For 2019, the Federal Estate Tax Exemption is set at $11,400,000 for individuals and $22,800,00 for married couples. These amounts are scheduled to increase each year with inflation until 2025. On January 1, 2026, the exemption amounts are scheduled to revert to the 2017 levels of $5,490,000 for individuals and $10,980,000 for married couples.

This exemption allows an individual or married couple upon their death to pass an estate valued under the above amounts to their descendants completely federal tax free. E.g., as long as your total estate is under that threshold, there will be no estate or death taxes imposed - - the inheritance will be tax free. The State of Missouri uses the above federal exemption limits, so neither will there be an estate/death tax imposed on a state level if you’re under those limits. Nevertheless, if you relocate to another state, different states may impose their own Estate/Death tax that may be different than Missouri. Please note that the U.S. Congress and State Legislatures can change these exemptions as they deem fit, so please keep apprised on this issue as it could affect your estate plan.