California Probate
Does California have an estate tax?
Short answer
No California estate tax. The federal estate tax exemption is $15,000,000 for deaths in 2026 (it was $13,990,000 in 2025 and has increased in recent years). 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 exemption is $15,000,000 for deaths in 2026 (it was $13,990,000 in 2025 and has increased in recent years). 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 help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.