Where My Taxes Go

Tax numbersDeaths in 2026 and 2025IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32

Estate tax exemption 2026 and 2025

For deaths in 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15,000,000 per person, up from $13,990,000 in 2025. Public Law 119-21 set the 2026 amount and adjusts it for inflation from 2027.

2025FinalFor returns filed in 2026. Rev. Proc. 2024-40 § 2.41.
2026Current yearFor returns filed in 2027. Public Law 119-21 § 70106 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32 § 2.14).
2027Not yet publishedNot published as of 9 October 2026. The 2027 exclusion (the $15,000,000 adjusted for inflation) will be in the IRS revenue procedure that follows Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Until then, plan with the 2026 figures on this page.
Federal estate tax exemption 2026 and 2025Shared with the lifetime gift exemption.
20262025Change
Basic exclusion amount, per person$15,000,000$13,990,000+$1,010,000 (+7.2%)
Married couple using portability$30,000,000$27,980,000+$2,020,000 (+7.2%)
Generation-skipping transfer exemption$15,000,000$13,990,000+$1,010,000 (+7.2%)
Rate on the amount above the exclusion40%40%No change

Source: IRS, Rev. Proc. 2025-32: 2026 inflation adjustments (as amended by Public Law 119-21, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act)

Estate tax calculator

Tax year

Estimated federal estate tax

Exclusion available: $15,000,000. $3,000,000 is above it and taxed at 40%.

Above the exclusion the tax is 40% of the excess (26 U.S.C. § 2001: $345,800 plus 40% over $1 million, less the credit for the exclusion). Ignores state estate and inheritance taxes and credits for foreign or prior transfer taxes.

Portability for married couples

When the first spouse dies, the executor can file an estate tax return (Form 706) to pass the unused exclusion to the surviving spouse. With full portability a couple can shelter $30,000,000 for a second death in 2026. The return is needed even if no tax is due.

Questions and answers

What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2026?
$15,000,000 per person, or $30,000,000 for a married couple using portability.
Did the estate tax exemption go down in 2026?
No. It rose to $15,000,000: Public Law 119-21 set that amount for 2026 and adjusts it for inflation after that.
What is the estate tax rate?
40% on the amount above the exemption.

Related

Sources

  1. IRS, Rev. Proc. 2025-32: 2026 inflation adjustments (as amended by Public Law 119-21, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act).
  2. IRS, Rev. Proc. 2024-40: 2025 inflation adjustments.
  3. Public Law 119-21 (One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act), 139 Stat. 72, 4 July 2025.
  4. 26 U.S.C. § 2001 (estate tax rate schedule).
  5. Every figure on this page was checked against the documents above by an automated test on 9 October 2026. Status of 2027 figures checked on 9 October 2026 (IRS newsroom and SSA). Page built 2026-10-09.