Washington Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed Form – Downloadable Template 

.Avoid Probate in Washington with a Simple Transfer on Death Deed

Looking for a Washington Transfer on Death Deed form? Our downloadable Washington TOD deed template provides a straightforward way to transfer real estate to your beneficiaries without going through probate court.

Download Your Washington TOD Deed Template Now - $18

What is a Washington Transfer on Death Deed?

A Washington TOD deed (also known as a beneficiary deed) is a legal document that allows Washington property owners to name beneficiaries who will automatically inherit their real estate upon death—without the time, expense, and complexity of probate.

Why Choose Our Washington TOD Deed Template?

✔ Instant Download – Get immediate access to your Washington Transfer on Death Deed PDF
✔ Multiple Formats – Available as editable MS Word, fillable PDF, and Google Doc
✔ Easy to Use – Includes step-by-step instructions for completing your deed
✔ Legally Compliant – Formatted to meet Washington RCW 64.80 requirements
✔ Affordable – Just $18 for complete access to all formats

What's Included in Your Purchase:

• Washington Transfer on Death Deed form (Word, PDF, and Google Doc formats)

• Editable Washington TOD deed template you can customize

• Fillable Washington beneficiary deed PDF for easy completion

• Step-by-step instructions for proper execution

• Recording guidelines for Washington counties

• Access to our organized course platform with all templates

Benefits of a Washington Transfer on Death Deed:

Avoid Probate – Your property transfers directly to your named beneficiaries without court involvement

Retain Full Control – You maintain complete ownership and can sell, mortgage, or revoke the deed at any time during your lifetime

No Gift Tax – Since the transfer doesn't occur until death, there are no gift tax consequences

Simple & Affordable – Much less expensive than setting up a trust or going through probate

Flexibility – Easy to revoke or modify if your circumstances change

Privacy – Unlike a will, TOD deeds don't become public record during probate

Cost Savings – Avoid thousands of dollars in probate attorney fees and court costs

How Does a Washington TOD Deed Work?

1. Complete the Form – Fill out our Washington Transfer on Death Deed template with your property information and beneficiary details

2. Sign Before a Notary – The deed must be notarized (notary services not included)

3. Record the Deed – File with your county auditor's office before your death

4. Maintain Control – You retain all ownership rights during your lifetime

5. Automatic Transfer – Upon your death, property passes directly to your named beneficiaries

Washington TOD Deed Requirements:

• Must be recorded with the county auditor where the property is located

• Must be recorded before the owner's death (cannot be recorded after death)

• Must be notarized

• Must contain the legal description of the property

• Must clearly identify the beneficiary(ies)

• Must include the proper statutory language per Washington RCW 64.80

• Should include the property tax parcel number

Who Should Use a Washington Transfer on Death Deed?

Our Washington beneficiary deed form is ideal for:

• Homeowners who want to avoid probate

• Property owners with straightforward estate plans

• Individuals looking for an affordable alternative to trusts

• Those who want to maintain control of their property during their lifetime

• Families seeking to simplify the inheritance process

• Second homeowners and vacation property owners

Download Your Washington TOD Deed Template Today

Get instant access to your Washington Transfer on Death Deed form download for just $18. Available in editable Word format, fillable PDF, and Google Docs for maximum convenience.

Get Instant Access - $18

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a Washington Transfer on Death Deed valid?
A: Yes, Washington officially recognizes Transfer on Death Deeds under RCW 64.80, effective since 2014.

Q: Can I change or revoke my Washington TOD deed?
A: Absolutely. You can revoke or modify your TOD deed at any time during your lifetime by recording a revocation or new deed with the county auditor.

Q: Does a Washington TOD deed affect Medicaid eligibility?
A: Generally, TOD deeds do not affect Medicaid eligibility since you retain ownership during your lifetime. However, consult with an elder law attorney for your specific situation.

Q: Do I need an attorney to complete a Washington Transfer on Death Deed?
A: While not required, you may wish to consult an attorney for complex situations. Our downloadable Washington TOD deed template includes instructions for straightforward transfers.

Q: Can I name multiple beneficiaries on a Washington TOD deed?
A: Yes, you can name multiple beneficiaries and specify whether they receive equal shares or different percentages.

Q: What happens if my beneficiary dies before me?
A: If a beneficiary dies before you, their share typically goes to the surviving beneficiaries unless you've named alternate beneficiaries. It's best to update your deed if circumstances change.

Q: How much does it cost to record a Washington TOD deed?
A: Recording fees vary by county, typically ranging from $50-$100. Check with your local county auditor's office for exact fees.

Q: Do beneficiaries need to do anything after my death?
A: Beneficiaries must record an affidavit of death and provide a certified copy of the death certificate to complete the transfer. Our instructions include guidance on this process.

Q: Will a Washington TOD deed work if I have a mortgage?
A: Yes, the TOD deed doesn't affect your mortgage. However, beneficiaries will inherit the property subject to any existing liens or mortgages.

