2026 Estate Tax Calculator Tax Year 2026
Calculate your 2026 federal estate tax liability. This calculator models the progressive estate tax rate schedule (18% to 40%), the $15 million basic exclusion amount, portability between spouses, and the unified credit. Based on the Bill Act (P.L. 119-21).
2026 Federal Estate Tax Overview
The federal estate tax is a tax on the transfer of assets from a deceased person to their heirs. Under the Bill Act (P.L. 119-21), signed into law on July 4, 2025, the estate tax exemption for 2026 is $15 million per person ($30 million for married couples with portability). This exemption is permanent and will be indexed for inflation beginning in 2027 .
2026 Estate Tax Rates
The federal estate tax uses a progressive rate schedule ranging from 18% to 40% on the taxable estate (the amount exceeding the exemption). The rates apply only to the portion of the estate above the applicable exclusion amount.
| Taxable Amount | Rate | Tentative Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $10,000 | 18% | $0 + 18% of excess over $0 |
| $10,001 – $20,000 | 20% | $1,800 + 20% of excess over $10,000 |
| $20,001 – $40,000 | 22% | $3,800 + 22% of excess over $20,000 |
| $40,001 – $60,000 | 24% | $8,200 + 24% of excess over $40,000 |
| $60,001 – $80,000 | 26% | $13,000 + 26% of excess over $60,000 |
| $80,001 – $100,000 | 28% | $18,200 + 28% of excess over $80,000 |
| $100,001 – $150,000 | 30% | $23,800 + 30% of excess over $100,000 |
| $150,001 – $250,000 | 32% | $38,800 + 32% of excess over $150,000 |
| $250,001 – $500,000 | 34% | $70,800 + 34% of excess over $250,000 |
| $500,001 – $750,000 | 37% | $155,800 + 37% of excess over $500,000 |
| $750,001 – $1,000,000 | 39% | $248,300 + 39% of excess over $750,000 |
| $1,000,001+ | 40% | $345,800 + 40% of excess over $1,000,000 |
Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32
2026 Estate Tax Exemption Amounts
| Filing Status | Basic Exclusion | With Portability |
|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | $15,000,000 | N/A |
| Married (with portability) | $15,000,000 | $30,000,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,000,000 | $15,000,000 |
Key Estate Tax Concepts
- Unified Credit: The unified credit shelters the applicable exclusion amount from estate and gift taxes. For 2026, the unified credit is $5,945,800 (40% of $15,000,000 minus the tentative tax on $15,000,000).
- Portability (DSUE): Any unused portion of a deceased spouse's exemption can be transferred to the surviving spouse. Married couples can effectively shield up to $30 million in 2026.
- Marital Deduction: Transfers to a U.S. citizen spouse are unlimited and not subject to estate tax.
- Charitable Deduction: Bequests to qualified charities are deductible from the gross estate.
- Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: For 2026, the annual gift tax exclusion remains $19,000 per donee.
How the Calculator Works
- Calculate Gross Estate: Total value of all assets owned at death.
- Subtract Deductions: Marital deduction, charitable deduction, and administrative costs/debts.
- Add Prior Taxable Gifts: Lifetime taxable gifts are added to the estate for tax calculation purposes.
- Apply Applicable Exclusion: The $15 million basic exclusion amount (plus DSUE if applicable).
- Calculate Tentative Tax: Apply the progressive estate tax rate schedule (18% to 40%) to the taxable estate.
- Apply Unified Credit: The credit offsets the tentative tax (maximum $5,945,800 for 2026).
- Calculate Estate Tax Due: Tentative tax minus unified credit.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational and planning purposes. It does not constitute official tax advice. Actual tax liability may vary based on your specific circumstances, including state estate taxes, valuation discounts, and complex trust structures. Always consult a qualified tax professional for accurate tax guidance.
❓ 2026 Estate Tax Calculator FAQ
What is the 2026 federal estate tax exemption?
For 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person, or $30 million for a married couple with portability, under the Bill Act (P.L. 119-21).
What is the top estate tax rate for 2026?
The top federal estate tax rate for 2026 is 40%, which applies to taxable estates exceeding $1 million above the exemption amount.
What is portability (DSUE)?
Portability allows a surviving spouse to use any unused portion of the deceased spouse's estate tax exemption (DSUE , Deceased Spousal Unused Exclusion). This effectively gives married couples up to $30 million of combined exemption in 2026.
What is the unified credit for 2026?
The unified credit for 2026 is $5,945,800. This credit offsets the tentative estate tax and effectively shelters the $15 million exemption amount.
What is the marital deduction?
The marital deduction allows unlimited tax-free transfers to a U.S. citizen spouse, both during life and at death. This can significantly reduce or eliminate estate tax for married couples.
What is the annual gift tax exclusion for 2026?
The annual gift tax exclusion remains at $19,000 per donee for 2026 (or $38,000 for married couples who elect gift-splitting).
How does the progressive estate tax rate schedule work?
The estate tax uses a progressive rate schedule from 18% to 40%. Only the portion of the taxable estate above the exemption amount is taxed. The rates increase in tiers as the taxable estate grows.
Does the 2026 exemption apply to both estate and gift taxes?
Yes, the $15 million exemption is a unified exemption that applies to both lifetime gifts and transfers at death.
Is the 2026 estate tax exemption indexed for inflation?
Yes, under the OBBBA, the $15 million exemption is indexed for inflation beginning in 2027.
What states have their own estate taxes?
Several states impose their own estate taxes with lower exemptions, including Massachusetts ($2M), Illinois ($4M), Maryland ($5M), Minnesota ($3M), and others. This calculator includes an option to estimate state estate taxes.
What is the difference between an estate tax and an inheritance tax?
An estate tax is paid by the estate itself before assets are distributed to heirs. An inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiary after receiving assets. Inheritance taxes exist only at the state level (Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).
How do prior taxable gifts affect the estate tax?
Prior taxable gifts are added to the estate for purposes of calculating the estate tax. However, the unified credit is reduced by any gift tax paid during the taxpayer's lifetime.
When is the estate tax return (Form 706) due?
The estate tax return (Form 706) is generally due nine months after the date of death, with a possible six-month extension available.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, this calculator is completely free to use. No registration or personal data storage is required. All calculations are performed in your browser.