Who may sign for the estate?
In most Pennsylvania estates, the executor can sell the house without going to court under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3351. If the will leaves the house to one specific person, that person signs too.
If the executor is not authorized to sell under Pennsylvania law or the will, the executor can ask the county's Orphans' Court for permission to sell, including property specifically left to someone. The court decides whether the sale is desirable for the estate's administration and distribution; a missing signature alone does not mean the court will approve a sale. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3353.
“Letters testamentary” or “letters of administration” are papers from the county Register of Wills showing who can sign for the estate. You can call us before you have them in hand.
Pennsylvania inheritance tax
Pennsylvania inheritance tax depends on who inherits. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue describes the rates; the estate's facts determine how they apply. See the Pennsylvania inheritance-tax guidance.
| Who inherits | Pennsylvania inheritance tax |
|---|
| Spouse | 0% |
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| Parent inheriting from a child age 21 or younger | 0% |
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| Child age 21 or younger inheriting from a parent who died in 2020 or later | 0% |
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| Children, grandchildren, and other direct descendants | 4.5% |
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| Brothers and sisters | 12% |
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| Most other heirs | 15% |
|---|
The tax is owed from the date of death. Paying within three months takes 5% off, and it becomes late after nine months. Many families pay it from the house sale.
Realty transfer tax and closing costs
Pennsylvania has a state realty transfer tax, and local transfer taxes may also apply. The applicable amount depends on the property and transaction. See the Pennsylvania realty-transfer-tax guidance.
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs. When you sell to us, we pay the transfer tax. Your mortgage payoff, liens, back taxes, and share of current property taxes remain separate.