January 2010
Washington State Residents
Practice Group(s):
For Washington residents and for non-residents owning property in Washington, the
Washington estate tax remains in effect. There is a $2 million exemption from this tax, but a deceased
person’s assets in excess of this exemption will be taxed at graduated rates ranging from 10%-19%.
The tax does not apply to charitable bequests or certain bequests to surviving spouses. Bequests of
Washington farm and timber property may be altogether exempt from the tax. Lifetime gifts are also
exempt from the Washington tax. Thus, despite the one-year repeal of the federal estate tax, in some
cases planning may still be important to address the Washington tax.
Private Clients,
Trusts & Estates