Select state
Where dying really costs you
Even if you have less than $3.5 million, you might not escape the tax man. Twenty-two states, plus the District of Columbia, charge estate tax, inheritance tax, or both - and the exemption is often a whole lot lower than the federal one.
NOTES: Data as of April 28. The inheritance tax is charged to heirs rather than to the estate; the exemption and rate typically depend on the heir's relationship with the deceased, with close relatives paying less and spouses usually paying nothing. Maryland and New Jersey charge either estate tax or inheritance tax, whichever is larger. 1Called an inheritance tax, but works like an estate tax.
SOURCES: Departments of revenue in these states.
SOURCES: Departments of revenue in these states.