When family members pass away, beneficiaries sometimes encounter different tax obligations on what they inherit—depending on where they live and how the estate was organized. While most U.S. states no longer impose inheritance taxes, a select few still do, and knowing about these laws can help beneficiaries avoid any surprises. Below is a closer look at how inheritance taxes operate, which states have them, and strategies to minimize or avoid such taxes if they apply.
Defining an Inheritance Tax
An inheritance tax is a levy on the cash or assets an individual receives from a deceased relative or friend. In states that have these taxes, beneficiaries are the ones who pay them, rather than the estate itself. This setup differs from an estate tax, in which the estate bears the responsibility and covers the tax before heirs receive their shares.
For most Americans, this difference is purely academic, since the majority of states do not impose an inheritance tax at all. But for beneficiaries living in certain areas, the tax might lower how much they can actually use from their inheritance. Understanding which states still have it is key to avoiding confusion when distributing a loved one’s assets in probate.
Which States Impose an Inheritance Tax?
Although many states (like Indiana) have repealed their inheritance taxes in recent years, there are still six states that collect them as of 2024:
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
Each of these states has its own thresholds, tax rates, and exemptions, often tied to the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased. Closer relatives (for instance, spouses, children, or grandchildren) usually pay smaller amounts or are exempt altogether, while more distant heirs might owe more.
Inheritance Taxes vs. Estate Taxes
It’s easy to confuse inheritance taxes with estate taxes. Both revolve around wealth transfers at death, yet they differ in who’s liable and how the tax is calculated:
- Inheritance Tax: Paid by each beneficiary who lives in a state with such a law. The amount depends on the inheritance value and the heir’s kinship to the decedent.
- Estate Tax: Comes out of the deceased’s estate before heirs receive anything, reducing the size of the pool left to beneficiaries. In other words, the estate itself covers this charge.
Twelve states and Washington, D.C., currently have estate taxes, including Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Kentucky. (Maryland stands out because it imposes both an estate tax and an inheritance tax.)
The federal estate tax also exists for very large estates exceeding $13,610,000 in 2024. Yet the majority of estates remain under that threshold, so only a small portion are affected.
How Much Do Inheritance Taxes Cost?
The rates vary widely based on factors like the total amount you inherit and how close you are to the deceased (i.e., spouse vs. sibling vs. friend). Typically:
- Iowa taxes certain beneficiaries between 0% and 6%,
- New Jersey might tax between 0% and 16%, and so on.
Many states offer broad exemptions, particularly for immediate family. That leaves only a tiny fraction of people having to pay an inheritance tax at all, often less than 2% of heirs in those states. Checking the exact rules is always best, because the specifics can shift: Iowa, for instance, has been phasing out its tax rates for certain heirs.
Avoiding or Minimizing an Inheritance Tax
People who anticipate living in or inheriting property from a state with inheritance taxes can look into a few estate-planning approaches to minimize or avoid the levy:
- Use Life Insurance: Death benefits from a life insurance policy generally aren’t subject to inheritance taxes. So instead of leaving large sums of cash that might get taxed, someone could purchase a policy naming their intended heir as the beneficiary.
- Set Up a Living Trust: By moving assets into a revocable living trust, the owner can sometimes direct them more smoothly to beneficiaries without forcing them into a high-tax category.
- Naming Beneficiaries on Accounts: Bank accounts, IRAs, and certain investments can have beneficiaries designated. These “payable-on-death” or “transfer-on-death” arrangements often bypass probate and can reduce taxable events.
- Gifting Before Death: In some instances, a person may give away property early, letting loved ones receive it without incurring inheritance taxes later. This route, however, comes with potential gift tax rules and might not always be optimal.
Such strategies can significantly cut heirs’ tax bills—but individuals should consult estate-planning professionals to ensure they aren’t inadvertently triggering other taxes or legal complications.
Inheritance Taxes and Probate
An inheritance tax typically arises after an estate completes its probate process, because beneficiaries usually cannot receive anything until the estate’s debts and obligations have been settled. Yet once beneficiaries collect their shares, states with inheritance taxes may require them to pay promptly.
However, you can’t worry about paying any inheritance taxes if the probate process itself drags on. In many situations, heirs face urgent personal or family expenses while probate is ongoing. If that is your situation, Rockpoint Probate Funding offers probate cash advances to help people pay real-life bills while waiting for the final distribution. Essentially, beneficiaries take part of what they expect from the estate now, then repay that portion once the estate officially distributes assets.
Using Rockpoint Probate Funding
If you need your inheritance sooner than later and want a non-recourse advance (meaning if the estate doesn’t pay out as anticipated, you typically don’t owe anything extra), Rockpoint can be of service. The process usually involves:
- Initial Contact: Share details about the estate, including an approximate value and who is involved.
- Document Review: Provide papers like the will, probate filings, or relevant court info.
- Offer: If you qualify, Rockpoint gives an advance offer, clarifying fees and the repayment method.
- Quick Disbursement: Once you sign, you can often receive funds in as little as one day to address pressing costs.
Beneficiaries in states with inheritance taxes may still owe taxes down the line, but this approach at least helps them handle immediate cash-flow needs.
Conclusion
Though the U.S. does not impose a federal inheritance tax, six states continue to do so. For those residing in or inheriting from these areas, certain thresholds, rates, and exemptions apply. Thankfully, many heirs end up exempt from or facing minor inheritance taxes due to legal thresholds or relationships that qualify for reduced rates. In any case, advanced estate planning can help reduce taxes, from life insurance policies to living trusts. Meanwhile, if you need access to part of your inheritance early—particularly while probate is still in progress—Rockpoint Probate Funding may offer a probate cash advance. That way, you can pay urgent bills without waiting months or worrying about monthly loan obligations during an already challenging period.
