California Probate
Does California have an estate tax?
Short answer
No California estate tax. The federal estate tax applies to estates over $13.61 million (2024). Most California families will not owe federal estate tax. There may be income tax implications for inherited assets — consult a CPA.
What this usually means
No California estate tax. The federal estate tax applies to estates over $13.61 million (2024). Most California families will not owe federal estate tax. There may be income tax implications for inherited assets — consult a CPA.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.