King County (Seattle / Bellevue) Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculator

Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) in King County combines local tax with Washington's state-level graduated rates. Standard King County locations levy a 0.50% local rate, except Skykomish, which levies a 0.25% local rate under the published 2026 schedule. For 2027 transactions, confirm the local rate in effect on the actual sale date, as local rates may change. While state percentage tiers remain fixed at 1.10%, 1.28%, 2.75%, and 3.00%, the bracket thresholds adjust based on the sale date: - Sales Closing in 2026: 1.10% on the portion up to $525,000; 1.28% on the portion over $525,000 through $1,525,000; 2.75% on the portion over $1,525,000 through $3,025,000; and 3.00% on the portion over $3,025,000. - Sales Closing January 1, 2027, or Later: 1.10% on the portion up to $551,000; 1.28% on the portion over $551,000 through $1,551,000; 2.75% on the portion over $1,551,000 through $3,051,000; and 3.00% on the portion over $3,051,000. Qualifying transfers of agricultural land and timberland are subject to a separate flat state REET rate of 1.28% rather than the standard graduated state rate schedule.

The state portion of REET uses marginal tax brackets (meaning higher rates apply strictly to the portion of the taxable selling price that falls within each tier) rather than taxing the entire transaction amount at a single flat rate. To determine total REET due, compute the state progressive tax using the applicable year's threshold limits ($525k/$1.525M/$3.025M for 2026 versus $551k/$1.551M/$3.051M for 2027) and add the local municipal rate (0.50% across most locations, or 0.25% in Skykomish under the published 2026 schedule). For qualifying agricultural land and timberland transfers, the applicable local REET rate is added to a flat 1.28% state rate.

Under RCW 82.45.080, primary statutory responsibility for paying REET rests with the seller. Payment is due immediately at the time of sale under RCW 82.45.100 and must be made to the King County Treasurer. If the tax is not received by the due date, the buyer (transferee) becomes personally liable for the tax and applicable interest, unless an instrument evidencing the sale has been recorded in the county's official real-property records. Late-payment penalties are collectible from the seller only. The tax must be paid before the county Recording Division can record the deed.

Under Washington State tax rules, taxable consideration includes qualifying mortgage debt, liens, and other encumbrances given to secure the purchase price or remaining unpaid at the time of sale. Assumption of underlying property debt by the buyer also counts as consideration. However, specified outstanding liens in favor of the United States, Washington State, or a municipal corporation for taxes, special benefits, or improvements are excluded from taxable consideration. Consequently, qualifying debt can increase the amount subject to REET beyond the net cash proceeds received by the seller.

Transfers through inheritance or a valid will are exempt from REET under WAC 458-61A-202, even if the inherited property has outstanding debt. Genuine gifts with no consideration are also generally exempt under WAC 458-61A-201. However, if a gift recipient makes payments toward the grantor's underlying property debt or agrees to assume that debt in return for the transfer, the debt payments or amount of debt assumed may be taxable consideration, along with any other consideration provided, while the property's remaining equity may still be gifted. Gift transfers require a completed REET affidavit and a Supplemental Statement signed by both grantor and grantee. Inheritance transfers may require an affidavit and supporting documentation depending on the circumstances, as explained in WAC 458-61A-202 and WAC 458-61A-303.