Washington § 82.32.240 - Tax constitutes debt to the state — Priority of lien.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 82.32.240 — Tax constitutes debt to the state — Priority of lien., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 82.32.240. Tax constitutes debt to the state — Priority of lien.

Any tax due and unpaid and all increases and penalties thereon, shall constitute a debt to the state and may be collected by court proceedings in the same manner as any other debt in like amount, which remedy shall be in addition to any and all other existing remedies.
In all cases of probate, insolvency, assignment for the benefit of creditors, or bankruptcy, involving any taxpayer who is, or decedent who was, engaging in business, the claim of the state for said taxes and all increases and penalties thereon shall be a lien upon all real and personal property of the taxpayer, and the mere existence of such cases or conditions shall be sufficient to create such lien without any prior or subsequent action by the state, and in all such cases it shall be the duty of all administrators, executors, guardians, receivers, trustees in bankruptcy or assignees for the benefit of creditors, to notify the department of revenue of such administration, receivership or assignment within sixty days from the date of their appointment and qualification.
The lien provided for by this section shall attach as of the date of the assignment for the benefit of creditors or of the initiation of the probate, insolvency, or bankruptcy proceedings: PROVIDED, That this sentence shall not be construed as affecting the validity or priority of any earlier lien that may have attached previously in favor of the state under any other section of this title.
Any administrator, executor, guardian, receiver or assignee for the benefit of creditors not giving the notification as provided for above shall become personally liable for payment of the taxes and all increases and penalties thereon to the extent of the value of the property subject to administration that otherwise would have been available for the payment of such taxes, increases, and penalties by the administrator, executor, guardian, receiver, or assignee.
As used in this section, "probate" includes the nonprobate claim settlement procedure under chapter 11.42 RCW, and "executor" and "administrator" includes any notice agent acting under chapter 11.42 RCW.
[ 1994 c 221 s 69; 1988 c 64 s 21; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 s 86; 1961 c 15 s 82.32.240. Prior: 1949 c 228 s 26; 1935 c 180 s 203; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 8370-203.]

Notes

Effective dates—1994 c 221: See note following RCW 11.100.035.
Construction—Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 278: See notes following RCW 11.08.160.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 82.32.240

What does Revised Code of Washington § 82.32.240 cover?

Section 82.32.240 ("Tax constitutes debt to the state — Priority of lien.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 82.32.240?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 82.32.240" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 82.32.240 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.