Quick answer: Washington State has no income tax but does have a state estate tax, and it is a community-property state. For NRIs around Seattle, Redmond and Bellevue — many with RSUs and Indian property — both matter. Your Washington will or trust handles US assets; an India-only will lets Indian property and accounts pass smoothly without waiting on Washington probate.
Key takeaways
- Washington levies a state estate tax above an exemption threshold; Indian assets may count toward it.
- Community-property rules apply to assets acquired during marriage while domiciled in Washington.
- Washington probate is often non-intervention and fairly quick, but it doesn't bind Indian institutions.
Washington estate tax
With RSUs, a home and Indian property combined, some tech-sector families approach the Washington exemption. Keep an up-to-date valuation of Indian assets and discuss planning with a Washington adviser.
Community property
As in California and Texas, Indian property bought with marital earnings while domiciled in Washington may be community property. Coordinate your Indian will's beneficiaries with your spouse.
Signing your Indian will in this state
The Indian will is governed by Indian law, not state law, so the state's own witness rules don't decide its validity. Sign in front of two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries; each should watch you sign and sign in your presence. A notary is optional.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Washington have an estate tax?
- Yes. Washington imposes a state estate tax above an exemption amount. Check the current threshold.
- Do RSUs affect my Indian will?
- No — RSUs are US assets for your US plan. They matter only for estate-tax thresholds.