What is the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax? When must it be paid?

Pennsylvania is one of seventeen states that has a death tax, which is known as the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax.  An inheritance tax is imposed on the beneficiaries of an estate for the right to inherit property; however, a will often provides that the estate should pick up this tab as well. In Pennsylvania, the inheritance tax rate depends on the value of a decedent’s assets and the beneficiary’s relationship to the decedent. Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax is assessed on almost all assets owned by the decedent alone or with others. Payment is due nine months after a decedent’s date of death, after which the tax due accrues interest and penalties.