
Calculate federal estate tax liability and plan your estate effectively
2025 Federal Estate Tax Exemption
$13.99 million per individual • $27.98 million for married couples with portability
Include: real estate, investments, bank accounts, life insurance, retirement accounts, business interests, personal property
Assets to spouse qualify for unlimited marital deduction
Use deceased spouse's unused exemption (DSUE)
Lifetime gifts exceeding annual exclusion that used your exemption
Estimated Federal Estate Tax
Effective Tax Rate:
Gross Estate
Total assets
Net Estate
After debts & expenses
Total Deductions
Marital + Charitable
Taxable Estate
Amount over exemption
Estate Tax Exemption Usage
Estate Tax Calculation Breakdown
| Gross Estate | |
| Less: Debts & Liabilities | |
| Less: Funeral & Admin Expenses | |
| Net Estate | |
| Less: Marital Deduction | |
| Less: Charitable Deduction | |
| Adjusted Gross Estate | |
| Available Exemption | |
| Tentative Tax | |
| Less: Applicable Credit | |
| Federal Estate Tax |
2025 Federal Estate Tax Rates
| Taxable Amount | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $10,000 | 18% |
| $10,001 - $20,000 | 20% |
| $20,001 - $40,000 | 22% |
| $40,001 - $60,000 | 24% |
| $60,001 - $80,000 | 26% |
| $80,001 - $100,000 | 28% |
| $100,001 - $150,000 | 30% |
| $150,001 - $250,000 | 32% |
| $250,001 - $500,000 | 34% |
| $500,001 - $750,000 | 37% |
| $750,001 - $1,000,000 | 39% |
| Over $1,000,000 | 40% |
Important Considerations
- • This calculator estimates federal estate tax only. State taxes may also apply.
- • The current exemption ($13.99M) is set to decrease after 2025 unless Congress acts.
- • Estate tax returns (Form 706) are due 9 months after death.
- • Complex estates should consult with an estate planning attorney.
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About Estate Tax Calculator
What is Estate Tax?
The federal estate tax is a tax on the transfer of property at death. It applies to estates valued above a certain threshold, known as the estate tax exemption. For 2025, the federal estate tax exemption is $13.99 million per individual ($27.98 million for married couples).
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Gross Estate Value: Include all assets such as real estate, investments, bank accounts, life insurance, retirement accounts, and personal property
- Enter Debts and Liabilities: Include mortgages, loans, credit card debt, and funeral expenses
- Enter Charitable Bequests (Optional): Donations to qualified charities are deductible
- Marital Status: Select if married for spousal deduction options
- Enter Prior Taxable Gifts: Lifetime gifts over the annual exclusion reduce your exemption
- View Results: See your taxable estate, estate tax liability, and effective tax rate
Understanding Your Results
Gross Estate
The total fair market value of all assets owned at death, including property, investments, life insurance proceeds, retirement accounts, and personal effects.
Net Estate
Gross estate minus debts, liabilities, funeral expenses, and administrative costs.
Taxable Estate
Net estate minus applicable deductions (marital, charitable) and exemptions. This is the amount subject to estate tax.
Estate Tax
The federal tax owed on the taxable estate, calculated using graduated rates from 18% to 40%.
Federal Estate Tax Rates (2025)
| Taxable Amount | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $10,000 | 18% |
| $10,001 - $20,000 | 20% |
| $20,001 - $40,000 | 22% |
| $40,001 - $60,000 | 24% |
| $60,001 - $80,000 | 26% |
| $80,001 - $100,000 | 28% |
| $100,001 - $150,000 | 30% |
| $150,001 - $250,000 | 32% |
| $250,001 - $500,000 | 34% |
| $500,001 - $750,000 | 37% |
| $750,001 - $1,000,000 | 39% |
| Over $1,000,000 | 40% |
Key Deductions and Exemptions
Unlimited Marital Deduction
Assets passed to a surviving U.S. citizen spouse are exempt from estate tax through the unlimited marital deduction.
Charitable Deduction
Bequests to qualified charitable organizations are fully deductible from the gross estate.
Portability
Unused estate tax exemption can be transferred to a surviving spouse (portability election required).
Annual Gift Tax Exclusion
For 2025, you can gift up to $19,000 per recipient without affecting your lifetime exemption.
Estate Planning Strategies
Lifetime Giving
Making annual gifts within the exclusion amount reduces your taxable estate over time.
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Removes life insurance proceeds from your taxable estate.
Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT)
Transfers your home at a reduced gift tax value.
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
Provides income during life with remainder going to charity.
Family Limited Partnership (FLP)
Allows transfer of assets at discounted values.
State Estate Taxes
Some states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes with lower exemption thresholds:
| State | Exemption (2025) |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $1 million |
| Oregon | $1 million |
| New York | $6.94 million |
| Maryland | $5 million |
| Washington | $2.193 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays estate tax?
The estate pays estate tax, not the beneficiaries. The tax is calculated on the estate's value before distribution.
What's the difference between estate tax and inheritance tax?
Estate tax is paid by the estate; inheritance tax is paid by beneficiaries. The federal government only has estate tax, but some states have inheritance taxes.
Is life insurance included in the estate?
Yes, life insurance proceeds are included if you own the policy. Using an ILIT can exclude insurance from your estate.
What happens to unused exemption?
A surviving spouse can elect portability to use the deceased spouse's unused exemption, effectively doubling their exemption.
When is estate tax due?
Estate tax returns (Form 706) must be filed within 9 months of death, with a 6-month extension available.
What about the 2026 exemption change?
The current $13.99 million exemption is set to expire after 2025, potentially dropping to approximately $6-7 million (indexed for inflation) unless Congress acts.
Important Limitations
- This calculator estimates federal estate tax only
- State estate/inheritance taxes are not included
- Does not account for generation-skipping transfer tax
- Complex estate planning strategies may require professional advice
- Tax laws change frequently; consult current IRS guidelines
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Estate tax planning is complex and depends on individual circumstances. Consult with an estate planning attorney or tax professional for personalized advice.
Estate Planning Tips
💰 Use Annual Exclusion
Gift up to $19,000 per recipient annually (2025) without affecting your lifetime exemption.
📋 File for Portability
If a spouse dies, file Form 706 to preserve their unused exemption for the surviving spouse.
2026 Sunset Warning: The current $13.99M exemption is scheduled to be cut roughly in half after 2025 unless Congress extends the current law. Planning now may help lock in the higher exemption.