Estate Tax Calculator — Estimate Federal Estate Tax
Calculate federal estate tax on your estate. See the current exemption threshold and tax rates for estates above the limit in 2026.
The federal estate tax applies only to estates exceeding the exemption threshold which is approximately $13.61 million per individual in 2026 ($27.22 million for married couples with portability). This means over 99.5% of Americans owe zero estate tax. For estates above the exemption the marginal tax rate is 40%. The exemption is scheduled to drop to approximately $7 million in 2026 under current law unless Congress acts to extend the higher amount.
Calculate Now
Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 Exemption (Individual) | $13.61 million (approx) |
| 2026 Exemption (Married) | $27.22 million (with portability) |
| Tax Rate Above Exemption | 40% marginal rate |
| Estates Subject to Tax | Less than 0.5% of all estates |
Calculate estate tax
Get accurate results instantly — 100% free, no signup required
Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to worry about estate tax?
If your total estate (assets minus debts) is below $13.61 million as an individual or $27.22 million as a married couple you owe zero federal estate tax. Most Americans fall well below these thresholds. However some states have their own estate or inheritance taxes with much lower exemptions. Check your state laws separately.
What counts in my taxable estate?
Your taxable estate includes: real estate investments bank accounts retirement accounts life insurance death benefits (if you own the policy) business interests personal property and any other assets minus debts funeral expenses and estate administration costs. Life insurance is often the surprise inclusion that pushes estates above the exemption.
How can high-net-worth individuals reduce estate tax?
Common strategies include: irrevocable life insurance trusts (remove insurance from estate) gifting up to $18000 per recipient annually (tax-free) charitable remainder trusts grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) family limited partnerships and spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs). Starting estate planning early maximizes tax savings through compound growth outside the taxable estate.
Related Calculators
Last updated: March 2026