How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Washington?
Funeral homes in 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states charge a median of $6,393Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source for a funeral with a viewing and burial and $2,290Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source for a direct cremation. No Washington price lists are in these figures.
Across 276Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of a funeral with a viewing and burial is $6,393Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from Washington. The price covers the basic services fee, the transfer of the remains to the funeral home, embalming and other preparation, use of the facilities for the viewing and the ceremony, the hearse, and the lowest-priced casket the funeral home sells. A graveside service and burial with no viewing costs a median of $5,700Median of 709 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. Cemetery charges are separate.
Across 864Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of a direct cremation, a cremation with no viewing or ceremony, is $2,290Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from Washington. One price list in ten charges $1,195Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source or less, and one in ten charges $3,655Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source or more. A memorial service and an urn cost extra.
Across 780Median of 780 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of an immediate burial, a burial with no viewing or ceremony, is $3,500Median of 780 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from Washington. A graveside service and burial, with a hearse and the lowest-priced casket the funeral home sells, costs a median of $5,700Median of 709 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. Neither figure includes the cemetery's charges for the plot, opening and closing the grave, or the marker.
Yes. Under federal law, a funeral home must give a general price list16 CFR 453.2(b)(4)Verified Nov 9, 2026View source to anyone who asks in person about its goods, services or prices. The list is printed, shows the date its prices took effect, and is handed over at the start of that conversation. It prices each item separately, so the same items can be compared from one funeral home to the next.
A funeral home's price list covers only the funeral home's own goods and services. The cemetery charges separately for the plot, opening and closing the grave, and the marker. Anything the funeral home pays others on the family's behalf is added to the bill: a separate crematory's fee, clergy, an obituary and flowers. There is a public program in Washington for a family that cannot pay: County indigent disposition (board of county commissioners)RCW 36.39.030Verified Oct 17, 2026View source. The Washington burial and cremation laws page has the details.
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Learn moreForms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Washington
Free Washington forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for Washington.
Notice to Creditors
In Washington, creditors have 4 monthsRCW 11.40.051Verified Sep 9, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Washington, a person named as personal representative may decline to serveRCW 11.28.010; RCW 11.28.120(1)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Washington, the Small Estate AffidavitRCW 11.62.010Verified Sep 9, 2026View source covers estates valued at $100,000RCW 11.62.010Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or less, 40 daysRCW 11.62.010Verified Sep 9, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Washington, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysRCW 11.44.015; RCW 11.44.025Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Washington, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsRCW 11.68.110(2)(b)(iv), (3), (4), (5)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and no final accounting is required.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Last Will and Testament
In Washington, a will is signed before 2RCW 11.12.020Verified Oct 19, 2026View source witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimonyRCW 11.12.020Verified Oct 19, 2026View source.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Washington
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in Washington: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for Washington.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Washington costs an estimated $27,599RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 2.2%Modeled estimate under RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source to 3.5%Modeled estimate under RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Washington is a community property state, so the surviving spouse already owns half of what the couple acquired during the marriage. Without a will in Washington, descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationRCW §§ 11.04.015(2)(a), 11.02.005Verified Oct 21, 2026View source, and an heir must survive the decedent by 120 hoursRCW § 11.05A.020Verified Oct 21, 2026View source to inherit.
What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
Washington allows you to name your own agent in advanceRCW 68.50.160(3)(b)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Washington levies an estate taxRCW 83.100.020(1)(a)(x), 83.100.040(2)(a)(iii); ESB 6347 (Ch. 209, Laws of 2026)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $3,000,000RCW 83.100.020(1)(a)(x), 83.100.040(2)(a)(iii); ESB 6347 (Ch. 209, Laws of 2026)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source (top rate 20%RCW 83.100.020(1)(a)(x), 83.100.040(2)(a)(iii); ESB 6347 (Ch. 209, Laws of 2026)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source) and no inheritance tax; the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
In Washington, beneficiaries owe no inheritance tax and the estate pays any estate taxRCW 83.100.020(1)(a)(x), 83.100.040(2)(a)(iii); ESB 6347 (Ch. 209, Laws of 2026)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $3,000,000RCW 83.100.020(1)(a)(x), 83.100.040(2)(a)(iii); ESB 6347 (Ch. 209, Laws of 2026)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in Washington take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces a 7% excise tax above $278,000, rising to 9.9% above $1,000,000; individuals only — estates and trusts are not subject to itRCW Ch. 82.87 (esp. § 82.87.040 rate, § 82.87.050 exclusions); ESSB 5096 (2021); SB 5813 Ch. 421 (2025 Laws) — added 9.9% tier on gains > $1MVerified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Are the Estate Laws in My State?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Washington costs an estimated $27,599RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source and takes 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees of typically 2.2%Modeled estimate under RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source to 3.5%Modeled estimate under RCW 11.48.210 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source of the estate. Estates under $100,000RCW 11.62.010Verified Sep 9, 2026View source can use a small-estate procedure instead.
Washington Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Washington probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
