NJ Inheritance Tax

Currently, the law imposes a graduated Transfer Inheritance Tax ranging from 11% to 16% on the transfer of real and personal property with a value of $500.00 or more to certain beneficiaries.

The Transfer Inheritance Tax recognizes five beneficiary classes, as follows: Class A - Father, mother, grandparents, spouse, child or children of the decedent, adopted child or children of the decedent, issue of any child or legally adopted child of the decedent and step-child of the decedent. Class B - Eliminated by statute effective July 1, 1963. Class C - Brother or sister of the decedent, including half brother and half sister, wife or widow of a son of the decedent, or husband or widower of a daughter of the decedent. Class D - Every other transferee, distributee or beneficiary who is not included in Classes A, C or E.

Class E - The State of New Jersey or any political subdivision thereof, or any educational institution, church, hospital, orphan asylum, public library or Bible and tract society or to, for the use of or in trust for religious, charitable, benevolent, scientific, literary or educational purposes, including any institution instructing the blind in the use of dogs as guides, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private stockholder or other individual or corporation; provided, that the exemption does not extend to transfers of property to such educational institutions and organizations of other states, the District of Columbia, territories and foreign countries which do not grant an equal, and like exemption on transfers of property for the benefit of such institutions and organizations of this State.

Rate The Transfer Inheritance Tax rates depend on the amount received and the relationship between the decedent and the beneficiary. No tax is imposed on class A beneficiaries (father, mother, grandparents, descendants, spouses, civil union partners, or domestic partners). Class C beneficiaries (brother or sister of decedent; husband, wife, or widow(er) of a child of decedent; civil union partner or surviving civil union partner of a child of decedent) are taxed at 11%–16%, with the first $25,000 exempt. Class D beneficiaries (not otherwise classified) are taxed at 15%–16%, with no tax on transfers having an aggregate value of less than $500. Charitable institutions are exempt from tax
http://www.njlaws.com/inheritance_tax.html