✍️ Sarah Mitchell
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⚖️ Legally reviewed by James Hartley, J.D.
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Last reviewed: May 2026
Affiliate Disclosure: Law-Trust.com may earn a commission when you click links to Trust & Will on this page, at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are editorially independent and not influenced by affiliate relationships. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Pennsylvania has straightforward will execution requirements — and making a legally valid will online is entirely achievable for most residents. But Pennsylvania has one major estate planning consideration that makes it stand apart from most US states: a state inheritance tax. Unlike most states that have no inheritance or estate tax, Pennsylvania taxes the transfer of assets to most beneficiaries — including your own children.
Understanding Pennsylvania's inheritance tax is essential before you finalize your estate plan. Who inherits from you, and how your assets are structured, can have significant tax implications for your family. This guide covers everything Pennsylvania residents need to know — will requirements, top services, and the inheritance tax details that could affect the people you love most.
Is an Online Will Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes — online wills are fully legal in Pennsylvania when executed according to state requirements. Pennsylvania has clear statutory requirements that major online will services are designed to meet.
Under 20 Pa. C.S. § 2502, a valid Pennsylvania will must be in writing, signed by the testator (or by another at the testator's express direction, in the testator's presence), and signed by two witnesses in the testator's presence. Notarization is not required.
Pennsylvania also recognizes holographic wills — entirely handwritten and signed documents without witnesses (20 Pa. C.S. § 2502). However, holographic wills are more easily contested and harder to prove valid. A properly witnessed online will is always the preferred choice for Pennsylvania residents.
Pennsylvania Will Requirements Checklist
✔ Pennsylvania Legal Will Requirements
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are of sound mind at the time of signing
- The will is in writing (typed or printed)
- You sign the will (or direct someone to sign in your presence)
- Two witnesses sign the will in your presence
- Notarization is NOT required for a valid Pennsylvania will
- Witnesses should be disinterested parties (non-beneficiaries) for best practice
- Holographic wills (entirely handwritten) are recognized but not recommended
Best Online Will Services for Pennsylvania Residents
We reviewed all three major services with Pennsylvania-specific scenarios — including inheritance tax planning considerations, blended families, and the unique PA probate process. Here's how they compare:
Best overall for Pennsylvania residents — comprehensive documents, living trust option, clear execution instructions
Will plan from
$199
Pennsylvania-Specific Documents
Living Trust Option
Power of Attorney
Healthcare Directive
Free Updates
Trust & Will is our top pick for Pennsylvania — it produces properly formatted Pennsylvania documents with clear execution instructions, includes the living trust option (useful for PA residents who want to minimize probate), and covers all the essential estate planning documents in one straightforward process.
✅ Pros
- Clean guided process
- Includes trust option
- All documents in one plan
- Free lifetime updates
❌ Cons
- No attorney consultations included
- Higher price than LawDepot
Start Your Pennsylvania Will at Trust & Will →
Good option for Pennsylvania residents who want attorney access for inheritance tax questions
Will plan from
$89
All Pennsylvania Documents
Attorney Network
Inheritance Tax Guidance
LegalZoom is a solid choice for Pennsylvania, particularly valuable if you have questions about the inheritance tax implications of your estate plan and want access to an attorney through their subscription service.
✅ Pros
- Attorney access for PA tax questions
- Comprehensive document library
- 25+ years trusted
❌ Cons
- Aggressive upsells
- Updates cost extra
- Less guided experience
Visit LegalZoom →
Best for budget-conscious Pennsylvanians who need a basic will quickly
Plan from
$9.95/mo
Lowest Cost
Pennsylvania Templates
Fast Completion
LawDepot produces valid Pennsylvania wills at the lowest price. Best for simple estates with straightforward distributions. The form-based interface provides less guidance than Trust & Will.
✅ Pros
- Very low cost
- Quick to complete
- PA-compliant documents
❌ Cons
- Subscription model
- Less thorough guidance
- Limited estate planning depth
Visit LawDepot →
How Much Does an Online Will Cost in Pennsylvania?
| Option | Cost | What's Included |
|---|
| Trust & Will (Will Plan) | $199 | Will, POA, healthcare directive, free updates |
| Trust & Will (Trust Plan) | $399 | Living trust, pour-over will, all directives |
| LegalZoom (Basic Will) | $89–$179 | Will; directives sold separately |
| LawDepot | $9.95/mo | Will and basic documents while subscribed |
| PA Estate Attorney (Will) | $1,000–$2,500 | Custom documents with legal advice |
| PA Attorney (Trust Package) | $2,000–$4,000 | Full trust package with attorney |
Online services save Pennsylvania residents $800–$2,300+ compared to attorney fees for a comparable will package. For estates without complex inheritance tax situations, the online option is entirely appropriate.
Pennsylvania-Specific Considerations
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: The Big Deal
This is the most important Pennsylvania estate planning consideration and one that distinguishes Pennsylvania from most other states. Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax on assets transferred at death — and unlike most states, this applies even when leaving assets to your own children.
📊 Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Rates (2026)
| Beneficiary Relationship | Tax Rate | Example: $300,000 Estate |
|---|
| Surviving spouse | 0% | $0 tax owed |
| Children / Grandchildren (lineal descendants) | 4.5% | $13,500 tax owed |
| Siblings | 12% | $36,000 tax owed |
| All other beneficiaries (friends, non-relatives) | 15% | $45,000 tax owed |
There is no minimum threshold — even small inheritances are taxed. A 5% discount applies if the tax is paid within 3 months of death.
