Estate Tax Calculator
Estate Details
Results
| Gross Estate | — |
|---|---|
| Net Estate | — |
| Lifetime Exemption | — |
| Taxable Estate | — |
| Federal Estate Tax | — |
How to Use This Estate Tax Calculator
Federal estate tax hits only a small fraction of estates, but when it applies the numbers are large—and most families do not know where they stand relative to the lifetime exemption until an attorney runs the sheet. Tally assets, subtract debts and deductions, and see whether your net estate clears the 2025 or 2026 exemption threshold.
- Select tax year / exemption year. Choose 2026 ($15M exemption) or 2025 ($13.99M).
- Enter asset categories. Residence, investments, cash, vehicles, retirement accounts, life insurance, and other property.
- Enter liabilities and deductions. Debts, funeral/admin costs, charitable bequests, state estate tax paid, and prior lifetime taxable gifts.
- Press Calculate. Review gross estate, net estate, exemption applied, taxable estate, and estimated federal estate tax.
For annual income tax planning, use the Income Tax Calculator.
Estate Tax Formulas and Practical Applications
Think of the lifetime exemption as a large coupon against a 40% tax on wealth transfers above that line—not an annual income bracket. Most estates fall entirely below the coupon; those above pay the flat rate only on the overage.
Gross to net estate
Gross Estate = Sum of All Asset Categories
Net Estate = Gross − Debts − Funeral/Admin − Charitable − State Estate Tax
Taxable estate and federal tax
Taxable Estate = max(0, Net Estate − Remaining Lifetime Exemption + Taxable Gifts)
Federal Estate Tax = Taxable Estate × 40%
A net estate of $16,000,000 in 2026 with a $15,000,000 exemption leaves $1,000,000 taxable—roughly $400,000 federal tax before credits and planning strategies a practitioner might apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal estate tax rate?
The federal estate tax applies a 40% rate to taxable estate value above the lifetime exemption. This calculator uses that rate on net assets after deductions and prior taxable gifts.
What is the lifetime estate tax exemption?
For 2026 the exemption is $15,000,000; for 2025 it is $13,990,000. Only net estate value above the unused exemption is taxed federally.
What assets count toward the gross estate?
Real estate, investments, cash, vehicles, retirement accounts, life insurance proceeds, and other assets you enter are summed into gross estate before liabilities and deductions.
Does this calculator model marital deductions?
No. Unlimited transfers to a surviving U.S. citizen spouse are not modeled. This tool estimates tax on net assets above the lifetime exemption as a planning snapshot.
Are state estate or inheritance taxes included?
You may enter a dollar amount for state estate or inheritance tax paid. Federal tax is calculated separately; some states impose additional levies with lower thresholds.