OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate on Monday approved a bill to restore the state’s estate tax rate structure to a 10% to 20% range.
Senate Bill 6347, sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman (D-Kent), modifies the rate schedule for estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 2026. The bill restores the previous graduated structure following changes adopted last year.
Washington’s estate tax is paid by an estate at the time of death, not by beneficiaries. Revenue is deposited into the Education Legacy Trust Account, which supports common schools, expands access to higher education and funds other educational improvement efforts.
“Our tax code should be durable and easy to understand,” Kauffman said. “This legislation brings greater stability to the estate tax while preserving the investments Washington makes in education. It reflects a careful, balanced approach to revenue policy.”
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Follow its progress here.
