estate tax

American  

noun

1. a tax imposed on a decedent's property, assessed on the gross estate prior to distribution to the heirs.

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Etymology

Origin of estate tax

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

He wants to increase the estate tax to 50% from 16% and impose a two percentage-point city tax surcharge on incomes over $1 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

This year, annual gift tax exclusion rules allow you to make a $19,000 gift to as many recipients as you want without triggering the gift tax or eating into your $15 million estate tax exemption.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

As recently as 2009, the federal estate-tax exemption was $3.5 million for an individual, with the estate tax rate at 45% for anything above that exemption, according to the Tax Foundation External link.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

For 2026, estates generally must file and potentially pay federal estate tax only if their taxable value exceeds $15 million, up from $13.99 million in 2025.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

She does not know how or where to join in when her children are talking about Woody Allen movies or real estate tax laws or somebody’s yoga class.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

• death tax
• inheritance tax