Taxes
WA State Step-Up in Cost Basis
Washington's community property system gives married couples a double step-up in basis at the first spouse's death — eliminating capital gains tax on a lifetime of appreciation.
Note: Christopher S. Mulvaney is not a CPA and cannot give tax advice. This page is for general educational purposes only.
The Double Step-Up in a Nutshell
In Washington — a community property state — when the first spouse dies, both halves of community property receive a step-up in cost basis to the date-of-death fair market value. The surviving spouse can sell the asset with no capital gains tax on the full appreciation accumulated during the marriage. This benefit is available only in the nine community property states.
Make the Most of Washington's Community Property Advantage
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