US Home Sales Tax

Washington transfer tax calculator

Washington's real estate excise tax rises in steps: 1.1% on the first $525,000, 1.28% up to $1,525,000, 2.75% up to $3,025,000 and 3% above that. Cities and counties add a local rate, 0.5% in most populated areas.

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Other closing costs cover title, escrow or attorney fees and recording. One percent is a common planning figure.

Estimated net proceedsWashington ยท Rates verified November 2026
Pay to the order ofYou, the seller$367,600

Three hundred sixty-seven thousand six hundred and 00/100 dollars

$400,000 sale, less $32,400 in costs and payoff

Itemised estimate
Sale price$400,000
Agent commission-$22,000
Transfer taxRate: 1.1% to 3% state, plus local tax (0.5% in most cities). Usually paid by the seller.-$6,400
Other closing costs-$4,000
Mortgage payoff$0
You keep$367,600

How transfer tax works in Washington

Rate
1.1% to 3% state, plus local tax (0.5% in most cities)
Who usually pays
The seller. If the seller does not pay, the buyer becomes liable.
Local taxes
Yes. Most cities, including Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver and Bellevue, charge 0.5%. Many rural areas charge 0.25%, and San Juan County charges 2%.
Official source
Washington Department of Revenue
Last verified

Washington transfer tax at common sale prices

Sale priceTotal transfer taxSeller's usual shareSeller keeps before mortgage payoff
$150,000$2,400$2,400$137,850
$250,000$4,000$4,000$229,750
$400,000$6,400$6,400$367,600
$600,000$9,735$9,735$551,265
$1,000,000$16,855$16,855$918,145

Assumes a 5.5% agent commission and 1% in other closing costs, at the "0.5% local (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and most cities)" rate. Change any figure in the calculator above.

Local rates in Washington

Local rateTotal tax on a $400,000 saleSeller's usual share
0.5% local (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and most cities)$6,400$6,400
0.25% local (many rural areas)$5,400$5,400
2% local (San Juan County)$12,400$12,400

Questions Washington sellers ask

How much is transfer tax in Washington?

Washington charges 1.1% to 3% state, plus local tax (0.5% in most cities). On a $400,000 sale the total comes to $6,400, and the seller's usual share is $6,400.

Who pays the transfer tax in Washington, the buyer or the seller?

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

Are there local transfer taxes in Washington?

Yes. Most cities, including Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver and Bellevue, charge 0.5%. Many rural areas charge 0.25%, and San Juan County charges 2%.

How do I estimate my net proceeds in Washington?

Start with the sale price, then subtract the agent commission, your share of the transfer tax, title and closing fees, and the balance left on your mortgage. On a $400,000 sale with a 5.5% commission and 1% in other costs, a Washington seller keeps about $367,600 before paying off the mortgage.

Buying in Washington instead? See taxes when buying a house in Washington.

More on the basics: What closing costs does a seller pay?, Who pays the transfer tax, the buyer or the seller?, How to calculate net proceeds from a home sale.

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