The death tax for people who die in 2011 is:
0% for any gifts under $13,000. (26k for couples)
If the total of all gifts over 13k in 2011 is more than $5 million, then the estate must pay 35% on all gifts which are over 13k.
In 2013, the threshold will go down to 1 million, and the rate will go up to 50%.
In 2010, there was no death tax.