How much money can a married couple pass tax-free under the 2026 estate tax rules?

Each spouse has their own federal estate and gift tax exemption, so a married couple can combine them. The exemption amount is set by law and adjusted for inflation, and the IRS publishes the figure each year at irs.gov. Watch 2026 closely: the temporarily doubled exemption from the 2017 tax law was scheduled to fall sharply after 2025, though later legislation has affected the exact number, so confirm the current amount before planning.

Couples can also use portability, which lets a surviving spouse claim the deceased spouse's unused exemption by filing an estate tax return (Form 706), even when no tax is due. Most families fall well under the threshold, but if your combined net worth approaches it, meet with an estate attorney, since the rules and amounts shift.