50 States + D.C. coverage 2026 $15M federal exemption Statute-cited figures Editorial review 2026

Estate Tax Risk Assessment

Not sure where you stand? Answer four questions for an exposure tier and a pointer to the right calculator. This is orientation only — use the federal, state, or simulate tools for an actual figure.

Exposure: Low
Score 0/100
  • Marital deduction defers federal tax for a surviving spouse (portability can help too).
Go to the right calculator →

This is a quick orientation, not a calculation of your actual tax. Use the federal, state, or simulate tools for a figure.

Informal estimate only — not legal or tax advice. Figures cite federal statute (IRC § 2010, OBBBA 2025) and each state's Department of Revenue. Tax laws and exemption amounts change yearly; confirm the current rule with the IRS, your state agency, or a licensed estate attorney or CPA before relying on any number.

How this calculator works

This quick estate tax risk assessment scores your exposure based on estate size, state of residence, marital status, and whether you have heirs. It is not a substitute for a full calculation; it points you to the right EstateFig tool for a precise number.

Calculation method & sources

  • Federal threshold: IRC § 2010(c)(3) sets the 2026 federal estate tax exemption at $15M per person.
  • State thresholds: Each state’s estate tax exemption, top rate, and special rules are sourced to its Department of Revenue or statute.
  • Scoring: The score weights federal exposure, state exposure, and relationship-based inheritance tax risk. Marriage reduces the score because the marital deduction defers federal tax.

How to interpret your estate tax risk assessment result

  • Low exposure usually means your estate is below both federal and state thresholds.
  • Moderate exposure means you are approaching a threshold or live in a state with a lower exemption.
  • High exposure means your estate exceeds the federal exemption, a state exemption, or both.
  • The “Go to the right calculator” button sends you to the tool that matches your biggest risk.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

What does my risk score mean?
The score is a 0–100 orientation tool. Higher scores mean higher estimated exposure to federal or state estate tax based on the inputs.
Is this a tax calculation?
No. This is a screening tool. Use the federal, state, simulate, or inheritance calculators for actual dollar estimates.
What if my estate is close to the exemption?
Being close to an exemption is a signal to plan. Small changes in asset values or state rules can push you over the line, especially in states with cliffs or no portability.
Not legal or tax advice. This estimate follows the federal and state statutes referenced on this page but cannot capture every factor (trusts, business valuation, charitable deductions, prior gifts, state add-backs).