Free Estate Planning Tools & Calculators

How to use these estate planning calculators

These tools cover the core tax, distribution, and planning calculations that estate attorneys, financial advisors, and individuals use when building or reviewing an estate plan. Each calculator uses current IRS rules, federal exemption amounts, and state-specific estate tax thresholds. Always consult a qualified estate planning attorney before making decisions - these tools are informational and do not constitute legal or tax advice.

Estate tax and gift tax planning

The federal estate tax exemption is $13.61 million per individual in 2024, but this is scheduled to sunset to approximately $7 million after 2025 unless Congress acts. The estate tax calculator shows exposure under both the current exemption and the post-sunset amount, making the urgency of planning clear. The gift tax annual exclusion tool models how systematic gifting over multiple years can reduce a taxable estate before death. The step-up in basis calculator shows the capital gains tax savings heirs receive - one of the most powerful but least understood benefits in the tax code. Real estate and investment assets held until death receive this step-up, while assets transferred by gift during life do not.

Retirement accounts and RMDs

Inherited IRA rules changed significantly under the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0. The inherited IRA calculator applies the 10-year rule for non-spouse beneficiaries and shows the annual RMD obligation if the original owner had already started distributions. The beneficiary designation checker is one of the most critical tools in estate planning - retirement accounts and life insurance pass by beneficiary designation, not by will, so outdated designations frequently cause assets to pass to the wrong person. Financial planners run this analysis for every client in every review. The Roth conversion analysis shows the long-term tax benefit of converting traditional IRA assets to Roth before death, eliminating the inherited IRA RMD burden for heirs.

Probate, trusts, and charitable giving

The probate cost calculator estimates attorney fees, executor compensation, and court costs by state, making the cost-benefit case for a revocable living trust concrete and dollar-specific. Trust administration costs less than probate in most states for estates above $300,000 to $500,000. The charitable remainder trust payout calculator shows how a CRT can provide income to the donor, a charitable deduction, and a remainder to charity. Nonprofits and religious organizations receive a significant portion of their endowment through planned giving instruments like CRTs, charitable lead trusts, and outright bequests - the planned giving tools here are used by both donors and development staff. Real estate held in an estate often requires coordination with title and escrow before transfer to beneficiaries.