Quick start
- Open the Estate Tax Calculator.
- Start with the fields shown on the Estate Tax Calculator page and enter values in the same units used by the labels.
- Use the first example, "$18M estate: $18,000,000 estate with $500,000 deductions", if you want to see a filled-out estimate before entering your own values.
- Calculate, read the formula line, then copy the result only after the amounts, rates, and term look right.
Best uses
These are the situations this tool is meant for. If your task is close to one of these, the examples and notes below can help you choose the right inputs.
- Screen whether a large estate might exceed the 2026 federal exclusion.
- See how debts, charitable bequests, or spouse transfers change the rough taxable amount.
- Account for prior taxable gifts at a high level.
- Prepare better questions for an estate attorney or tax professional.
What this calculator is for
Use this free estate tax calculator to estimate a rough federal estate tax amount from gross estate, deductions, prior taxable gifts, and the 2026 basic exclusion. It is best for screen whether a large estate might exceed the 2026 federal exclusion. and for comparing scenarios before you rely on a number.
Good fit examples: Screen whether a large estate might exceed the 2026 federal exclusion. See how debts, charitable bequests, or spouse transfers change the rough taxable amount.
What to enter
Finance estimates are sensitive to small input changes. Check whether a field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent before calculating.
- Start with the fields shown on the Estate Tax Calculator page and enter values in the same units used by the labels.
- Use annual rates as percentages, such as 6.5 for 6.5%, and keep monthly amounts in monthly fields.
- Try the first example first: $18,000,000 estate with $500,000 deductions. Then replace one number at a time so you can see what changed.
Example walkthrough
Try the calculator example: $18M estate: $18,000,000 estate with $500,000 deductions. The example result is Simplified tax above exclusion.
- $18M estate uses $18,000,000 estate with $500,000 deductions, and the result focuses on simplified tax above exclusion.
- Use charitable bequest as a quick comparison so the guide is not based on only one scenario.
Formula and steps
In plain language: The calculator subtracts entered debts, charitable bequests, and spouse transfers, reduces the 2026 basic exclusion by prior taxable gifts, then applies a simplified 40% top-rate estimate above the remaining exclusion. If the result seems too high or too low, first check whether each field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent.
The formula line on the calculator page is there so the number is not a black box. If the estimate is surprising, check the formula line and the inputs before using the answer in a budget, comparison, or planning note.
How to read the answer
Start with the headline result. Then read the supporting lines to see what made the number larger or smaller, such as rate, term, principal, tax, fees, or contributions.
- Read the large answer first, because it is the main result the calculator is built around.
- Then read the supporting lines. They explain what drove the result, such as payment, interest, total cost, savings gap, return, or time.
- In plain language: The calculator subtracts entered debts, charitable bequests, and spouse transfers, reduces the 2026 basic exclusion by prior taxable gifts, then applies a simplified 40% top-rate estimate above the remaining exclusion. If the result seems too high or too low, first check whether each field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most bad finance estimates come from mixing rates, terms, monthly amounts, and annual amounts. The other common mistake is using a planning estimate as if it were a final quote.
- Do not mix monthly and annual amounts.
- Do not copy an answer before checking the rate and term.
- Estate tax is complex. This estimate does not include state estate tax, generation-skipping tax, gift tax calculations, portability, valuation discounts, trusts, elections, or legal advice. Real finance decisions can also depend on fees, timing, local rules, credit details, and provider-specific terms.
What to try next
A related calculator can help check the same money question from another angle before you rely on one result.
- Try income tax calculator next to compare the same question from another angle.
Sources and estimate notes
This guide links to public financial, consumer, statistical, or tax references where they are useful for understanding the calculator context.
Source links improve transparency, but they do not turn a quick calculator into professional advice or a final loan, tax, payroll, or investment answer.
Examples from the calculator
Simplified tax above exclusion
Lower taxable amount
Reduced remaining exclusion
FAQ in plain language
When should I use the Estate Tax Calculator?
Use it for early planning and side-by-side comparisons, especially for tasks like these: Screen whether a large estate might exceed the 2026 federal exclusion. See how debts, charitable bequests, or spouse transfers change the rough taxable amount. Treat the answer as a planning estimate, not a final quote.
What is the Estate Tax Calculator doing with my numbers?
In plain language: The calculator subtracts entered debts, charitable bequests, and spouse transfers, reduces the 2026 basic exclusion by prior taxable gifts, then applies a simplified 40% top-rate estimate above the remaining exclusion. If the result seems too high or too low, first check whether each field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent.
What does this estimate leave out?
Estate tax is complex. This estimate does not include state estate tax, generation-skipping tax, gift tax calculations, portability, valuation discounts, trusts, elections, or legal advice. Real finance decisions can also depend on fees, timing, local rules, credit details, and provider-specific terms.
Related tools
- Income Tax Calculator Estimate 2026 U.S. federal income tax from income, filing status, deduction, and credits.
- Finance Calculator Project a general balance from starting amount, monthly change, rate, and time.
- Future Value Calculator Estimate future value of a starting amount and regular payments.
Privacy and copying results
Recent answers stay visible only while you work in the current browser tab. They are not sent to a server.
Use Copy answer when you want to paste the expression and result into notes, homework, a message, or another document. Check the units and assumptions before copying.