Delaware Estate Tax: Everything You Need to Know

There is no estate tax in Delaware at the state level. The federal government does levy a tax on estates that reach a certain threshold, though, so residents of The First State may have to pay that. Delaware residents can use this guide to learn what they need to know about the estate tax if they are starting to think about estate planning. Estate planning is complicated, so you may want to get some help. A financial advisor can help you with estate planning, and SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with advisors who serve your area.

Delaware Estate Tax

As of Jan. 1, 2018, Delaware is one of 38 states that does not levy its own estate tax.

What Is the Estate Tax?

The estate tax, which you may see referred to as the “death tax,” is levied on the estate of someone who recently died. It applies to the estate of the deceased before it is passed on to designated heirs. The estate tax only applies to estates that are worth a certain amount.

The inheritance tax is different from the estate tax. Inheritance tax applies to money or assets after they’ve already gone to the deceased’s heirs. Beneficiaries are responsible for paying inheritance tax, whereas estate tax is taken out of the deceased’s estate.

Delaware Inheritance and Gift Tax

Delaware does not have an inheritance tax. However, be aware that the inheritance laws of other states may apply to you if you inherit property or assets from someone living in a state that has an inheritance tax. In Kentucky, for instance, all in-state property is subject to an inheritance tax, even if the beneficiary lives in a different state. Check the local laws to see if you’ll owe tax when you receive an inheritance from someone who lives out-of-state.

Delaware does not levy a gift tax either. The federal gift tax exemption is $18,000 for each person to whom you give gifts in 2024, up from $17,000 in 2023. If you give one person more than $18,000 in 2024, you must declare that gift to the IRS. The excess counts against your lifetime gift tax exemption of $13.61 million and lowers your federal estate tax exemption.

Federal Estate Tax

You won’t have to pay a state estate tax in Delaware. The federal estate tax may still apply, though. The exemption for the federal estate tax is $13.61 million for deaths in 2024, up from $12.92 million in 2023. For married couples, the exemption is portable, meaning that with the right legal maneuvers, a couple can protect up to $27.22 million when the second spouse dies.

If you have an estate worth more than $13.61 million, you’ll pay the federal estate tax. It’s a progressive tax rate that tops out at 40%.

Here is an example: Let’s say you have an estate worth $14.23 million and no spouse. If you subtract the $13.61 million exemption, you have a taxable estate of $620,000. Consulting the below chart, you fall into the third-highest bracket and owe a base rate of $155,800 on the first $500,000. You’ll owe a marginal rate of 37% on the remaining $120,000, which equals $44,400. Add that to the base rate, and you have a total estate tax burden of $200,200.

Federal Estate Tax Rates

Taxable Estate*	Base Taxes Paid	Marginal Rate	Rate Threshold**
$1 – $10,000	$0	18%	$1
$10,000 – $20,000	$1,800	20%	$10,000
$20,000 – $40,000	$3,800	22%	$20,000
$40,000 – $60,000	$8,200	24%	$40,000
$60,000 – $80,000	$13,000	26%	$60,000
$80,000 – $100,000	$18,200	28%	$80,000
$100,000 – $150,000	$23,800	30%	$100,000
$150,000 – $250,000	$38,800	32%	$150,000
$250,000 – $500,000	$70,800	34%	$250,000
$500,000 – $750,000	$155,800	37%	$500,000
$750,000 – $1 million	$248,300	39%	$750,000
Over $1 million	$345,800	40%	$1 million

*The taxable estate is the total above the 2024 federal exemption of $13.61 million.
**The rate threshold is the point at which the marginal estate tax rate kicks in.

Overall Delaware Tax Picture

Generally, Delaware is a tax-friendly state for retirees. Social Security income is not taxed. Withdrawals from 401(k) plans or other retirement accounts are partially taxed, as is income from private and public pension plans. For all income, there is a progressive income tax that tops out at 6.60%.

Delaware has a very low property tax rate. The average effective rate is just 0.58%.

Notably, Delaware has no sales tax.

Estate Planning Tips

A financial advisor can help you build an estate plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
You may be wondering if you even need estate planning, especially if you’re on the younger side. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly, though. If you have any assets you want to pass on to your family in an orderly fashion when you’re gone — whenever that may be — it makes sense to think about estate planning now.