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Estate planning in Seattle, WA
Washington state estate tax kicks in at $2.193M — much lower than federal, exposing many tech families.
Why this matters in Seattle
The local angle
Washington is one of about 12 states with its own estate tax, and its $2.193M exemption (2024) is among the lowest. Seattle's tech workforce often crosses that threshold via vested RSUs, which means more families face state estate tax than federal. Tax rates range from 10% to 20%.
Local nuance
Washington is also a community property state — assets acquired during marriage are presumed jointly owned, regardless of titling. The community property step-up at death (full step-up on both halves, not just the decedent's) is a unique tax benefit unavailable in common-law states.
Top concerns for Seattle families
- Washington state estate tax ($2.193M threshold)
- Full community-property double step-up at death
- RSU vesting at death (tech-heavy estates)
- Multi-state moves with Oregon residency questions
Washington state law
At a glance
Seattle estate work is governed by Washington state law. Here's what every family should know.
$3,000–$5,000 typical
Affidavit RCW §11.62
No inheritance tax
Spousal rights
Community property state — spouse owns 50% of community
Common pitfalls
- WA estate tax threshold lower than federal
- Community-property double-step-up at first spouse's death is major tax benefit
- Seattle/Bellevue real estate often pushes estates over threshold
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Also serving
Cities we cover
New York, NY
5 boroughs, 62 counties, one Surrogate's Court system — and family estate work that often crosses jurisdictions.
Los Angeles, CA
California Probate Court is statutory-fee — and inherited Prop-13-protected homes are the family-fight epicenter.
Chicago, IL
Illinois has a $4M state estate tax exemption — the lowest of any state — meaning more Chicago families face state estate tax.
Houston, TX
Independent administration makes Texas probate fast and cheap — but community property rules trip up blended families.