The inheritance tax is a critical consideration when deciding who inherits your estate and how assets are structured. A few important planning notes:
- Transfers to your spouse are completely exempt (0% rate)
- Joint accounts with right of survivorship transfer at death and are generally subject to inheritance tax on the decedent's contribution to the account
- Life insurance proceeds paid directly to a named beneficiary are generally exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax
- Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) paid to named beneficiaries are subject to inheritance tax at the applicable rate
- Charitable bequests are exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax
The inheritance tax makes it especially important for Pennsylvania residents to think carefully about beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and other non-probate assets — and to consider strategies like naming a spouse as beneficiary on tax-deferred accounts, then equalizing the estate through other means.
Pennsylvania Is NOT a Community Property State
Pennsylvania is not a community property state. Each spouse generally owns what is in their name. Pennsylvania does use equitable distribution principles in divorce, but for estate planning, marital assets do not automatically split 50/50. Pennsylvania does protect surviving spouses through an elective share right: under 20 Pa. C.S. § 2203, a surviving spouse may elect to take one-third of the decedent's estate if the will provides less.
Pennsylvania Probate
Pennsylvania probate is handled by the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased lived. The process involves filing the will and a petition, appointment of an executor, inventorying and appraising assets, paying debts and taxes (including the inheritance tax), and distributing the estate. Pennsylvania probate is generally considered moderately complex — less burdensome than New York, more so than Texas.
Pennsylvania's inheritance tax return is due within 9 months of death. The 5% discount for early payment is a meaningful incentive to process the estate efficiently.
Pennsylvania and Charitable Giving
Because Pennsylvania's inheritance tax can significantly reduce what your non-spouse, non-child beneficiaries receive, some Pennsylvanians use charitable bequests strategically. Assets left to qualifying charities are fully exempt from the inheritance tax — a consideration if you have philanthropic goals alongside family distributions.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Will in Pennsylvania Online
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1
Choose your service Select Trust & Will, LegalZoom, or LawDepot. For most Pennsylvania residents, we recommend Trust & Will for its comprehensive documents, clear execution instructions, and living trust option for those who want to minimize probate involvement.
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Consider inheritance tax when designating beneficiaries Before completing the questionnaire, think carefully about who will inherit your assets and the tax implications. Remember the rate structure: 0% for spouse, 4.5% for children, 12% for siblings, 15% for others. This affects not just your will but also beneficiary designations on accounts and insurance policies.
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Complete the questionnaire Answer questions about your assets, family situation, executor, and beneficiaries. Takes 20–40 minutes for most Pennsylvania residents. The service will generate your will and associated documents.
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4
Review and download your documents Carefully review the generated will before proceeding. Confirm all names, beneficiary designations, and asset distributions are accurate and reflect the inheritance tax implications you considered.
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Sign in front of two witnesses Print your will and sign it in the presence of two adult witnesses. Both witnesses sign in your presence. Notarization is not required for a valid Pennsylvania will, though optional. Store the original in a secure location and inform your executor of its location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online will legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Online wills are fully legal in Pennsylvania under 20 Pa. C.S. § 2502, provided they are in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two people in the testator's presence. Notarization is not required. All major online will services produce Pennsylvania-compliant documents.
Does Pennsylvania have an inheritance tax?
Yes — and it's one of the most important Pennsylvania estate planning considerations. Pennsylvania taxes asset transfers at death: 0% for surviving spouse, 4.5% for children/grandchildren, 12% for siblings, and 15% for all other beneficiaries. There is no minimum threshold. Life insurance to named beneficiaries is generally exempt, but retirement accounts and most other assets are taxable at the applicable rate.
How many witnesses does a Pennsylvania will require?
Pennsylvania requires two witnesses who sign in the testator's presence. Notarization is not required. Witnesses should ideally be disinterested parties (non-beneficiaries) to avoid any complications during probate.
Are holographic wills valid in Pennsylvania?
Yes, under 20 Pa. C.S. § 2502. A holographic will must be entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed. No witnesses are required. However, holographic wills are easier to contest and harder to prove valid. A properly witnessed online will is always the recommended approach.
What is the Pennsylvania inheritance tax rate for children?
Children, grandchildren, and other lineal descendants inherit at a 4.5% Pennsylvania inheritance tax rate. There is no minimum threshold — even modest inheritances are taxed. A 5% discount applies if the tax is paid within 3 months of death. Life insurance proceeds paid directly to a named beneficiary are generally exempt.
Does Pennsylvania have a state estate tax?
Pennsylvania does not have a traditional estate tax levied on the overall estate. However, it does have an inheritance tax levied on individual bequests based on the beneficiary's relationship to the deceased. The practical effect is similar — beneficiaries receive less than the full value of their inheritance — but the structure is different from states like New York that have a true estate tax.
Is Pennsylvania a community property state?
No. Pennsylvania is not a community property state. Each spouse generally owns what is in their name. Pennsylvania does protect surviving spouses through an elective share — a surviving spouse may elect to take one-third of the estate under 20 Pa. C.S. § 2203 if the will provides less than that amount.
How much does an online will cost in Pennsylvania?
Online will services for Pennsylvania residents cost $89–$199 for a complete will package. Trust & Will's individual will plan is $199 and includes a power of attorney, healthcare directive, and free updates. Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys typically charge $1,000–$2,500 for comparable services, making online wills a significant saving for straightforward estates.