Federal Estate Tax Calculator

2026

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

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 2026 federal estate tax exemption of $15,000,000. The exemption is unified with the gift tax lifetime exemption. State estate tax calculations are simplified using top marginal rates. Actual state taxes may use graduated brackets. Consult a tax professional or estate planning attorney for personalized advice.

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

This calculator estimates your potential federal estate tax liability using the projected 2026 federal estate tax exemption of $15 million per individual. Understanding your potential estate tax burden is crucial for effective estate planning, allowing you to make informed decisions about wealth transfer and minimize tax impacts for your beneficiaries. This tool helps you proactively plan for the future, ensuring your legacy is preserved according to your wishes.

The federal estate tax is calculated on the value of your taxable estate exceeding the federal exemption amount. The calculation applies progressive tax rates, with the top federal estate tax rate currently at 40%. The calculator first determines the net taxable estate by subtracting the 2026 federal exemption ($15,000,000) from your total gross estate, then applies the appropriate federal tax brackets.

Remember that this calculator provides an estimate and does not account for all potential deductions, credits, or specific estate planning strategies like trusts or charitable giving that could reduce your taxable estate. Additionally, many states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes, which are not included in this federal calculation but will be highlighted as a separate consideration. Consult with a qualified estate planning attorney or financial advisor for personalized advice.

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 estimated Federal Estate Tax would be approximately $2,000,000 (40% of the taxable estate 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: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2026?
The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is approximately $7,000,000 per individual (down from the temporarily doubled amount). Married couples can effectively shield up to about $14,000,000 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 approximately $7,000,000, 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 and Massachusetts).
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. Six states (Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania) also have inheritance taxes.

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