Mar. 22, 2016
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) today voted in support of legislation approved by the House that would eliminate the inheritance tax for transfers of property to or for the use of a child aged 21 years or younger from a natural parent, adoptive parent or step-parent.
“The inheritance tax is an oppressive tax that unfairly taxes property transferred between family members in the event of a death,” said Baker. “Here in Pennsylvania, we have been working for the past several years on reducing or eliminating some of the inheritance tax laws so recipients receive more of what was intended for them. I was proud to support this bill and am hopeful this will be taken up by the Senate in a timely fashion.”
The state’s inheritance tax law was previously amended to provide an inheritance tax rate of 0 percent on property transferred from a child aged 21 or younger to a natural parent, adoptive parent or step-parent. However, when property is transferred from the parent to the minor child, it is still subject to an inheritance tax rate of 4.5 percent.
Baker noted this is an oversight in the law that needs to be rectified. “A child, especially a minor child, should not be taxed on property left for him or her by a deceased parent,” said Baker. “Children especially cannot afford to pay taxes on an inheritance and should receive the full benefit of any property left to them when a parent passes away.”
House Bill 971 passed the House unanimously and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Matthew Baker
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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