Estate Tax Calculator
The federal estate tax applies to large estates above a high exemption — about $13.9 million per person in 2026, or $27.8 million per married couple with portability — and amounts above the exemption are taxed at up to 40%, which can take a significant bite out of very large estates. This calculator estimates the federal estate tax, the effective rate, and the amount passing to heirs, so you can see the impact on a large estate and plan accordingly. Enter the total value of the estate, and the calculator returns the estimated estate tax, the effective rate, and the amount passing to heirs. Estates below the exemption pay no federal estate tax, so the vast majority of families are unaffected by it, but for those above the threshold the planning stakes are high because the 40% top rate can consume a large share of the excess. The effective rate is usually lower than 40% because only the amount above the exemption is taxed, not the whole estate. State estate or inheritance taxes may also apply, with much lower thresholds in some states — as low as $1 to $2 million — so check your state's rules, which can affect families well below the federal exemption. Reducing estate tax is possible through annual gifts up to the exclusion, charitable bequests, trusts, and lifetime gifting, all of which can shrink the taxable estate, though these strategies require the help of an estate attorney. The estate tax exemption is set by law and can change with legislation, so plan for potential changes rather than assuming the current exemption is permanent. Use this calculator to estimate federal estate tax liability, see the effective rate, and understand how much of a large estate passes to heirs after tax.
Estate Tax Calculator
Estimate federal estate tax owed on an estate above the exemption.
Estimated estate tax
$440,000
Effective rate 2.9%
Amount to heirs
$14,560,000
Taxable above exemption
$1,100,000
Exemption $13,900,000
The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is about $13.9 million per person ($27.8 million per married couple). Estates above the exemption are taxed at up to 40%. State estate or inheritance taxes may also apply.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter the total value of the estate.
- 2Read the estimated estate tax and amount to heirs.
Why It Helps
- ✓Estimates federal estate tax liability.
- ✓Shows the effective tax rate.
- ✓Reveals the amount passing to heirs.
- ✓Helps with estate planning decisions.
About This Calculator
The federal estate tax applies to large estates above a high exemption — about $13.9 million per person in 2026, or $27.8 million per married couple with portability — and amounts above the exemption are taxed at up to 40%, which can take a significant bite out of very large estates. This calculator estimates the federal estate tax, the effective rate, and the amount passing to heirs, so you can see the impact on a large estate and plan accordingly. Enter the total value of the estate, and the calculator returns the estimated estate tax, the effective rate, and the amount passing to heirs. Estates below the exemption pay no federal estate tax, so the vast majority of families are unaffected by it, but for those above the threshold the planning stakes are high because the 40% top rate can consume a large share of the excess. The effective rate is usually lower than 40% because only the amount above the exemption is taxed, not the whole estate. State estate or inheritance taxes may also apply, with much lower thresholds in some states — as low as $1 to $2 million — so check your state's rules, which can affect families well below the federal exemption. Reducing estate tax is possible through annual gifts up to the exclusion, charitable bequests, trusts, and lifetime gifting, all of which can shrink the taxable estate, though these strategies require the help of an estate attorney. The estate tax exemption is set by law and can change with legislation, so plan for potential changes rather than assuming the current exemption is permanent. Use this calculator to estimate federal estate tax liability, see the effective rate, and understand how much of a large estate passes to heirs after tax.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results depend on assumptions that may not reflect your actual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 federal estate tax exemption?
About $13.9 million per individual, or $27.8 million per married couple with portability. Estates below this pay no federal estate tax.
What is the estate tax rate?
Up to 40% on amounts above the exemption. The effective rate is usually lower because only the excess is taxed.
Do all states have an estate tax?
No. Some states levy an estate or inheritance tax, often with much lower exemptions (as low as $1-2 million). Check your state's rules.
How can I reduce estate tax?
Annual gifts up to the exclusion, charitable bequests, trusts, and lifetime gifting can reduce the taxable estate. Consult an estate attorney.
Is the estate tax exemption permanent?
No. It is set by law and can change with legislation. It was scheduled to sunset to a lower level, so plan for potential changes.
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Written by
James MitchellSenior Financial Analyst & Personal Finance Expert
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) • MBA in Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business