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Washington Estate Tax Calculator

Washington runs its own estate tax, entirely separate from the federal one — a $3,000,000 exemption and graduated rates from 10% to 20%, after the legislature reversed a brief jump to 35% within the same year. No inheritance tax exists alongside it.

Based on RCW 83.100.020, RCW 83.100.040 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Your Washington estate

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Estimated Washington estate tax
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A rate hike, reversed within a year

Confirmed current: for estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 2026, the estate tax rates are adjusted back down to the pre-2025 graduated schedule (10% to 20%), undoing the temporary jump to a 35% top rate that applied to deaths between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 — briefly the highest state estate tax rate in the country.

The exemption is frozen, not just fixed

Washington's exemption is supposed to rise every year with inflation, but the statute ties that adjustment to a consumer price index series the federal government stopped publishing. The Department of Revenue states it plainly: the $3,000,000 figure for deaths on or after July 1, 2026 is not set to increase going forward unless that data series resumes. A frozen exemption is a planning deadline that never announces itself.

No inheritance tax alongside it

Washington charges only the estate tax — a person who inherits property or money here owes nothing separately on that inheritance. See our Inheritance Tax Calculator for the five states that work the opposite way.

Washington estate tax — frequently asked questions

What is Washington's estate tax exemption in 2026?

$3,000,000 for deaths on or after July 1, 2026. For deaths between January 1 and June 30, 2026, the exemption was $3,076,000, adjusted for inflation under the old formula.

What are Washington's estate tax rates?

Graduated from 10% to 20% on the amount above the exemption, for deaths on or after July 1, 2026, under RCW 83.100.040. This restores the pre-2025 schedule after a temporary increase to a 35% top rate applied to deaths from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Does Washington have an inheritance tax too?

No. Washington has no inheritance tax — a person who inherits property or money in Washington owes nothing to the state on that inheritance. Only the estate itself is taxed, under the estate tax.

Is Washington's estate tax exemption portable between spouses?

No. Washington does not offer portability — a surviving spouse gets only their own exclusion amount, not their late spouse's unused exclusion added to it.

Washington estate tax tools & guides

Washington Estate Tax: Threshold & RatesThe full bracket table, explained Washington vs Federal Estate TaxWhy $15M federal safety doesn't mean $0 state tax Washington Estate Tax PortabilityWhy there isn't any, and what to do instead Washington Probate Cost CalculatorThe full cost picture, including this tax Washington Executor Fee CalculatorWhat the executor gets paid

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Figures are based on RCW 83.100.020, RCW 83.100.040. Actual tax depends on the estate's full facts, including deductions. Confirm current figures with the Washington Department of Revenue or a licensed attorney before acting.