What this calculator does
Washington's real estate excise tax is paid when property sells. The state portion is graduated like income-tax brackets, and Seattle adds 0.5%. Washington's real estate excise tax (REET) is graduated: 1.1% up to $525,000, 1.28% to $1,525,000, 2.75% to $3,025,000 and 3% above for 2023–2026, plus Seattle's 0.5% local REET. The seller customarily pays it.
How to use it
- Enter the sale price.
- Read the state tax by bracket, the local tax and the total.
The formula
State REET = 1.1% of the first $525,000 + 1.28% of the part to $1,525,000 + 2.75% of the part to $3,025,000 + 3% above (2023–2026). Local REET = price × 0.5%.
Worked example
Using the default inputs shown in the calculator above:
| Portion | Tax |
|---|---|
| State portion at 1.10% on $525,000 | $5,775 |
| State portion at 1.28% on $375,000 | $4,800 |
| Seattle local REET (0.5%) | $4,500 |
| Total REET | $15,075 |
Total real estate excise tax: $15,075. Effective rate 1.68% · usually paid by the seller.
Washington's REET works like income-tax brackets: each slice of the price is taxed at its own rate, so only the part above $525,000 pays more than 1.1%. Seattle adds a flat 0.5% on the whole price.
REET in Seattle
Thresholds are adjusted every four years; from 01/01/2027 they rise to $551,000, $1,551,000 and $3,051,000. The seller customarily pays, and the tax is collected by the county treasurer when the excise tax affidavit is filed.
REET at common Seattle prices
Seattle prices range from condos under $600,000 to houses well above $1.5 million, and the graduated state brackets make the effective rate climb as the price rises. The table adds Seattle’s 0.5% local REET to the state amount for each price.
| Sale price | State REET | Seattle local REET | Total | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $5,500 | $2,500 | $8,000 | 1.60% |
| $750,000 | $8,655 | $3,750 | $12,405 | 1.65% |
| $1,000,000 | $11,855 | $5,000 | $16,855 | 1.69% |
| $1,500,000 | $18,255 | $7,500 | $25,755 | 1.72% |
| $2,000,000 | $31,638 | $10,000 | $41,638 | 2.08% |
| $3,000,000 | $59,138 | $15,000 | $74,138 | 2.47% |
| $4,000,000 | $89,075 | $20,000 | $109,075 | 2.73% |
A seller at $750,000 pays about 1.65% in total, while a seller at $3,000,000 pays about 2.47%. Because only the slice of the price inside each bracket pays that bracket’s rate, there is no sudden jump when a price crosses a threshold: an extra $10,000 above $1,525,000 adds only $275 of state tax.
Common mistakes and tips
- Applying 1.28% to the whole price — only the part above $525,000.
- Forgetting the 0.5% local REET.
- Using the 2027 thresholds for a 2026 sale.
- Missing exemptions, such as certain transfers between family members.
Frequently asked questions
How is Washington REET calculated?
In graduated brackets on the sale price, plus the local rate — 0.5% in Seattle.
Who pays REET in Seattle?
The seller, by custom and statute.
What is the REET on a $900,000 Seattle sale?
State: $525,000 × 1.1% + $375,000 × 1.28% = $10,575; local: $4,500; total $15,075.
Are the thresholds changing?
Yes, on 01/01/2027 to $551,000 / $1,551,000 / $3,051,000.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.