Learn Estate & Inheritance Tax
Plain-English, question-style guides to the rules that drive our calculators. Every figure traces back to federal statute (IRC § 2010, § 1014, § 2503, etc.) or a state Department of Revenue.
How to Reduce Estate Tax in 2026: 7 Strategies That Actually Work
Practical, legal ways to reduce or avoid federal and state estate tax in 2026, from annual gifts and portability to ILITs, GRATs, and step-up planning.
Federal TaxWhat Is Portability (DSUE) and How Do You Elect It?
Portability lets a surviving spouse use a deceased spouse’s unused estate tax exemption. Learn the rules, deadlines, and Form 706 requirements for 2026.
Income TaxWhat Kind of Assets Get a Step-Up in Basis at Death?
Learn which inherited assets receive a stepped-up basis to fair market value at death and which do not, plus how to estimate the capital-gains tax saved.
New YorkWhat Is the New York Estate Tax Cliff?
New York’s estate tax cliff can make the entire estate taxable once it exceeds 105% of the exemption. Learn the 2026 numbers and how to avoid the cliff.
Inheritance TaxWhat Is an Inheritance Tax and Which States Have One?
An inheritance tax is paid by the heir, not the estate. Learn which states still levy one in 2026, how rates vary by relationship, and how to calculate the tax per heir.
RelocationHow to Avoid Estate Tax by Relocating to a No-Tax State
Moving your domicile to a state with no estate tax can eliminate state-level estate tax. Learn the residency rules, traps, and how to compare savings.
Federal TaxWhat Is the Federal Estate Tax Exemption for 2026?
The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person, made permanent by OBBBA 2025. Learn what counts, how portability works, and who still owes tax.
By StateWhich States Have an Estate Tax in 2026?
A complete 2026 list of the 13 states (plus D.C.) with an estate tax, the 5 with an inheritance tax, and the 33 with neither — with exemptions and top rates.
Federal TaxGift Tax Limit for 2026: Annual Exclusion, Lifetime Exemption & Rates
The 2026 gift tax annual exclusion is $19,000 per recipient; the lifetime gift and estate exemption is $15 million. Learn the limits, rates, and how gifting reduces estate tax.
PlanningDo I Need an Estate Plan? (2026 Guide by Net Worth & Life Stage)
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Learn who needs a will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — and when federal estate tax actually becomes a concern.
Federal TaxGeneration-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax in 2026: $15M Exemption & How It Works
The 2026 GST tax exemption is $15 million per person at a flat 40% rate. Learn what a skip person is, the three triggers, and how dynasty trusts use the exemption.
FundamentalsEstate Tax vs Inheritance Tax: What’s the Difference?
Estate tax is paid by the estate before distribution; inheritance tax is paid by each heir after. Learn who pays, which states impose each, and how they interact with the federal $15M exemption.
Federal TaxHow to Elect Portability (DSUE) on Form 706 in 2026
Portability lets a surviving spouse claim the deceased spouse’s unused federal exemption — up to $30M in 2026. Learn the Form 706 steps, deadline, simplified filing, and traps.