Helping Families with Legal Issues After the Death of a Loved One

When probate administration is necessary to settle a loved one’s estate in the Lehigh Valley, it does not have to be confusing or intimidating. Call Our Probate Attorneys today, 610-391-9500.

What is the PA Inheritance Tax?

While Pennsylvania does not impose an estate tax due after the death of an individual, PA is one of only seven states that imposes an inheritance tax upon individuals receiving assets from a decedent living in Pennsylvania or a non-resident decedent who owned real estate or tangible property in Pennsylvania.  The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax is assessed on almost all property owned by an individual at the time of death and has differing tax rates depending on the recipient’s relationship to the decedent.

The PA Inheritance Tax rates for 2020 are as follows:

• Assets to Legally Married Spouses and Charities = 0%
• Assets to Children, Grandchildren, and Direct Descendants = 4.5%
• Assets to Siblings = 12%
• Assets to Others (Includes Nieces/Nephews, Cousins, Friends, etc.) = 15%

Reduce tax and distribute assets as quickly as possible is what we strive to accomplish for our clients. 

At Snyder & Wiles, PC, we have a strong reputation for success in the Lehigh Valley that often results in referrals. Our attorneys can handle estates of any size and resolve all matters that arise during the probate process whether it be in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon or Berks Counties, with over 22 years experience:

• Avoiding probate through estate planning
• Savings on Inheritance Tax
• Estates without wills or other estate planning
• Inheritance disputes
• Estate and executor issues
• Inheritance tax planning

Our probate attorneys are skilled at minimizing death and inheritance tax liabilities, while ensuring the wishes of the deceased are followed. Using a thorough and proactive approach, we work quickly to minimize the taxes owed by an estate. We also do post-mortem estate planning to reduce death tax liability – all with the goal of maximizing the amount of money available in an estate to provide as much for the family as possible.

We have extensive experience handling the probate process, as well as assisting and representing many clients during probate litigation and will contests. Our probate lawyers can expedite the probate process by ensuring all documents are accurately and thoroughly prepared. In addition, if a will is challenged, we are prepared with experts and other elder care resources to defend the terms and execution of the will in question. Our goal is to transfer the assets of your loved one as quickly as possible.

In every area of law, it is important to have a strong personal connection between attorney and clients, and this connection is especially key when it comes to your family. When it comes time to take action, you need to be comfortable with the advice you receive is essential.  Contact Snyder & Wiles, PC for a consultation regarding your estate, wills, trusts and probate administration matters.  610-391-9500.