Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

February 12, 2026

PA’s Inheritance Tax Should Be Laid to Rest

Losing a loved one can be devastating, and each of us handles such trauma differently.

But regardless of how the loss hits us, it’s inexcusable for Harrisburg to send a grieving family a tax bill, especially when it is for assets that have already been taxed. This is precisely why I co-sponsored House Bill 1394, which proposes to eliminate Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax.

Pennsylvania collected approximately $1.7 billion in inheritance tax during the 2024-25 fiscal year, which applies to the transfer of assets from a deceased person to their heirs.  The tax rate used is based on the relationship of the deceased to the beneficiary. While transfers to a surviving spouse are exempt, direct descendants must pay 4.5%. Siblings are taxed at 12%. Other heirs can face a rate as high as 15%.

Seemingly insignificant on paper, it is important to remember that in most cases, leaving behind an estate, which can include anything from real estate, savings and investments, vehicles and other personal belongings, was the original owner’s intent. State government has no business inserting itself in this situation.

Imagine a family losing the last of a generation who has lived in a modest home for more than 50 years. When they purchased the home, they paid all taxes related to the purchase. Annually, taxes were paid to school districts, their county and municipality. If the deceased’s loved one lives in the house, they will take on the tax liabilities. If they choose to sell it, Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Transfer Tax will be applied. The property was taxed once; it will be taxed when it is sold out of the family. There is no reason to collect tax on it now.

It’s important to remember there is an economic development aspect to all of this. The General Assembly should be modernizing our laws with a focus on removing barriers that keep families from building generational wealth.

Pennsylvania is one of only five states that still imposes this kind of tax. Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska and New Jersey are the others. In all of those states, however, spouses and children are exempt. In some, so are grandchildren and siblings. In Pennsylvania, however, as stated prior, only spouses are exempt.

House Bill 1394 has been introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Your Opinion Counts - Concern continues to rise from parents and educators that students’ use of cell phones has become a serious distraction from learning. Different approaches to address the issue have been discussed in the General Assembly and I have created a survey for those 18 years of age or older to weigh in. You can find the survey on my website, RepJillCooper.com. 

Local Businesses Invited! – I am hosting a Business Roundtable to discuss what is working and the ongoing challenges encountered by local entrepreneurs. Join me Friday, March 20, 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville. Registration by March 16 is required. Contact Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or via email at rsavage@pahousegop.com.

Jumpstart Into Your Next Chapter – My staff and I are hosting Junior Jumpstart, a financial aid seminar with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to help next year’s high school seniors begin navigating the world of college financing. Current seniors who have questions are certainly invited as well. Registration by March 25 is suggested but not required. Contact Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or via email at rsavage@pahousegop.com. 

House Archives Internship Opportunity - The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives Internship Program is currently accepting applications for the summer 2026 semester. 

The 13-week internship is based at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Interns work with archivists and learn several facets of the job, including processing paper collections, crafting exhibits for display in the Capitol Complex, conducting research for inquiries and more. Interns gain a better understanding of the PA House of Representatives and its members through opportunities such as meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, as well as tours of some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.

At the time of the internship, students must be attending a college or university in Pennsylvania OR be a resident of Pennsylvania; be a second-semester junior, senior or graduate student; and have a GPA of at least 3.0.

For more information or to fill out the application, visit archives.house.state.pa.us/internship. Applications are due by Sunday, March 1.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com