Federal Estate Tax Articles

Federal Estate Tax

Understand federal estate tax rules, exemptions, and rates. Learn how the {{ FEDERAL.tax.estate_exemption }} exemption affects your estate planning strategy.

How much can I leave to my heirs without paying federal estate tax?

You can leave up to $15,000,000 to your heirs without triggering federal estate tax. If you're married, you and your spouse can combine exemptions for a total of $30,000,000. Estates exceeding these amounts face tax rates up to 40% on the excess value. This exemption adjusts annually for inflation, but current law may reduce it significantly after 2025.

Maryland Estate Tax: A Rundown

Maryland Estate Tax: A Rundown

Understanding Maryland estate tax helps in effective estate planning, mitigating tax liabilities, and ensuring smooth transfer of wealth.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 5, 2025

Why Iowa Doesn’t Have an Estate Tax

Why Iowa Doesn’t Have an Estate Tax

Read about the history of the Iowa estate tax and the reasons behind the state choosing to eliminate its estate tax.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 21, 2025

Illinois Estate Tax: What It Is and How We Got Here

Illinois Estate Tax: What It Is and How We Got Here

Read about the Illinois estate tax, its history, key rules for residents and property owners, and what it means in practice.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 16, 2025

Understanding the Hawaii Estate Tax: A Guide

Understanding the Hawaii Estate Tax: A Guide

Understanding the Hawaii estate tax, including why the state has an estate tax and how the tax fits in with federal tax rules.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 14, 2025

Why There’s No Estate Tax in Nevada

Why There’s No Estate Tax in Nevada

Discover why there’s no estate tax in Nevada, which is one of the reasons that it’s an attractive state for estate planning.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 13, 2025

Washington Estate Tax: How We Got Here and Who Pays

Washington Estate Tax: How We Got Here and Who Pays

Navigating the Washington estate tax requires understanding specific exemptions and rates, essential for effective estate planning.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 10, 2025

Vermont Estate Tax: What It Is and Who Pays

Vermont Estate Tax: What It Is and Who Pays

Learn about the Vermont estate tax landscape, including why the tax exists and important deadlines and practical steps for residents on property owners.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 8, 2025

A Rundown of the Rhode Island Estate Tax

A Rundown of the Rhode Island Estate Tax

Understand the Rhode Island estate tax, exemptions, and what it all means for residents and property owners in the state.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 7, 2025

A Short History of Estate Tax in South Carolina

A Short History of Estate Tax in South Carolina

Explore the ins and outs of estate tax in South Carolina, focusing on federal implications since the state levy does not exist.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 3, 2025

Oregon Estate Tax: The Why and What of It

Oregon Estate Tax: The Why and What of It

Learn about the Oregon estate tax, its history, why it still exists, and what its presence means for residents or property owners.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 2, 2025

New York Estate Tax and How the “Cliff” Works

New York Estate Tax and How the “Cliff” Works

Learn about New York’s estate tax, why it exists, and how to manage the “cliff” effect for better estate planning.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 1, 2025

A Rundown of the District of Columbia Estate Tax

A Rundown of the District of Columbia Estate Tax

Navigate the District of Columbia estate tax landscape by understanding why it’s there, who has to pay it and its thresholds.

SimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 30, 2025