Most estates owe no federal estate tax. See whether yours would, and how much.
An estate tax calculator estimates federal estate tax on a large estate, applying the 40% rate to the value above the lifetime exemption, which is about $13.99 million per person in 2025.
The federal estate tax affects very few estates, only those exceeding the exemption, which is roughly $13.99 million per person in 2025 (double for a married couple with proper planning). Amounts above the exemption are taxed at 40%. The vast majority of estates owe nothing federally.
This estimate covers federal tax only; some states levy their own estate or inheritance taxes at lower thresholds. Portability lets a surviving spouse use a deceased spouse's unused exemption, and the exemption is scheduled to change in the future. Large estates benefit from professional planning, this tool is illustrative, not legal or tax advice.
Federally, estates under the exemption (about $13.99M per person in 2025) owe no estate tax. Above that, the excess is taxed at 40%.
Generally no federal income tax on inherited money itself, though inherited retirement accounts and some assets have their own rules. Estate tax, if any, is paid by the estate.
Some states levy estate or inheritance taxes at lower thresholds than the federal exemption. This calculator estimates federal tax only.
See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.