Washington Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) calculator
Enter a sale price and one of SENTINEL's four focus counties to estimate the standard graduated state portion and the calculator's county-level local-rate assumption. This does not determine the property's exact DOR location code, transfer classification, or exemption status. No sign-up.
Blended rate 0.000% on $750,000.00. The state portion uses the 2026 RCW 82.45 graduated brackets (1.10% / 1.28% / 2.75% / 3.00%), each band taxed at its own rate through Dec. 31, 2026. The 0.50% local figure is a county-level assumption from the DOR table effective March 1, 2026; verify the exact location code (including the Skykomish and Darrington exceptions). A $5 DOR technology fee is separate from Total REET.
— Not tax advice. Verify with a WA-licensed CPA.
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How this REET estimate works
For a standard non-classified residential transfer, Washington's state REET uses graduated brackets: each portion of the selling price is taxed at the rate for that band. A local amount is added separately. DOR identifies exceptions and different treatment for transactions such as classified agricultural or timberland, predominant-use, controlling-interest, mobile-home, multi-location, or exempt transfers.
Standard graduated state schedule
| Portion of sale price | State rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $525,000 | 1.10% |
| $525,000.01 – $1,525,000 | 1.28% |
| $1,525,000.01 – $3,025,000 | 2.75% |
| Above $3,025,000 | 3.00% |
DOR lists this standard state schedule as effective for transfers beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Confirm the current schedule and the transfer's classification on the Washington DOR REET page.
Local-rate verification
The county menu is limited to King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Whatcom. Its result uses the configured county-level assumption returned by SENTINEL's calculator service. DOR publishes the controlling local rate by location code and effective date, so verify the exact property location and transfer date in the current DOR rate table.
What this estimate leaves out
The calculator does not decide whether a transfer is taxable, select an exemption, classify land, apportion multiple parcels or location codes, calculate penalties or interest, or replace the filed affidavit and closing statement. Use the current DOR forms and a qualified Washington professional for the actual transaction.
The public calculator uses SENTINEL's deterministic REET service and shows the service's rate assumptions and effective-period fields. Treat its output as a working estimate until the location code and transaction details are verified. See the methodology →
Frequently asked
- What does this Washington REET calculator estimate?
- It estimates the standard graduated state portion and the configured county-level local-rate assumption for a non-classified residential transfer. It does not determine exemptions, classified agricultural or timberland treatment, predominant use, controlling-interest transfers, mobile-home treatment, or a multi-location transaction.
- Who pays REET in Washington?
- Washington DOR says the seller usually pays REET; if it is not paid, the buyer can be responsible. Deed transfers continue to be reported to the county where the property is located. Confirm the transaction-specific obligation with the closing professional and current DOR instructions.
- Why is the local REET amount only an estimate?
- DOR publishes local rates by location code and effective date. A county selection alone does not establish the exact code or rate for every property, and rates can change. Verify the property's exact location code in the current DOR REET rate table before relying on the result.
- How should I verify the estimate?
- Check the current Washington DOR REET page, use the rate table and affidavit that apply on the transfer date, confirm the location code and land classification, and review the closing statement. This page is an estimate, not tax or legal advice.
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In SENTINEL, chat can explain the assumptions behind a seller-cost estimate and keep the calculation beside the work for King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Whatcom agents.