Frequently Asked Questions
Is my financial data safe?
Yes. Absolutely none of your inputs leave your device. Our calculators run 100% locally inside your web browser. We have no databases, no user accounts, and we do not track your financial inputs.
Are these calculators a replacement for an attorney?
No. These tools are strictly for educational purposes and rough estimates. Estate law varies heavily by state and individual circumstance. Always hire a qualified estate planning attorney before creating trusts or moving assets.
What happens when the TCJA sunsets in 2026?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) doubled the federal estate tax exemption. Unless Congress acts, this provision will sunset on January 1, 2026, cutting the exemption roughly in half (adjusted for inflation). Our calculators allow you to toggle between current and 2026 sunset rules to see your potential tax exposure.
What is the difference between Federal and State Estate Tax?
The federal estate tax applies to large estates nationwide. However, some individual states levy their own separate estate or inheritance taxes, often with much lower exemption thresholds than the federal government. You could owe zero federal tax but still owe state tax.
How often are the limits updated?
We monitor IRS announcements and state legislative changes and update our formulas annually or whenever major tax legislation is passed.