For informational purposes only. Not financial, investment, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs provided. Consult a qualified financial professional before making financial decisions.
Calculator tool
How this calculator works
Use the explanation to understand the formula, assumptions, and practical limits behind the calculator result.
What This Calculator Estimates
This calculator gives a simplified 2026 US federal estate-tax estimate. It subtracts the entered deductions from the gross estate, applies the 2026 federal exemption used by the live tool, and taxes the amount above that exemption at 40%.
2026 Inputs Used by the Calculator
| Item | Amount used |
|---|---|
| Federal exemption | 15,000,000 |
| Tax rate above exemption | 40% |
Calculation Steps
Where:
- — gross estate
- — debts and expenses
- — charitable deductions
- — marital deduction
- — federal exemption
Worked Example
If the gross estate is 18,000,000, debts and expenses are 500,000, and there are no charitable or marital deductions:
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| Adjusted estate | 17,500,000 |
| Less federal exemption | 15,000,000 |
| Taxable estate | 2,500,000 |
| Estimated federal estate tax | 1,000,000 |
What This Estimate Leaves Out
Actual estate-tax filings can involve lifetime taxable gifts, unified credit details, portability elections, valuation issues, special-use rules, state estate taxes, state inheritance taxes, and legal planning structures. Those items are not modeled here.
Use this calculator for a first-pass estimate, then verify a real estate-plan or filing question with a qualified tax professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a gross estate?
The gross estate can include cash, securities, real estate, insurance interests, annuities, trusts, business interests, and other assets owned or controlled at death. The IRS uses fair market value, not necessarily original purchase price.
What deductions does this calculator allow?
The live tool lets you enter debts and expenses, charitable deductions, and marital deduction. Those reduce the adjusted estate before the exemption is applied.
What is the 2026 federal estate-tax exemption?
The live calculator uses 15,000,000 as the 2026 federal exemption amount. If the adjusted estate is below that figure, the calculator shows no federal estate tax.
Does annual gifting appear in this calculator?
No. The calculator does not model gifting strategy. The 2026 annual gift-tax exclusion is a separate rule, and any serious estate plan should be reviewed separately from this simplified estate-tax estimate.
