The New Jersey estate tax was repealed effective January 1, 2018. Coupled with the significant increase in the federal estate and gift tax exemption ($11.4 million in 2019), the repeal has reduced the need for transfer tax planning by many New Jersey residents. However, because the New Jersey inheritance tax remains in place, clients must still consider the effect of the inheritance tax upon their estate plans.<\/p>\n
New Jersey is one of six states that have an inheritance tax, the others being Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. New Jersey\u2019s rates begin at 11% and rise to 16%. N.J.S.A<\/span>.<\/span> 54:34-2. The inheritance tax applies to gifts at death, or within 3 years of death, to beneficiaries who are separated into different classes based upon the relationship of the decedent to the beneficiary. N.J.S.A.<\/span> 54:34-1 and 54:34-2. Class A beneficiaries (spouses, civil union partners, direct descendants, direct ancestors, and stepchildren) are exempt from the tax. Class B was eliminated as a category in 1963. Class C beneficiaries (siblings, sons- and daughters-in-law, and civil union partners of children) receive a $25,000 exemption and are taxed at rates ranging from 11% to 16%. Class D beneficiaries (everyone else) are taxed at 15% on bequests up to $700,000, with a rate of 16% for amounts above $700,000. Qualified charities are Class E beneficiaries and gifts to them are exempt from application of the tax.<\/p>\n There is no exemption from the New Jersey inheritance tax based upon the size of one\u2019s estate. Even transfers from a very modest estate will incur the tax if the recipients are in a taxable category. The inheritance tax is assessed against the recipients unless the will directs otherwise. Executors are charged with deducting the tax from the bequests before distributing to the beneficiaries. N.J.S.A.<\/span> 54:35-6.<\/p>\n