What Is a Qualified Disclaimer?
Unlike some countries, US law doesn't put your personal assets at risk when you inherit — you're never on the hook for more debt than the estate itself is worth. The real planning tool here is the Qualified Disclaimer under IRC §2518: within nine months of the death, you can formally refuse an inheritance so it passes to the next beneficiary as if you'd predeceased them.
Why Would You Ever Refuse Money?
Disclaiming makes sense when accepting it would push your own estate close to the federal estate tax exemption, when you don't need the funds and want them to skip a generation, or as part of broader family tax planning. This calculator compares your estate against the exemption and flags when a disclaimer is worth discussing with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — heirs are never liable beyond the estate's own value, so there's no need to disclaim just to avoid debt.
A formal refusal of an inheritance within nine months under IRC §2518, passing it to the next beneficiary as a tax planning move.
When accepting would push your estate near the exemption, or you want the assets to skip a generation.
※ Estimate only. Estate and gift tax rules are complex — consult an estate attorney before disclaiming an inheritance.