Inheritance Tax Calculator
Calculate Korean inheritance tax instantly using the latest 2026 tax rates and deduction rules.
Enter the total value of the inherited estate in Korean won.
Spouse deduction: min ₩500M ~ max ₩3B. Enter 0 if no spouse deduction applies.
Enter the number of children among the heirs.
Children under age 19. Cannot exceed the total number of children.
Number of dependent parents aged 65 or older among the heirs.
Number of disabled persons among the heirs.
Tax Due
No tax due
- Taxable Amount
- 0KRW
- Tax Rate
- 0%
- Progressive Deduction
- 0KRW
- Voluntary Filing Deduction
- 0KRW
- Effective Rate
- 0.00%
- Lump-sum deduction of ₩500M applied
- Estate is within the deduction limit — no tax due.
What is Korean Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance tax (Sangsogse) is the tax paid when heirs receive property from the deceased. Korea's inheritance tax follows the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act with progressive rates from 10% to 50%, but a wide range of deductions can substantially reduce the actual tax owed. As of 2026, the major deductions include the lump-sum deduction of KRW 500M (applied automatically when personal deductions add up to less than KRW 500M), the spousal inheritance deduction (the actual amount inherited up to the statutory share, minimum KRW 500M and maximum KRW 3B), other personal deductions (basic KRW 200M, plus deductions for children, minors, the elderly, and persons with disabilities), the financial asset inheritance deduction (up to KRW 200M), and the cohabiting home deduction. As a result, estates of KRW 500M or less generally owe no inheritance tax. The filing and payment deadline is within 6 months from the end of the month of death (9 months if the deceased or all heirs are non-residents). Voluntary filing grants a 3% credit on the assessed tax. The five-bracket rate schedule mirrors gift tax (10% up to KRW 100M to 50% above KRW 3B). This calculator simulates a straightforward case. Special situations such as deemed inherited property (pre-death dispositions or gifts), installment payments, in-kind payment, or the family business succession deduction are not reflected. Always consult a tax accountant or the National Tax Service before filing.
When is this calculator useful?
Preliminary estate review
Estimate the future inheritance tax burden by reviewing the assets of elderly parents in advance. Useful as a starting point for early gifting strategies.
Spousal vs. children allocation
Compare the tax outcome of giving more to the spouse versus dividing among children. Because the spousal deduction can reach KRW 3B, the actual tax burden varies significantly.
Estate division discussions
When heirs negotiate the division, who receives how much directly affects the tax. Use this calculator to compare scenarios side by side.
Post-death filing preparation
After an inheritance actually occurs, use this calculator to roughly estimate the tax within the 6-month filing deadline. The actual filing must still be done with a tax accountant.
Inheritance Tax Deduction Limits (2026)
| Deduction Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lump-sum deduction | 500,000,000 KRW |
| Basic deduction | 200,000,000 KRW |
| Per child | 50,000,000 KRW |
| Per minor child (avg. basis) | 100,000,000 KRW |
| Per elderly parent (65+) | 50,000,000 KRW |
| Per disabled heir (avg. basis) | 300,000,000 KRW |
| Spouse (min ~ max) | 500,000,000 KRW ~ 3,000,000,000 KRW |
| Voluntary filing (3% of calculated tax) | 3% |
How to read the result
The result consists of the following items. • Inherited property value: the sum of real estate, financial assets, and other assets. • Public charges, debts, and funeral expenses: subtracted from the property value (funeral expenses are capped at KRW 10M). • Total inheritance deductions: the greater of the lump-sum (KRW 500M) and the spousal deduction, plus other deductions. • Taxable base: property value minus debts and deductions. • Assessed tax: the taxable base multiplied by the progressive rate schedule. • Voluntary filing credit: 3% of the assessed tax. • Final tax: the amount actually payable. Inheritance tax is a national tax and no local income tax is added. However, when inherited real estate is later sold, the acquisition price is recognized at the inheritance-date valuation, affecting future capital gains tax.
Things to keep in mind
- Property gifted to heirs within 10 years of death, and to non-heirs within 5 years of death, is added back to the estate (added gift property).
- Even if the spouse does not actually inherit, a minimum spousal deduction of KRW 500M applies. If the actual share is larger, the deduction can reach up to KRW 3B within the statutory share.
- If the tax exceeds KRW 10M, installment payment (up to 10 years) can be requested; if it exceeds KRW 20M, in-kind payment (real estate or securities) is available.
- The family business succession deduction (up to KRW 60B for qualifying enterprises) has separate eligibility requirements and is not reflected here.
- Lifetime gifting alone may provide only short-term tax reduction because gifts within 10 years of death are added back. Adequate long-term planning is necessary.
- This calculator is for general estimation only. Filings should be done with a tax accountant — missed or under-reported filings carry significant penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which applies — lump-sum or personal deductions?
- Whichever is larger between the lump-sum deduction (₩500M) and the sum of personal deductions (₩200M basic + per child/minor/elderly/disabled) is automatically applied. Generally, more heirs means personal deductions are more favorable.
- How is the spouse deduction calculated?
- The spouse deduction is based on the actual amount the spouse inherits, with a minimum of ₩500M and a maximum of ₩3B. Enter the applicable amount directly in the calculator.
- What is the voluntary filing deduction?
- Filing your inheritance tax return within 6 months of the date of inheritance qualifies you for a 3% reduction on the calculated tax. Missing this deadline removes the deduction.
- Can I use this result for tax filing?
- This calculator is for reference only. Please consult a certified tax accountant or the Korean National Tax Service before filing. Actual tax amounts may vary based on your individual circumstances.
- Is there really no tax if the estate is KRW 500M or less?
- The lump-sum deduction of KRW 500M is applied automatically, so after subtracting debts and funeral expenses, an estate of KRW 500M or less generally owes zero tax. Filing obligations may still apply — check with the National Tax Service.
- Does it help to have the spouse decline the inheritance?
- It can actually increase the tax. The spousal deduction guarantees a minimum of KRW 500M and grows with the actual share. If the spouse takes less, children may face higher progressive rates.
- Does early gifting help reduce inheritance tax?
- Gifts within 10 years of death to heirs are added back to the estate, so the short-term effect is limited. With sufficient lead time (more than 10 years), gifting can be effective.
- How do I file inheritance tax?
- File within 6 months from the end of the month of death (9 months for non-residents) at the tax office where the deceased had legal address. Asset valuation and deductions are complex — engaging a tax accountant is recommended.
Official Sources
Always verify with the official sources below