How to Calculate State Inheritance Tax
What is State Inheritance Tax?
A state inheritance tax calculator determines whether beneficiaries owe tax on their inherited assets. Only six states levy an inheritance tax: Iowa (repealed after 2024), Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Tax rates depend on the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased.
Formula
Inheritance Tax = (Inherited Amount – Exemption for Relationship Class) × Tax Rate for Class
- IA
- Inherited Amount ($) — Total value of the inheritance received
- EX
- Class Exemption ($) — Exemption based on relationship to the deceased
- R
- Tax Rate (%) — Rate based on relationship class (0–18%)
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Determine which state’s inheritance tax applies (state where the deceased resided)
- 2Classify the beneficiary: Class A (spouse/child), Class B (sibling/child-in-law), Class C (other)
- 3Apply the exemption for that relationship class
- 4Calculate tax at the rate for the relationship class (0–18% depending on state and class)
Worked Examples
Input
Nephew inherits $200,000 in Pennsylvania
Result
Class B beneficiary, 15% rate = $30,000 inheritance tax
Input
Child inherits $500,000 in New Jersey
Result
Class A beneficiary = exempt from NJ inheritance tax
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Confusing inheritance tax (paid by beneficiary) with estate tax (paid by estate)
- ✕Not knowing that spouses and charities are exempt in all six inheritance tax states
- ✕Forgetting that Maryland has both an estate tax AND an inheritance tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have inheritance tax?
As of 2025, five states: Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Iowa repealed its inheritance tax effective January 1, 2025.
Can I avoid inheritance tax?
Strategies include the deceased changing residence to a non-inheritance-tax state, using life insurance (often exempt), or placing assets in certain trusts.
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