Give now or leave later?
Compare giving money to your family today versus leaving it in your estate. See how compound growth and estate taxes change the outcome.
Your scenario
$19,000
Give $19,000 now
Recipient invests it for 20 years
$73,524
available to your family
Leave $19,000 in estate
Grows for 20 years, then estate tax applies
$44,114
after 40% estate tax
Your family could have
$29,410 more
by giving now instead of leaving it in the estate
2026 gift tax rules
This gift is within the annual exclusion — no gift tax return required.
Assumptions: This calculator assumes the estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold and is subject to the 40% estate tax rate. Most estates are below the $15,000,000 exemption and owe no federal estate tax. The comparison is most relevant for larger estates or for understanding the time-value advantage of giving sooner. State estate/inheritance taxes are not included.
Track your giving alongside your estate plan.
Heirloom tracks what you’ve given, to whom, and how it fits with your overall plan. See the full picture in one place.
Start Your Free Trial10-day free trial
Try another tool.
Free calculators and checklists — no signup required.
What Happens to Your Estate?
Enter your state and family structure to see how your estate would be distributed without a will.
Your Estate Plan Scorecard
Answer 8 quick questions to see how prepared your family really is.
Related reading.
Guides to help you plan your giving strategy.
