Federal Estate Tax Calculator

2026

Calculate federal estate tax with 2026 exemption ($15M). See state estate tax if applicable.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated September 2026 · Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications

$
$

Total Estate Tax

$0.00

Net Estate

$15,000,000.00

Taxable Estate

$0.00

Federal Tax

$0.00

Net to Heirs

$15,000,000.00

Estate Tax Breakdown

Gross Estate$15,000,000.00
Less: Deductions($0.00)
Net Estate$15,000,000.00
Less: Federal Exemption($15,000,000.00)
Taxable Estate$0.00
Federal Estate Tax$0.00
Total Tax$0.00
Net Estate to Heirs$15,000,000.00

Federal Estate Tax Brackets (2026)

$0 - $10K18%
$10K - $20K20%
$20K - $40K22%
$40K - $60K24%
$60K - $80K26%
$80K - $100K28%
$100K - $150K30%
$150K - $250K32%
$250K - $500K34%
$500K - $750K37%
$750K - $1000K39%
Over $1000K40%

Based on the 2026 federal estate tax exemption of $15,000,000, which is unified with the gift tax exemption and applied as a credit, so every dollar above it is taxed at 40%. State estate tax uses each state's own 2026 schedule and is deducted before the federal tax (IRC §2058). Lifetime taxable gifts, portability and state add-backs of recent gifts are not modeled. Consult a tax professional or estate planning attorney for personalized advice.

Heirs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska and Maryland may also owe inheritance tax on their own shares: inheritance tax calculator · GRAT calculator

Use the Federal Estate Tax Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Built around the 2026 federal estate tax exemption of $15 million per individual, this tool estimates what your estate might owe at the federal level. A clear read on that figure shapes sound planning, giving you room to weigh how wealth passes to heirs and where the tax bite can be softened so more of your legacy reaches the people you intend.

Federal estate tax applies only to the portion of a taxable estate that sits above the exemption. The math is progressive, topping out at a 40% federal rate. The exemption works as a credit: the tax on the whole estate is figured on the federal rate schedule, then the tax on the first $15,000,000 is credited back. Because both amounts sit in the top bracket, every dollar above the exemption is taxed at 40%.

Treat the result as an estimate rather than a final bill. It leaves out deductions, credits, and strategies such as trusts or charitable giving that can shrink a taxable estate, and it covers federal tax alone. Plenty of states levy their own estate or inheritance taxes, flagged here as a separate item to weigh. For guidance tailored to your situation, work with a qualified estate planning attorney or financial advisor.

Example: Estate Valued at $20,000,000

  1. 1 Input a Gross Estate Value of $20,000,000.
  2. 2 The calculator subtracts the 2026 federal exemption of $15,000,000 from the gross estate, resulting in a taxable estate of $5,000,000. It then applies the federal estate tax rates to this $5,000,000.
  3. 3 The Federal Estate Tax is $2,000,000: tentative tax on $20,000,000 ($7,945,800) minus the credit for the exemption, the tentative tax on $15,000,000 ($5,945,800). That equals 40% of the $5,000,000 above the exemption.
  4. 4 This example demonstrates how an estate exceeding the 2026 federal exemption is subject to federal estate tax. It is important to also consider potential state estate or inheritance taxes, which could add to the overall tax burden depending on your state of residence.

Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications · Last updated: September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2026?
The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is $15,000,000 per individual, made permanent at this higher level by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act instead of sunsetting. Married couples can effectively shield up to $30,000,000 using portability. Estates exceeding the exemption are taxed at rates from 18-40%.
Do most Americans pay estate tax?
No. With the 2026 exemption at $15,000,000, far fewer than 1% of estates owe federal estate tax. However, some states have their own estate taxes with much lower thresholds (as low as $1,000,000 in Oregon).
What is the difference between estate tax and inheritance tax?
Estate tax is paid by the estate before assets are distributed. Inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiary who receives the assets. The federal government only has an estate tax. Five states (Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania) also have inheritance taxes; Iowa repealed its inheritance tax for deaths from January 1, 2025.

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