Federal Estate Tax Rate

As of 2024, estate income tax rates are progressive, meaning the percentage of income subject to taxation increases as income levels rise. The following are the estate income tax rates applicable for 2024: 10%: Applies to the first $2,650 of taxable income. 24%: Applies to taxable income between $2,651 and $9,550.

The total of all of these items is your "Gross Estate." The includible property may consist of cash and securities, real estate, insurance, trusts, annuities, business interests and other assets.

Once you have accounted for the Gross Estate, certain deductions (and in special circumstances, reductions to value) are allowed in arriving at your "Taxable Estate." These deductions may include mortgages and other debts, estate administration expenses, property that passes to surviving spouses and qualified charities. The value of some operating business interests or farms may be reduced for estates that qualify.

The current estate and gift tax exemption is scheduled to end on the last day of 2025. After that, the exemption amount will drop back down to the prior law’s $5 million cap, which, when adjusted for inflation, is expected to be about $6.2 million. 2 In addition, the 40% maximum gift and estate tax rate is set to increase to 45% in 2026.