WA HB2019

Increases the applicable exclusion amount (exemption threshold) for Washington estate tax from approximately $2.19 million to $3 million for decedents dying on or after January 1, 2025, with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2026

Raises estate tax rates across all brackets for deaths on or after January 1, 2025, with the lowest bracket increasing from 10% to 16% and the highest bracket (estates over $9 million) increasing from 20% to 38%

Updates the consumer price index reference from the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area to the Seattle metropolitan area for calculating annual inflation adjustments to the exclusion amount

Applies retroactively to estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate effect

Preserves existing rights, liabilities, and proceedings under prior law, with a severability clause if any provision is held invalid