Pennsylvania Estate & Inheritance Tax 2025
Pennsylvania levies a state inheritance tax for 2025, paid by the beneficiary on what they inherit, at rates up to 15%. The rate depends on the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased — close relatives are typically exempt or taxed at low rates, distant heirs and unrelated beneficiaries at higher rates.
The reference below sets out the Pennsylvania inheritance-tax rates by beneficiary class and who is exempt. Because the rate depends on the heir, it explains the rules rather than guessing one number.
Important: Pennsylvania levies an inheritance tax of 0% (spouses), 4.5% (children/lineal heirs), 12% (siblings), or 15% (others) on what each beneficiary receives. This covers state-level death taxes only — it excludes the federal estate tax (exemption $13,990,000 per person for 2025) and gift tax. Estate tax is paid by the estate; inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiary. Verify current figures with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. This is not tax or legal advice.