Estate Tax CalculatorFree online financial calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Estimated US federal estate tax above the exemption.
Estimates only, based on the inputs and assumptions shown. This is not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Prices, rates and local rules may change; crypto scenarios do not predict returns. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional.
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About the Estate Tax Calculator
This calculator estimates potential US federal estate tax liability on asset values that exceed the applicable federal exclusion threshold. It is designed for individuals, heirs, and estate planners evaluating the net taxable portion of a wealth transfer. The calculation applies the top statutory federal estate tax rate of 40% to the taxable excess.
- Estate value
- The total gross fair market value of all assets, real property, cash, and investments owned at the time of death, in dollars ($). Typically $0 to $500,000,000.
- Exemption
- The applicable federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption threshold, in dollars ($). Typically $0 to $30,000,000 depending on tax year and marital portability.
Formula and method
Taxable Estate = max(0, Estate Value - Exemption) Estimated Estate Tax = Taxable Estate × 0.40
- Estate ValueGross market value of all assets included in the taxable gross estate
- ExemptionAvailable federal estate tax exclusion amount
- Taxable EstateValue of the estate subject to federal taxation after subtracting the exemption
- Estimated Estate TaxFederal tax liability calculated at the top statutory rate of 40%
The tool subtracts the exemption amount from the gross estate value; if the exemption exceeds the estate value, the taxable estate is set to zero. It then multiplies the positive taxable estate by 0.40 to arrive at the estimated federal estate tax.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Estate value20000000 $
- Exemption15000000 $
Results
- Taxable estate$5,000,000.00
- Estimated estate tax (40%)$2,000,000.00
How to use the Estate Tax Calculator
- 1Enter the total fair market value of the gross estate.
- 2Input the applicable federal exclusion or exemption amount.
- 3Subtract the exemption from the estate value to determine the taxable estate (minimum zero).
- 4Multiply the taxable estate by 40% (0.40) to estimate total federal estate tax due.
Reading your result
The 'Taxable estate' output reveals the dollar portion of asset value exposed to federal taxation. The 'Estimated estate tax (40%)' figure shows the projected tax payment required by the federal government prior to distribution to beneficiaries.
Limitations
The calculation uses a flat 40% rate across the entire taxable amount, omitting the lower graduated tax brackets (18% to 39%) that apply to the first $1,000,000 of taxable transfers under federal law. It also excludes state-level estate and inheritance taxes, spousal marital deductions, charitable deductions, administrative expenses, and deductions for debts.
Common questions
What is the federal estate tax exemption?+
The federal estate tax exemption (basic exclusion amount) is an inflation-adjusted threshold set by federal law below which an estate pays no federal estate tax. Spouses can also transfer unused exemption amounts to a surviving spouse through a portability election.
Why does this calculator apply a flat 40% rate?+
Federal estate tax brackets graduate from 18% up to 40% across the first $1,000,000 of taxable estate value. Because the statutory exemption is large, taxable estates usually surpass the $1,000,000 taxable bracket quickly, making the top 40% rate an accurate approximation for large estates.
Does this calculation include state estate taxes?+
No. Several US states levy separate estate or inheritance taxes with lower exemption thresholds and distinct rates. This tool reflects only federal-level obligations.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.