Manweller supports clarifying language on ‘widow tax’ exemption passed by House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 16, 2016

CONTACT: Kurt Hammond, Senior Information Officer - (360) 786-7794

Manweller supports clarifying language on 'widow tax' exemption passed by House

The Washington State House of Representatives passed a measure today that would clarify the application of the real estate excise tax to property inherited, also known as the "widow tax" in Grant County.

Rep. Matt Manweller, a co-sponsor of the bill, says the bill was needed to provide some clarification language on how the inheritance exemption is being applied by local governments.

"In Grant County when someone would pass away, the spouse would soon get a bill stating they owed an inheritance tax," said Manweller, R-Ellensburg. "The real estate excise tax should only apply when property is sold and there is a financial transaction for the purchase or sale of property. This legislation would prevent the inheritance exemption for the real estate excise tax from being misinterpreted. It isn't expanding any exemption, only providing some clarification of the law."

House Bill 2539 passed the House 98-0. It is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the regular session on March 10.

For more information about Rep. Manweller, visit: www.representativemattmanweller.com.

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