Generally speaking, inheritance is not subject to tax in California. If you are a beneficiary, you will not have to pay tax on your inheritance. There are a few exceptions, such as the Federal estate tax. However, an estate must exceed $11.58 million dollars per person in 2020 to be subject to estate tax
Death may be certain, but estate taxes are not. At least not at the end of 2012 when the current Estate Tax exclusion of $5.12 million is set to expire and be automatically reset to $1 million. With proper planning, married couples can combine their exclusions for a total amount in 2012 of $10.24 million.