How much is Washington’s real estate excise tax when you sell a home? The tax is graduated — different portions of the sale price are taxed at different rates — so the calculator below shows exactly what you would owe, bracket by bracket.
Washington’s real estate excise tax (REET) is one of the largest costs of selling, and because it is tiered, a lot of sellers guess wrong. The rate steps up as the price climbs, and cities and counties add a local piece on top. Here is a clear breakdown for 2026.
Calculate your excise tax
Washington Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) Estimator
How the graduated rate works
The state rate applies in tiers to the portions of the sale price that fall in each band: 1.10% up to $525,000, 1.28% on the portion from $525,000 to $1,525,000, 2.75% from $1,525,000 to $3,025,000, and 3.0% above that. A local REET (commonly around 0.5% in King County) is added on top. The excise tax is customarily paid by the seller, and it is a separate thing from any capital gains tax.
How to use it
Enter your sale price and your city’s local add-on. The calculator splits the state tax across each bracket, adds the local piece, and shows your total and your effective rate. Adjust the local field for your specific city, since it varies.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the real estate excise tax in Washington?
The seller customarily pays it at closing. It is deducted from your proceeds, which is why it shows up on a seller net sheet.
How much is excise tax on a $900,000 home?
The state portion is about $10,575 (1.10% on the first $525,000 plus 1.28% on the remaining $375,000), plus a local add-on of roughly $4,500 at 0.5% — around $15,000 total. The calculator shows the exact split for your price and city.
Is excise tax the same as capital gains tax?
No. Excise tax is a transfer tax on the sale price, owed on essentially every sale. Capital gains tax is a separate tax on profit. They are different things and can both apply.
Emily Cressey, HomePro Associates — helping Greater Seattle buyers and sellers since 2002. Call or text 206-245-8813 or visit HomeProAssociates.com.