How is estate tax defined?

The definition of estate tax as a tax on the transfer of a deceased person's estate captures the essence of what this form of taxation entails. Estate tax is imposed on the total value of the estate of a deceased person before the assets are distributed to the heirs or beneficiaries. This form of tax is calculated based on the fair market value of all assets at the time of death, which can include real estate, stocks, and personal belongings.

The primary purpose of this tax is to tax the transfer of wealth upon death, reflecting an estate's total value rather than taxing individual assets separately or during the lifetime of the decedent. This mechanism helps ensure that a portion of a significant estate is allocated to the tax authorities before those assets are passed on to beneficiaries, thereby providing revenue for government services.

Contextually, the other options focus on different aspects of taxation. For instance, taxes on property transfers during a financial transaction or annual income relate to various income and capital gains taxes rather than specifically addressing the transfer of wealth upon death. Additionally, a tax implying ownership of property does not accurately represent the nature of estate tax, which is specifically concerned with the taxation of a deceased individual's estate.