Estate tax is a tax the government may charge on the value of a person’s assets when they die, before the property is passed on to heirs or beneficiaries. It generally applies only if the estate is above certain exemption thresholds and is paid from the estate rather than directly by the heirs.
Inheritance tax and estate tax are different—and only 17 states still impose one, the other, or both. Estate tax is paid by the estate before assets are distributed, while inheritance tax is paid by certain beneficiaries who receive property. This article explains the key differences, which states still tax inheritances or estates, who owes the
Inheritance Tax vs. Estate Tax – The 17 States That Still Charge You Read More »
Estate tax is a federal tax on the transfer of a person’s assets at death, and in 2025 it generally applies only to estates above the federal exemption (about $13.6 million per person). Some states also impose their own estate or inheritance taxes with lower thresholds. This article explains how estate tax works, what counts
What is estate tax? Read More »
If you die without an estate plan, your state’s intestacy laws decide who inherits and the court appoints an administrator. This often triggers probate delays, added costs, and outcomes that may conflict with your wishes, including for minor children. This article explains intestacy rules, probate steps, and how to avoid dying intestate. Dying without an
What Happens if I Die Without an Estate Plan? Read More »
A will takes effect only after you die, while a trust can work during your lifetime and after death, often avoiding probate. Both transfer assets, but they differ in timing, privacy, court involvement, and how they handle incapacity. This article explains key differences, common types of wills and trusts, pros and cons, and how to
What’s the difference between a will and a trust? Read More »
