Do I Owe Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax If I Live Out of State?

Your own address doesn't matter here — and unlike Maryland, being a close relative doesn't get you out of it either.

72 P.S. §9101 et seq.

Quick answer: yes, potentially — where you live is irrelevant. What matters is where the decedent lived (or owned property) and how you're related to them. Check your own numbers with the Pennsylvania inheritance tax calculator.

It follows the decedent, never the heir

Pennsylvania inheritance tax is triggered by the decedent's residency and property, not the beneficiary's. A child living in Florida inheriting from a Pennsylvania parent owes the same 4.5% as if that child lived in Pennsylvania — there's no exemption or discount for being an out-of-state recipient.

No relief for close relatives, wherever they live

Confirmed current: under 72 P.S. §9116, Pennsylvania taxes what you inherit at 0% for a surviving spouse and for transfers between a parent and a child age 21 or younger, 4.5% for other lineal heirs, 12% for siblings, and 15% for everyone else — and none of these rates change based on where the beneficiary lives. Unlike Maryland, where children and siblings are fully exempt, Pennsylvania taxes both regardless of where any of them happen to live.

Nonresident decedents can still trigger this tax

Real estate and tangible personal property physically located in Pennsylvania is generally subject to Pennsylvania inheritance tax even when the person who died lived in another state — a Pennsylvania vacation home or rental property owned by an out-of-state decedent can still bring PA inheritance tax into the picture for whoever inherits it.

Your own state's rules don't create a second tax

Only five states have an inheritance tax, and each one bases the tax on the decedent's residency and property, not the recipient's. Living in a state with no inheritance tax of its own — or in one of the other four inheritance-tax states — doesn't add a second layer of tax on top of what Pennsylvania already charges.

Facing probate in Pennsylvania?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Pennsylvania attorney

See Rates & Who Pays for the full relationship-based breakdown that applies regardless of where any beneficiary lives.

Living out of state — frequently asked questions

I live in another state - do I still owe Pennsylvania inheritance tax?

Yes, potentially. If the person who died was a Pennsylvania resident, or a nonresident who owned Pennsylvania real estate or tangible property, your inheritance tax rate depends on your relationship to them, not on where you personally live.

Does living out of state at least get an out-of-state heir a lower rate?

No. Pennsylvania's 0%, 4.5%, 12%, and 15% rates depend entirely on the beneficiary's relationship to the decedent. An out-of-state child still pays 4.5%, and an out-of-state sibling still pays 12%, exactly as they would if they lived in Pennsylvania.

Does the state where I live tax the same inheritance again?

Generally no — only five states have an inheritance tax, and each one taxes based on the decedent's residency and property, not the recipient's. Living in a state with no inheritance tax of its own doesn't create a second layer of tax on a Pennsylvania inheritance.

Does a nonresident decedent's Pennsylvania property still trigger this tax?

Yes — real estate and tangible personal property physically located in Pennsylvania is generally subject to Pennsylvania inheritance tax even when the decedent lived in another state at death.

Can Pennsylvania inheritance tax apply to a beneficiary who lives in another state?

Yes, potentially — where you live is irrelevant. What matters is where the decedent lived (or owned property) and how you're related to them.

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal or tax advice. Based on 72 P.S. Article XXI. Confirm current figures with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or a licensed attorney before acting.