New Jersey Estate & Inheritance Tax 2025
New Jersey levies a state inheritance tax for 2025, paid by the beneficiary on what they inherit, at rates up to 16%. The rate depends on the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased — close relatives are typically exempt or taxed at low rates, distant heirs and unrelated beneficiaries at higher rates.
The reference below sets out the New Jersey inheritance-tax rates by beneficiary class and who is exempt. Because the rate depends on the heir, it explains the rules rather than guessing one number.
Important: New Jersey levies an inheritance tax up to a top rate of 16% depending on the beneficiary’s relationship; immediate family (Class A) is exempt. Its estate tax was repealed in 2018. This covers state-level death taxes only — it excludes the federal estate tax (exemption $13,990,000 per person for 2025) and gift tax. Estate tax is paid by the estate; inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiary. Verify current figures with the New Jersey Division of Taxation. This is not tax or legal advice.