How inheritance tax works in Taiwan
Taiwan levies estate tax at 10% to TWD 56.21 million, 15% to TWD 112.42 million and 20% above, after a TWD 13.33 million exemption per decedent. Key deductions cover spouses, descendants, parents and funerals.
Gift tax runs 10% to TWD 28.11 million, 15% to TWD 56.21 million and 20% above, after a TWD 2.44 million yearly exemption per donor. Spousal gifts are fully exempt and wedding gifts to children get TWD 1 million sheltered.
Gifts must be filed within 30 days once the yearly exemption is exceeded. Rates, bands and exemptions all carry CPI uplifts from the statute base.
Tax rates at a glance
- Estate entry rate
- 10%To TWD 56.21M
- Estate top rate
- 20%
- Gift entry rate
- 10%
- Gift top rate
- 20%
- Spouse deduction
- TWD 5.53M
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
FamiliesInvestorsHigh earnersExpatsFamily offices
Watch out for
- Gift filing runs on 30-day clocks. Exceeding TWD 2.44 million without timely filing triggers penalties on top of the tax.
- Exemptions look generous until Taipei property enters. One apartment can consume the estate exemption alone, pushing everything else into 15% or 20%.
- Spousal exemption covers gifts but estates use deductions. Do not confuse unlimited lifetime spousal gifts with the estate's TWD 5.53 million spouse line.
- Heirs inherit cost basis for later sales. A tax-paid estate can still generate property-gains tax when heirs sell.
Frequently asked questions
Does Taiwan have inheritance tax?
Yes. Estates pay 10% to 20% above a TWD 13.33 million exemption, and gifts pay 10% to 20% above TWD 2.44 million yearly.
Are spousal gifts taxed in Taiwan?
No. Gifts between spouses are fully exempt, and parents get TWD 1 million sheltered for wedding gifts to children.
When must gifts be filed?
Within 30 days once the donor's yearly gifts exceed TWD 2.44 million.