Source-verified

Washington replaces flat REET with graduated state tiers

Washington's state real estate excise tax moved from a flat state rate to graduated sale-price tiers for sales on or after January 1, 2020.

Source-verified · 2026-07-01Effective January 1, 2020 Official source ↗

What changed

A Washington estimate needs the sale-price tier and local REET. High-value transactions can be materially different from old flat-rate calculators.

Before

Washington used a flat state REET rate, with local REET added where applicable.

After

Washington applies graduated state REET tiers by sale price, plus any local REET. The statewide flat-rate shortcut is no longer safe for taxable sales.

Source trail

Official source: Washington Department of Revenue - Real estate excise tax
Last checked: 2026-07-01
Fee types: state real estate excise tax, REET

See Washington transfer-tax context or open the downloadable rule-change dataset.

Verify before closing: Transfer-tax rates, recording fees and title methods shown are based on the official source cited on this page as of the verified date. Rates change and local taxes vary — always confirm the current amount with the applicable county recorder's office or a licensed title professional before closing. Transfer-tax rates, recording fees and title methods shown are based on the official source cited on this page as of the verified date. Rates change and local taxes vary — always confirm the current amount with the applicable county recorder's office or a licensed title professional before closing. This change log is a research aid for dated government rule changes, not legal, tax, title, escrow, or settlement advice. Always confirm the deed date, property type, local jurisdiction, and official fee schedule before closing.