Multiple Format Options

Editable Word Document – Fully customizable Washington TOD deed template in MS Word format

Fillable PDF – Complete your Washington Transfer on Death Deed PDF digitally

Google Docs – Cloud-based access to edit your Washington beneficiary deed form from anywhere

Washington TOD Deed vs. Living Trust

Transfer on Death Deed:

• Simple, one-time recording

• Costs $18 + recording fee

• Easy to revoke or modify

• Only covers one property

• Remains revocable until death

Living Trust:

• More complex setup

• Attorney fees typically $1,500-$3,000+

• Can cover multiple assets

• Ongoing management required

• Provides more comprehensive planning

For single-property owners, a Washington TOD deed is often the most cost-effective solution.

💡 Need Professional Help?

If you'd prefer expert assistance with your property transfer, you can upgrade to our complete deed preparation service at any time—and we'll credit back the full $18 cost of this template toward your service fee.

Serving All Washington Counties

Our Washington Transfer on Death Deed form is valid in all 39 Washington counties, including:

• King County (Seattle)

• Pierce County (Tacoma)

• Snohomish County (Everett)

• Spokane County (Spokane)

• Clark County (Vancouver)

• Thurston County (Olympia)

• Kitsap County (Bremerton)

• Whatcom County (Bellingham)

• Yakima County (Yakima)

• Benton County (Kennewick)

• Skagit County (Mount Vernon)

• Cowlitz County (Longview)

• Grant County (Moses Lake)

• Franklin County (Pasco)

• Clallam County (Port Angeles)

• Island County (Coupeville)

• Chelan County (Wenatchee)

• Lewis County (Chehalis)

• Walla Walla County (Walla Walla)

• Mason County (Shelton)

• And all other Washington counties

Important Washington-Specific Considerations

Community Property State – Washington is a community property state. If married, both spouses typically need to sign the deed if the property is community property.

Medicaid Recovery – Washington has a Medicaid estate recovery program. Consult with an elder law attorney if you've received Medicaid benefits.

Property Tax Relief – Beneficiaries may need to reapply for senior citizen or disabled person property tax exemptions after inheriting.

Recording Timing – The TOD deed must be recorded BEFORE death to be valid. It cannot be recorded after the owner passes away.

Step-by-Step Process Included

Our comprehensive instructions guide you through:

1. Determining if a TOD deed is right for your situation

2. Gathering required property information

3. Completing the Washington TOD deed form

4. Choosing and naming beneficiaries

5. Properly executing the document

6. Understanding notarization requirements

7. Filing with your county auditor

8. What beneficiaries need to do after your death

9. How to revoke or modify the deed if needed

Tax Considerations for Washington TOD Deeds

No State Estate Tax for Most – Washington has an estate tax, but the exemption is currently over $2 million (indexed for inflation)

Federal Estate Tax – Federal exemption is over $13 million per person (2024)

Property Tax – Generally no property tax reassessment upon inheritance in Washington

Capital Gains – Beneficiaries receive a "step-up" in basis to fair market value at date of death

Gift Tax – No gift tax consequences since transfer occurs at death

Consult a tax professional or estate planning attorney for advice specific to your situation

What Makes Our Washington TOD Deed Template Different?

✓ Washington-Specific – Complies with all RCW 64.80 requirements
✓ Up-to-Date – Reflects current Washington law
✓ Professionally Drafted – Created by legal document preparation experts
✓ Easy to Customize – Clear blanks for your specific information
✓ Detailed Instructions – Step-by-step guidance included
✓ Multiple Formats – Work in the format that suits you best
✓ Instant Access – Download immediately after purchase

Additional Washington Real Estate Forms Available

Need other Washington property forms? We also offer:

• Washington Quitclaim Deeds – Quick transfers between trusted parties

• Washington Warranty Deeds – For sales with title guarantees

• Washington Deed of Trust – Secure financing on property

Download Your Washington TOD Deed Template Now - $18

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not recording before death – The deed must be recorded while you're alive
❌ Incomplete legal description – Must match your current deed exactly
❌ Missing notarization – Required for recording
❌ Not considering community property – Spouses may both need to sign
❌ Forgetting about mortgages – Beneficiaries inherit subject to loans
❌ Not updating after life changes – Review and update as circumstances change

Our Washington Transfer on Death Deed template includes detailed instructions to help you avoid these common pitfalls.

Ready to Avoid Probate?

Download your Washington TOD deed form today and take control of your estate planning. For just $18, you'll have everything you need to transfer your Washington property to your loved ones without the hassle and expense of probate.

Get Instant Access - $18

Legal Disclaimer

These templates are provided by Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers for general informational use only. We are not attorneys, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your purchase. The forms are not a substitute for legal advice and may not be appropriate for every situation. You are solely responsible for ensuring the forms are lawful and appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Forms are provided "as-is," without warranties of any kind. By purchasing, you agree that Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers is not liable for any outcomes resulting from your use of these materials.

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