Estate Tax Calculator

Enter Calculation

Gross Estate Value ($)

Exemption Amount ($)

Estate Tax Rate (%)

Results

Estimated Estate Tax

$556,000

total estate tax owed

Taxable Estate	$1,390,000
Net Estate to Heirs	$14,444,000

What Is the Estate Tax Calculator?

This tool gives a simplified estimate of the estate (or "death") tax that may be owed when assets pass to heirs. It subtracts an exemption amount from the gross estate to find the taxable estate, then applies a flat tax rate. Estate tax rules vary widely by jurisdiction — the United States uses a federal exemption (about $13.61 million per individual in 2024) with a top rate of 40%, while many countries and several US states have their own thresholds and rates. Always enter the exemption and rate that apply to your situation and confirm details with a qualified estate planner or tax professional.

How to Use It

Enter three values: the gross estate value (the total fair-market value of all assets), the exemption amount that applies in your jurisdiction, and the estate tax rate as a percentage. The calculator instantly shows the taxable estate, the estimated tax, and the net amount left to your heirs.

The Formula Explained

First, taxable estate = gross estate − exemption, with a floor of zero (no negative tax). Then estate tax = taxable estate × (rate ÷ 100). If the gross estate does not exceed the exemption, the taxable estate is zero and no tax is due.

$$\text{Taxable Estate} = \max(0,\ \text{Gross Estate} - \text{Exemption})$$$$\text{Estate Tax} = \text{Taxable Estate} \times \frac{\text{Rate}}{100}$$

How the gross estate is divided into the exempt portion, the taxable estate, the tax owed, and the net amount passing to heirs.

Worked Example

Suppose the gross estate is $15,000,000, the exemption is $13,610,000, and the rate is 40%. Taxable estate = \(15{,}000{,}000 - 13{,}610{,}000 = \$1{,}390{,}000\). Estate tax = \(1{,}390{,}000 \times 0.40 = \) $556,000. Net to heirs = \(15{,}000{,}000 - 556{,}000 = \$14{,}444{,}000\).

Worked example flow: subtract the exemption, multiply the remainder by the tax rate to get the estate tax.

FAQ

Is this calculation exact? No. It uses a single flat rate and one exemption. Real estate tax uses graduated brackets, deductions (debts, charitable gifts, marital transfers), and portability rules. Treat the result as a planning estimate.

What exemption should I enter? Use the figure for your country or state and tax year. For US federal purposes in 2024 it is roughly $13.61 million per person.

Does the spouse exemption apply? Transfers to a surviving spouse are often fully deductible, so the taxable estate may be much lower. Adjust your inputs to reflect this.