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Home→Tools→Estate & Inheritance Tax Calculator→California

How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in California?

Estimate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate or trust. See which taxes apply in your state and how much beneficiaries may owe.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. California does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies, and it affects estates exceeding $13.61 million (2024). The federal exemption is scheduled to decrease by roughly half after 2025 when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions sunset.

The federal estate tax exemption is $13.61 million per person (2024), with a top rate of 40%. Married couples can effectively shield $27.22 million using portability of the unused spousal exemption. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) doubled the exemption through 2025; without Congressional action, the exemption reverts to approximately $7 million (indexed) in 2026.

Death taxes (estate and inheritance taxes) are separate from probate costs. Probate costs include attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. Death taxes are owed to the state or federal government on the value of the estate or inheritance. Both can apply to the same estate. Use the California probate calculator to estimate probate costs separately.

Death Taxes in California

There is no state-level death tax in California. Families only need to consider the federal estate tax, which applies to estates exceeding $13.61 million (2024). Probate costs still apply — use the probate calculator for a California-specific estimate.

California has Yes for state death taxes. With the federal exemption at $13.61 million per person (2024), married couples can effectively shield $27.22 million through portability. The TCJA provisions are scheduled to sunset after 2025, which would reduce the federal exemption by roughly half.

Tax obligations do not replace probate requirements — an estate may face both. Transfer methods such as trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations can affect which taxes apply and whether probate is required. See the inheritance overview for a breakdown of how assets pass to beneficiaries.

California Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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Mortgages, loans, funeral costs, administration

Calculate Death Taxes

Select your state, enter an estate value, and indicate marital status to see federal and state death tax estimates.

Quick examples:

This calculator provides general information about estate and inheritance taxes and is not legal or tax advice. Estate tax laws are complex and subject to change. Consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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