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Most estates owe no federal estate tax at all, thanks to a large exemption amount — but estates above that threshold are taxed at a steep rate.
This calculator estimates federal estate tax owed using the 2024 exemption and a simplified top tax rate.
How it works
Enter the total estate value and marital status. The calculator subtracts the 2024 federal exemption ($13.61 million single, $27.22 million married with full portability), then applies a simplified flat 40% rate — the top federal estate tax bracket — to the amount above the exemption.
- Enter total estate value ($).
- Enter marital status.
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
$20 million estate, single
A $20 million estate for a single individual has a taxable estate of $6.39 million above the 2024 exemption, producing an estimated $2,556,000 in federal estate tax.
Who should use it
- Getting a rough estimate of federal estate tax exposure for estate planning.
- Understanding how the federal exemption threshold affects a large estate.
Industry applications
- Estate planning and wealth management
- Tax and legal advising
Advantages
- Uses the current, accurate 2024 federal exemption amounts.
- Clearly distinguishes single versus married (with portability) exemption levels.
Limitations
- Simplifies the graduated 18%–40% bracket structure to a flat 40% rate, and doesn't include state estate taxes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting that state-level estate or inheritance taxes may apply even when no federal tax is owed.
- Assuming the exemption automatically doubles for married couples without the portability election being made.
Best practices
- For estates near or above the exemption threshold, consult an estate planning attorney — the real tax code includes many additional deductions, trusts, and strategies this simplified calculator doesn't model.
Tips
- The federal estate tax exemption is scheduled to change significantly after 2025 under current law — anyone with an estate near the threshold should keep an eye on legislative updates.