In 2007 and 2008, an individual can leave $2 million to heirs free of estate tax. A couple can leave $4 million. In 2009, this exemption amount rises to $3.5 million per person or $7 million per couple. Amounts over the exemption will be taxed at a maximum estate tax rate of 45 percent through 2009. This estate tax is paid from the deceased's assets before they are passed to

In 2010, the estate tax is scheduled to disappear entirely.

Starting in 2011, the estate tax is scheduled to return to 2002-03 levels, with an exemption amount of $1 million per person and a maximum estate tax rate of 55 percent.

Congress is likely to change these estate tax laws by the end of the decade, but how is anyone's guess.

To see if your estate would be taxable, see http://www.smartmoney.com/tax/homefamily/index.cfm?story=estatetax.