Business Succession & Wealth Strategy in Washington
Washington's state-level estate tax creates a planning gap that catches many business owners off guard — federal exemption planning alone is not enough when the state exemption is significantly lower.
Why Washington Business Owners Need a Specialized Advisor
Washington state is home to aerospace, technology, maritime, agriculture, and a thriving craft beverage sector. Business owners in Washington face a unique challenge: the state imposes its own estate tax with an exemption far below the federal level. This means a business owner whose estate falls below the federal exemption may still face a substantial state estate tax bill — one that can force a distressed business sale if liquidity isn't pre-arranged through life insurance and buy-sell funding.
SRG Consulting PLLC works with closely held business owners across Washington to connect commercial funding, succession planning, buy-sell funding, key-person protection, executive benefits, and estate strategy into a single coordinated architecture. We coordinate with your existing CPA and estate attorney rather than replacing them.
Succession Planning
Design an exit, transfer, or sale on your terms — not your successor's.
Buy-Sell Funding
Ensure ownership transfers are executable the moment they are triggered.
Key-Person Protection
Protect enterprise continuity from the sudden loss of critical leadership.
Executive Benefits
Retain top talent with deferred compensation and golden handcuffs.
Estate & Trust Strategy
Mitigate estate taxes and protect family wealth through advanced trusts.
Commercial Funding
SBA loans, equipment financing, and working capital for growth and acquisition.
Key Industries We Serve in Washington
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Technology & Cloud Computing
- Maritime & Shipping
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Craft Beverage & Food Processing
WA Regulatory & Tax Context
Washington has its own estate tax with an exemption significantly lower than the federal level, and a capital-gains excise tax on the sale of long-term assets. SRG Consulting PLLC provides consulting and education services in Washington; insurance products are offered only where SRG is separately licensed. We coordinate with Washington estate attorneys and CPAs for state-specific drafting and tax filings.
Washington has no state individual income tax but imposes a 7% capital-gains excise tax on the sale of long-term capital assets exceeding $270,000 (as of 2025). Washington also levies a state estate tax with an exclusion of $3 million for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2026 — far below the federal threshold. This creates a critical planning gap: business owners must structure liquidity (life insurance, buy-sell funding) and trust strategies to address state estate tax even when federal exposure is managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Washington's state estate tax affect my succession plan?
Washington's estate tax exclusion changes to $3 million for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2026 — far below the federal threshold. This means your estate could owe state estate tax even when no federal tax is due. Washington also imposes a 7% capital-gains excise tax on long-term capital asset sales exceeding $270,000. Without pre-arranged liquidity — typically through life insurance inside an ILIT — your family may be forced to sell the business at a discount to pay the state tax bill.
I own a maritime business in Seattle — what succession risks are unique to my industry?
Maritime businesses often have specialized assets, regulatory licenses, and key-person dependencies that make ownership transfer complex. Your succession plan needs to address Coast Guard documentation transfer, vessel valuation, and key-person coverage for captains or engineers whose loss would disrupt operations.
Can SRG Consulting help with both Washington state and federal estate tax planning?
SRG Consulting PLLC provides consulting and education services in Washington. Insurance products are offered only where SRG is separately licensed. We coordinate with your Washington CPA and estate attorney to design strategies that address both the state estate tax gap, the capital-gains excise tax, and federal transfer tax exposure. This typically involves ILIT-funded liquidity, trust-based freeze structures, and coordinated gifting strategies.
Start With The Business Owner Exposure Score™
Identify your exposure across funding, succession, key-person protection, buy-sell planning, estate transfer, and wealth preservation.
Take the Exposure Score Assessment