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Washington transfer tax rules (2026)
Marginal rates. Thresholds reset every four years; the next reset is January 1, 2027.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| State real estate excise tax (graduated) | 1.1%–3% (graduated) | Seller |
| Local real estate excise taxLocal real estate excise tax (up to 0.5%; check your city) | 0.5% (pre-filled) | Contract / custom |
Washington transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $0 | $2,200 | $1,000 | $3,200 (1.6%) |
| $300,000 | $0 | $3,300 | $1,500 | $4,800 (1.6%) |
| $600,000(≈ median) | $0 | $6,735 | $3,000 | $9,735 (1.62%) |
| $900,000 | $0 | $10,575 | $4,500 | $15,075 (1.68%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $11,855 | $5,000 | $16,855 (1.69%) |
| $1,200,000 | $0 | $14,415 | $6,000 | $20,415 (1.7%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $18,255 | $7,500 | $25,755 (1.72%) |
10% down, principal residence, 0.5% local tax included. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Washington vs other states
On a $400,000 home Washington's taxes are $6,400 (1.6%), the 4th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- District of Columbia$11,600
- Pennsylvania$8,000
- New Hampshire$6,000
- Florida$4,780
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Washington mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Washington.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- Washington rules checked 2026-10-23: Pierce County — excise tax rates (2026); WA DOR — 2026 local REET rates.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Washington?+
On a $600,000 home (about the Washington median) the taxes come to $9,735, or 1.62% of the price: State real estate excise tax (graduated) $6,735 (seller), Local real estate excise tax $3,000 (contract / custom).
Who pays the transfer tax in Washington, the buyer or the seller?+
State real estate excise tax (graduated): seller; Local real estate excise tax: set by contract or local custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Washington?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($9,735 on a $600,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does Washington compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Washington's $6,400 in taxes ranks 4th highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.