Washington Estate Tax
Figures verified October 17, 2026 against Washington Department of Revenue · Update log
- State estate tax: Yes, $3,000,000 exemption
- Inheritance tax: No
- Federal: only above $15 million
Short answer
Yes, Washington has an estate tax. For deaths in 2026, estates worth more than $3,000,000 owe Washington tax at 10% to 20%. The executor files the return and pays from the estate, due 9 months after the date of death. Washington has no inheritance tax, so heirs owe nothing on what they receive.
What to do, and by when
| Who files | Which form | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| The executor, if the estate is over $3,000,000 | Washington Washington estate tax return | 9 months after the date of death |
| The executor, only if the estate is over $15 million or to keep the unused exemption for a surviving spouse | Federal Form 706 | 9 months after the date of death (an automatic 6-month extension to file is available on Form 4768) |
| The executor | Final Form 1040 for the person who died | April 15 of the year after death |
Quick estimate
Does this estate owe Washington estate tax?
Enter the estate's value after debts, funeral and administration costs, and anything left to a spouse or charity. For deaths in 2026, the Washington exemption is $3,000,000.
Quick facts: Washington (2026)
| Estate Tax | Yes |
|---|---|
| Inheritance Tax | No |
| Estate Tax Exemption | $3,000,000 |
| Estate Tax Rates | 10% to 20% |
| Estate Tax Return | Washington estate tax return, due 9 months after the date of death |
| Federal Exemption (2026) | $15 million |
| Tax Authority | Washington Department of Revenue |
| Verified | 2026-10-17 |
Washington estate tax
Washington is one of 13 jurisdictions with its own estate tax. For deaths in 2026, it applies to estates worth more than $3,000,000, at rates of 10% to 20%. The tax is paid by the estate, not by the heirs.
The estate generally includes everything the person owned at death: the home, bank and brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and life insurance they owned. Debts, funeral and administration costs, and gifts to a spouse or charity reduce the taxable amount. Nonresidents who owned real estate in Washington can also owe Washington tax on that property.
Because the Washington threshold is well below the federal $15 million, many estates owe Washington tax while owing no federal estate tax at all.
What's specific to Washington
- Figures shown are for deaths on or after July 1, 2026 (ESB 6347, signed March 2026).
- For deaths from January 1 to June 30, 2026, the exemption was $3,076,000 with rates from 10% to 35%.
- The Department of Revenue lists $3,000,000 for 2027 and later.
What executors file, and when
- Washington estate tax return (Washington estate tax return): due 9 months after the date of death, if the estate is over $3,000,000. File with the Washington Department of Revenue.
- Federal Form 706: only if the estate is over $15 million, or to elect portability for a surviving spouse. Due 9 months after the date of death (an automatic 6-month extension to file is available on Form 4768).
- Final Form 1040 for the person who died: due April 15 of the following year.
- Form 1041 (estate income tax): if the estate has $600 or more of income.
Optional: get help filing
Get a flat-fee quote to file the Washington estate tax return
Tell us a little about the estate and a CPA or Enrolled Agent who prepares Washington estate tax returns will reply with a fixed price. Free, and no obligation.
Federal estate tax
For deaths in 2026, the federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person, at rates up to 40%. The exemption was set by the July 4, 2025 tax law (Public Law 119-21, often called the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"; the IRS now calls it the Working Families Tax Cuts law), is permanent, and is indexed for inflation starting in 2027. A surviving spouse can add the unused exemption of the first spouse to die (portability) by filing Form 706. See the federal estate tax guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay inheritance tax in Washington?
No. Washington has no inheritance tax, so heirs do not pay state tax on what they receive from a Washington resident. If the person who died lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, Maryland or Nebraska, or owned real estate there, that state's inheritance tax can apply even if you live in Washington.
Does Washington have an estate tax in 2026?
Yes. Washington taxes estates over $3,000,000 for deaths in 2026, at rates of 10% to 20%. The executor files the return and pays the tax from the estate before assets are distributed.
Who must file a Washington estate tax return, and when is it due?
The executor files if the estate exceeds the Washington filing threshold ($3,000,000 for 2026 deaths). It is due 9 months after the date of death on Form Washington estate tax return. Nonresidents who owned real estate or tangible property in Washington may also have to file.
Can an estate owe Washington estate tax but no federal estate tax?
Yes, and that is common. Washington's threshold ($3,000,000) is far below the federal exemption of $15 million, so many estates owe state tax while owing nothing federally.
Is an inheritance taxable income?
No. Money or property you inherit is not federal taxable income. But withdrawals from an inherited traditional IRA or 401(k) are taxed as income, and if you sell inherited property you may owe capital gains tax on any increase in value after the date of death.
What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2026?
$15,000,000 per person for deaths in 2026, set by Public Law 119-21 (2025). It is permanent and indexed for inflation from 2027. A surviving spouse can add the unused exemption of the first spouse to die (portability) by filing Form 706.
Why does community property matter when someone dies in Washington?
Washington is a community property state. When a married person dies, both halves of community property, not just the deceased spouse's half, generally get a new cost basis equal to the value at death. That can wipe out capital gains tax if the surviving spouse sells the house or investments.
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.