The purpose of REV-1543 is to make sure that the tax on a joint bank account is paid regardless of whether an estate files a REV-1500. The purpose of checkbox E on the REV- 1543 is to deflect tax collection efforts away from the surviving joint owner toward the estate, so that the tax is not being collected twice.

You can avoid inheritance tax by making outright gifts of your property during your lifetime. Additionally, if you prefer to withhold immediate access to gifts by beneficiaries, you can establish a trust instead of making outright gifts.

One way to avoid inheritance tax in PA is to make an asset joint. For example, if you have $30,000 in your name alone, and through your will, you give it to a friend of yours, it would be taxed at 15% or they would owe $4,500 in taxes.

4.5 percent on transfers to direct descendants and lineal heirs; 12 percent on transfers to siblings; and. 15 percent on transfers to other heirs, except charitable organizations, exempt institutions and government entities exempt from tax.

Returns must be filed within nine months after the death of the decedent. Failure to file may subject the estate to a penalty of 25 percent of the tax ultimately found to be due or $1,000, whichever is less.

8 ways to avoid inheritance tax Start giving gifts now. ... Write a will. ... Use the alternate valuation date. ... Put everything into a trust. ... Take out a life insurance policy. ... Set up a family limited partnership. ... Move to a state that doesn't have an estate or inheritance tax. ... Donate to charity.

The tax rate for Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax is 4.5% for transfers to direct descendants (lineal heirs), 12% for transfers to siblings, and 15% for transfers to other heirs (except charitable organizations, exempt institutions, and government entities that are exempt from tax).