New Jersey estate facts · Taxes

Does New Jersey still have an estate tax?

The short answer

No. New Jersey's estate tax was repealed for deaths on or after January 1, 2018. The state's inheritance tax still applies.

The details

New Jersey used to have both an estate tax and an inheritance tax. The estate tax no longer applies to anyone who passed away on or after January 1, 2018.

The inheritance tax is different, and it remains in place. It depends on who receives the inheritance, not on how large the estate is. Spouses, children, grandchildren and parents owe nothing. Siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends may owe tax, depending on the amount.

Because the inheritance tax depends on the beneficiaries, two estates of the same size can owe very different amounts.

For families settling an estate. If everyone inheriting is a spouse, child, grandchild or parent, there's usually no New Jersey inheritance tax to pay, though paperwork may still be needed to transfer a house.

Reviewed November 2026General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change, and every estate is different. We can connect you with an experienced estate attorney we trust.

Read our full New Jersey probate guide →

Talk to a real person

Tell us what's holding the property up.

One short call. We'll tell you plainly whether we can help, and what it would look like — no pressure and no cost.

Call (732) 515-3885 Free Consultation