Are you concerned your estate may be subject to Washington’s estate tax? For individuals and families, planning ahead is essential to protect the legacy you’ve built. To schedule a confidential consultation with a Kennewick estate tax lawyer, call Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. at (509) 328-2150 today.
The financial uncertainty and stress of potential estate tax liability can be overwhelming, especially with Washington’s progressive rates reaching up to 35% for large estates. You don’t have to navigate these complex laws alone.
Our experienced Kennewick, Washington, team will help you understand your obligations, explore strategies to reduce or eliminate your estate tax burden, and ensure your plans align with state law.
Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. For Help With My Case?
When you’re facing Washington’s estate tax—one of the few state-level estate taxes in the country—it’s not just about what you leave behind. It’s about protecting the legacy you’ve worked hard to build. Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., can help you do exactly that.
Here’s why clients turn to our team for help with estate tax planning in Kennewick, WA:
- Over 25 years of combined experience in estate planning and tax law
- In-depth knowledge of Washington’s estate tax laws and exemption thresholds
- Personalized strategies for high-net-worth estates and business owners
- Advanced planning tools such as credit shelter trusts and lifetime gifting
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Kennewick estate planning attorney.
What is Estate Tax?
An estate tax is a tax that may be applied to the total value of someone’s property after they pass away and before anything is passed on to heirs. It’s based on the full value of the estate—including things like real estate, investments, and other assets—at the time of death.
You might hear it called a “death tax,” since it only comes into play when someone dies. But it’s not the same as an inheritance tax, which is charged to the people who receive the assets, or a gift tax, which applies to large transfers made while someone is still living.
In places like Washington, estate taxes can affect families more than they expect, which is why it’s smart to plan ahead with the right legal and financial guidance.
The Exemption to Estate Tax in Washington
In Washington State, not every estate is subject to estate tax. As of 2025, the exemption amount is roughly $3 million. This means that if your total estate is worth less than that amount, it won’t be taxed by the state.
If your estate is valued above $3 million, only the portion that exceeds that threshold is subject to Washington’s estate tax. For example, if your estate is worth $3.5 million, the first $3 million is exempt, and only the remaining $500,000 would be taxed under the state’s progressive estate tax system.
The Rate of Estate Tax in Washington
Washington applies a progressive estate tax, meaning the rate increases as the value of the taxable estate rises. As of July 1, 2025, the first $3 million of an estate is exempt. Anything above that is taxed using a bracketed system, with each range of value assigned a marginal rate.
The tax is calculated by applying that marginal rate to the portion of the estate that exceeds the lower limit of the bracket, then adding a fixed base tax amount associated with that bracket. For example, if an estate is valued at $7.5 million, the first $3 million is exempt, leaving $4.5 million as the taxable estate.
The first $4 million of that amount would generate a base tax of $550,000. The remaining $500,000 (i.e., $4.5 – $4M) is taxed at the applicable 18% marginal rate, resulting in an additional $90,000. Combined with the base tax, the total estate tax owed would be $640,000.
Our Kennewick Estate Tax Lawyer Can Help
Estate taxes in Kennewick, Washington, can amount to very high values, but there are ways you can minimize the amount of tax an estate will have to pay. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., a Kennewick estate tax lawyer can advise you of these and help you determine which option is right for you.
Call us now or fill out our online form to book an appointment with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can assist with your case.