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Inheritance Tax

Financial Planning

A state-level tax paid by the person receiving an inheritance; Arizona does not impose an inheritance tax.

An inheritance tax is a state tax paid by the recipient of an inheritance. The rate often depends on how closely the heir was related to the deceased.

Arizona Has No Inheritance Tax

Arizona repealed its inheritance tax decades ago and does not impose a state estate tax. Most Arizona families pay no transfer tax at all when an estate is settled.

Federal Estate Tax Still Applies

The federal estate tax is paid by the estate, not the heir, and only applies to estates above the federal exemption (more than $13 million per person in 2026). It is separate from any state inheritance tax.

Out-of-State Inheritances

If an Arizona resident inherits property located in or from a person who lived in a state with an inheritance tax (such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, Maryland, or Nebraska), that state's tax may apply to the transfer. The tax is reported and paid in that state, not in Arizona.

Arizona Probate Claims

Even where no inheritance tax applies, the estate must still satisfy creditor claims under A.R.S. 14-3104 before distribution.

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