The Estate Tax is a tax imposed on the transfer of a deceased person's assets to their heirs. It is calculated based on the total value of the estate, which includes property, investments, and other assets. In the United States, only estates exceeding a certain value are subject to this tax, and the rate can vary depending on the total value of the estate. When someone passes away, their estate must be evaluated to determine if it meets the threshold for the Estate Tax. If it does, the tax must be paid before the assets can be distributed to the beneficiaries. This process is often managed through probate, where the estate is legally settled.