inheritance tax

noun

1

: a tax on a decedent's net estate that is levied after the estate is transmitted to the inheritors

2

: death tax

especially : estate tax

Examples of inheritance tax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, for trusts settled after October 30, 2024, the 40% UK inheritance tax may also apply to decedents who were settlors and beneficiaries of a trust, as is the case commonly for US revocable trusts. —Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

However, one caveat about inheritance tax: Unlike the US, in France the tax applies per beneficiary instead of the total estate value. —Cnn.com, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025

While the inheritance tax will be eliminated, the budget lowers the estate tax exemption threshold from $5 million to $2 million. —J.b. Jennings, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2025

Maryland is also the only state with a digital advertising tax, and both an estate tax and inheritance tax. —Jeff Abell, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inheritance tax

• almanacs
• carrybacks
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• maniacs
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• minimax
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• quarterbacks
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Legal Definition

inheritance tax

noun

: an excise tax that is levied upon the privilege of receiving property as heir or next of kin under the law of intestacy and that is measured by the value of the property received compare estate tax