US Home Sales Tax

Taxes when buying a house in Washington

Washington does not tax the buyer on a home purchase or on the mortgage. The transfer tax (1.1% to 3% state, plus local tax (0.5% in most cities)) is usually paid by the seller.

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Loan amount: $320,000. Some states tax the mortgage, so the loan size changes the result there. Paying cash? Enter 100.

Estimated taxes when you buyWashington ยท Rates verified November 2026
Pay to the order ofState and county tax offices$0

Zero and 00/100 dollars

Washington does not tax the buyer on this purchase.

Taxes the buyer pays
Tax on the purchase$0
Total buyer taxes$0

Taxes only. Lender fees, title insurance, flat recording fees and prepaid property tax are separate closing costs.

What a Washington home buyer is taxed on

Buyer's taxes
None on the purchase or the mortgage.
Transfer tax
The seller. If the seller does not pay, the buyer becomes liable.
Sales tax
None. A home is real estate, and sales tax does not apply to it.
Official source
Washington Department of Revenue
Last verified

Washington buyer taxes at common prices

Purchase priceLoan with 20% downBuyer's taxes
$150,000$120,000$0
$250,000$200,000$0
$400,000$320,000$0
$600,000$480,000$0
$1,000,000$800,000$0

Questions Washington buyers ask

Do buyers pay transfer tax in Washington?

The seller. If the seller does not pay, the buyer becomes liable.

Is there a mortgage tax in Washington?

No. Washington does not tax the recording of a mortgage. The county charges only a flat fee to record it.

Is there sales tax when you buy a house in Washington?

No. Sales tax applies to goods and some services, and a house is real estate, which no state taxes that way.

How much tax does a buyer pay at closing in Washington?

Usually none. On a $400,000 home a Washington buyer owes no state or local tax on the purchase itself. Closing costs still include lender fees, title insurance and prepaid property tax.

Selling in Washington? Use the Washington transfer tax calculator.

Buyer taxes in other states