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Which States Do Not Collect a State Estate Tax?

Currently a majority of states do not collect an estate tax at the state level. Find out if your state is one of them.

Which States Still Collect a State Estate Tax?

Currently only a handful of states and the District of Columbia still collect an estate tax at the state level. Find out if your state is one of them.

States Without an Estate Tax or an Inheritance Tax in 2013

Currently a majority of U.S. states do not collect an estate tax or an inheritance tax at the state level. Find out if your state is one of them.

States With an Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax in 2013

In 2013 less than half of the U.S. states still collect an estate tax or an inheritance tax (or both) at the state level. Find out if your state is one of them.

Which States Collect a State Inheritance Tax?

Currently a handful of states and the District of Columbia collect an estate tax at the state level, seven states which are listed in this article collect an inheritance tax at the state level, and two states collect both an estate tax and an inheritance tax. Find out if your state collects an inheritance tax.

What's the Difference Between an Estate Tax and an Inheritance Tax?

While the terms "estate tax" and "inheritance tax" are often used interchangeably when referring to death taxes, these terms refer to two completely different types of taxes. Learn the difference between these two taxes and if your state collects either or both.

Does Indiana Collect an Estate Tax?

Indiana, like all other states, did collect a state estate tax prior to January 1, 2005. Learn why things changed and if it is possible for the Indiana estate tax to come back.

Overview of Maryland Inheritance Tax Laws

Maryland is one of two states that collect an inheritance tax and an estate tax at the state level. This article explains the current Maryland inheritance tax laws.

Other Famous Wills and Celebrity Estates

Here you will find quick links to information about other famous wills, trusts and estates.

Understanding the State Estate Tax Exemption Trap

The state estate tax exemption gap refers to the difference between a state's estate tax exemption and the federal estate tax exemption. Learn what the gap is and how to avoid the state estate tax exemption trap.

Which States Allow for ABC Trust Planning?

When planning to reduce federal estate taxes, married couples can make use of the AB Trust system to effectively transfer two times the federal estate tax exemption to their heirs. But in states that collect their own separate estate tax, AB Trust planning may cause part of the B Trust to be taxed when the first spouse dies. In response, the the ABC Trust system was created, which in a handful of states allows payment of all estate taxes to be deferred until after the surviving spouse's death.

What is an ABC Trust?

When planning to reduce federal estate taxes, married couples can make use of the AB Trust system to effectively transfer two times the federal estate tax exemption to their heirs free from federal estate taxes. But in most states that collect their own separate estate tax, AB Trust planning can cause part of the B Trust to be taxed when the first spouse dies. In response, the ABC Trust system of estate planning was created.

What is Medicaid Estate Recovery?

"Medicaid estate recovery" applies to two groups of people: (1) anyone over the age of 55 who has received Medicaid assistance, or (2) anyone who is permanently institutionalized and has received Medicaid assistance, regardless of age. Learn what Medicaid estate recovery is and how to avoid it.

How to Obtain Copies of Probate Documents in Lee County, Florida

If you are interested in reviewing the information about a probate estate and obtaining copies of probate court documents, many courts now have this information posted for free online. Here you will find the steps required to review the online probate dockets for estates that are being, or have been, probated in Lee County, Florida.

Avoiding Probate By Adding Your Children to Your Deed - Good or Bad Idea?

Many people believe that adding their children's names to the deed for their home is a good way to avoid probate of the home after death. But not so fast - adding your children to your deed should only be considered after understanding all of the problems that can occur after doing so.

A Quick Guide to Florida Homestead Laws

Florida has some quirky laws when it comes to your primary residence, which is referred to as your "homestead." Read on for a quick overview of these laws and how they can affect you and your family.

Famous Wills and Celebrity Estates - Actors, Actresses and Musicians

Here you will find quick links to information about the wills, trusts and estates of famous as well as infamous actors, actresses and musicians.

Disinheriting a Child or Relative - A Serious Decision With Serious Consequences

While in all but one of the U.S. states you are free to disinherit your children and other relatives (but not your spouse), actually doing it should not be taken lightly or decided on a whim. Here you will find a list of four things to consider before disinheriting a child or other relative.

How to Obtain Copies of Probate Documents in Charlotte County, Florida

Does South Dakota Collect an Estate Tax?

South Dakota, like all other states, did collect a state estate tax prior to January 1, 2005. Learn why things changed on this date and if it is possible for the South Dakota estate tax to come back.

Can You Disinherit Your Spouse?

With modern estate planning comes unique estate planning challenges because today's families are different - from same sex and unwed couples raising children, to estranged parents who stay married to raise their children, to married couples who live completely separate lives but nonetheless remain legally married. The latter two groups beg the question - can a spouse be disinherited?

Can You Disinherit Your Children?

While in all 50 states and the District of Columbia there are community property and elective share laws in place to protect the rights of a surviving spouse who has been intentionally cut out of their spouse's Last Will and Testament or Revocable Living Trust, in all but one state you are completely free to disinherit your children.