The federal government has a relatively high estate tax exemption—$11.7 million as of 2021. Only estates with values in excess of this amount are subject to the tax. Among the 13 states that do collect an estate tax at the state level, the threshold is typically far lower.  The situation has been anything but stagnant in the millennium, however. Here’s a summary of some changes to state estate tax laws that have taken effect since 2000.

Changes to State-Level Estate Taxes 

State legislatures review and amend their estate tax regulations from time to time. Below are examples of some recent changes:

States That Do Not Collect State Estate Taxes

Here is the list of the jurisdictions that do not impose a state estate tax as of 2021: NOTE: State laws change frequently and the following information may not reflect recent changes in the laws. For current tax advice, please consult with an accountant. The information contained in this article is not tax advice and is not a substitute for tax advice.