You may have to pay an inheritance tax if you received money or property from someone who passed away — but it’s only required in a handful of states. Here’s what you need to know about the tax, including when you’ll pay it and how much you might owe. What is an inheritance tax? An inheritance tax is a state tax paid by a person who inherits money. As of 2025, if the person who left the money lived in Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, the beneficiary — the person receiving th ...