If you’ve recently inherited money from a deceased relative, you may be confused about inheritance tax law and how it will affect your taxes this year. Inheritance tax law is somewhat complicated, particularly because of the phase out period that these taxes are going through right now. But, here are some basics to get you started if you’re trying to determine if you’ll owe inheritance tax this year.

You don’t pay inheritance tax if you’re the spouse of the deceased If your husband or wife dies, according to inheritance tax law, you’re generally not subject to inheritance taxes on the money you receive as part of your spouses estate.

You don’t pay inheritance tax on life insurance Generally, life insurance proceeds you receive are not subject to inheritance tax and are also not considered reportable income. However, any interest you receive on a life insurance policy is income that you must report.

You don’t pay inheritance tax on estates worth less than $2,000,000. This inheritance tax law is currently subject to the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001. So, if a relative dies in 2006, 2007 or 2008, you are not subject to inheritance tax if their taxable estate is worth less than $2,000,000. In 2009, this amount will increase to $3,500,000 and in 2010, the estate tax will be repealed altogether. However, unless Congress acts, beginning in 2011, the estate tax will return, and you will be exempt from inheritance tax only up to $1,000,000.

You Cant Avoid Inheritance Tax by Acquiring the Money Just Before a Person Dies If your relative turns over their fortune to you just before their death, what you receive may still fall under the inheritance tax law requirements, under the gift tax law. Each year, a person can give away up to $12,000 per person without any gift tax being incurred. A couple can give away double this amount. However, there is a lifetime limit to one person of $1,000,000 before inheritance tax law kicks in. There are many other caveats to how the gift tax works, so its wise to consult your tax advisor before making or receiving cash gifts.

If you’ve received an inheritance this year, get with your tax advisor sooner rather than later to determine the exact tax implications for you. In general, if the adjusted estate is worth less than $2,000,000, you are not subject to inheritance tax law says you don’t have to pay. However, its always wise to have an expert look at your particular situation before its time to file those year end taxes.