Family Legacy Services

Federal estate tax rules for spouses

In 2019, the exemption amount is $11.4 million, adjusted for inflation annually.

We're here to help. Talk with your Vanguard team.

Call 800-860-8392

Points to know

The unlimited marital deduction allows one spouse to transfer any amount of assets to the surviving spouse free of federal estate tax if the surviving spouse is a U.S. citizen.
As of 2019, U.S. citizens are entitled to transfer $11.4 million, known as the exemption amount, free of federal estate and gift taxes. Spouses can transfer any unused portion of their exemption amount to their surviving spouse.

The relationship between marriage and taxes

Federal tax laws are less intrusive when assets pass from one spouse to the other.

Unlimited marital deduction

The unlimited marital deduction allows you to transfer any amount of assets to your surviving spouse free of federal estate tax if your spouse is a U.S. citizen.

If your spouse isn't a U.S. citizen, you can take advantage of the marital deduction by creating a qualified domestic trust.

Portability

Portability is the ability to transfer the unused portion of your exemption amount to your surviving spouse. This transferred amount is known as the "deceased spousal unused exclusion amount" (DSUEA), and it's added to your spouse's exemption amount.

To make the transfer, your executor must elect this option on your federal estate tax return.