Dukes, Venkat introduce inheritance tax reform legislation for family-owned businesses
Rep. Arvind Venkat September 10, 2026 | 3:23 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – This week, state Reps. Brandon Dukes, D-Butler, and Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation that would modernize the family business and family agricultural asset exemption to the state’s inheritance tax.
The legislation (H.B. 2769) would reduce the amount of time a family business or family agricultural business must have been in the same family to qualify for an inheritance tax exemption from 7 years to 5 years. The legislation would also increase the maximum amount of assets a qualified family-owned business may have to qualify for an inheritance tax exemption from $5 million to $6.9 million.
Dukes, the prime sponsor of the bill, said that the proposal preserves family businesses while granting much-needed flexibility.
“I know firsthand how much my district relies on the efforts of family-owned establishments, and I want to help them sustain for generations to come,” Dukes said. “That’s why I took on this issue as my first piece of legislation in the House. Every family business has crucial ties to its community, and we need to provide the proper access and resources for these bonds to remain strong.”
Venkat, the co-prime sponsor, echoed that the legislation would fortify the relationship family establishments have with communities in the state.
“Every family business in Pennsylvania has a different story, whether it be a new startup or a staple of the community for generations,” Venkat said. “This legislation will ensure that more family businesses can qualify for inheritance tax exemptions so these establishments can stay where they belong – in our communities and in the family. I look forward to collaborating with Representative Dukes on this legislation that will support the family-owned businesses that keep regions like the North Hills and Cranberry moving.”
An informational hearing of the House Finance Committee on the legislation will take place at a future date. For more information on the bill, visit https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2769.