Blog & Resources

My Mother transferred her Chester County home to me two years ago and has recently died. I am going to sell the house soon, but do I have to pay Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax?

Not in your case. The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax of 4.5% applies to: transfers to children at death and includes all gifts made within one year of the date of death. If the house was transferred properly into your name 2 years ago, it will not be subject to the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax.

President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union Address was a throwback in some aspects. Specifically, Obama’s proposal included removing a veteran staple in the estate planning attorney’s playbook, the so-called “Angel of Death” tax loophole. Let’s take a look at exactly what the “Angel of Death” tax loophole is, and why you should care about it.

To avoid interest and penalties, the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax must be paid within 9 months of the date of death. As executor, you are responsible to make the payment. If you delay and interest or penalties are created, the beneficiaries may demand that you be held responsible.

Each Pennsylvania estate is subject to two potential estate related taxes; the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax and the Federal Estate Tax. When you mention a “limit”, you are speaking about the Federal Estate Tax, not the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax.