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What is the Tax on Real Estate Sales in Washington State?

When it comes to real estate transactions, understanding the tax implications is crucial. In Washington State, there are specific taxes imposed on the sale of real estate. This article aims to provide an expert, informative, and easy-to-understand overview of the tax on real estate sales in Washington State.

Sales Tax: Unlike some other states, Washington does not levy a sales tax on real estate transactions. This means that buyers and sellers do not have to worry about paying a percentage of the purchase price as a sales tax.

Excise Tax: In Washington State, the tax on real estate sales is known as the excise tax. It is imposed on the sale of real property and is calculated based on the selling price. The excise tax rate in Washington State is determined by county, and it can vary from 1.28% to 3% of the selling price.

For example, if you sell a property in King County for $500,000, the excise tax would amount to $6,400 (1.28% of $500,000). However, if you sell a property in San Juan County for the same price, the excise tax would be $15,000 (3% of $

Graduated REET Structure effective Jan. 1, 2023 for the state portion of REET
Sale price thresholdsTax rate
$525,000 or less1.10%
$525,000.01 - $1,525,0001.28%
$1,525,000.01 - $3,025,0002.75%
$3,025,000.01 or more3%

Do I have to pay taxes on gains from selling my house in Washington state?

Q: Does the tax apply to sales of real estate? A: The capital gains tax does not apply to sales of real estate. This exemption applies whether a) a Washington individual taxpayer recognizes a gain on real estate held as an individual, or b) if the real estate gain was passed through from an entity.

Does Washington state have capital gains tax on property sale?

Gains from the sale of real estate are exempt from the Washington capital gains tax. Long-term gains and losses from the sale of interests in a privately held entity are exempt to the extent the gain is directly attributable to the real estate owned directly by such an entity.

How are real estate taxes calculated in Washington state?

Washington State's Constitution limits the regular (non- voted) combined property tax rate that applies to an individual's property to 1% of market value ($10 per $1,000). Voter approved special levies, such as special levies for schools, are in addition to this amount.

Does selling a house count as taxable income?

If you owned and lived in the home for a total of two of the five years before the sale, then up to $250,000 of profit is tax-free (or up to $500,000 if you are married and file a joint return). If your profit exceeds the $250,000 or $500,000 limit, the excess is typically reported as a capital gain on Schedule D.

How to avoid capital gains tax on house sale in Washington State?

A: The capital gains tax does not apply to sales of real estate. This exemption applies whether a) a Washington individual taxpayer recognizes a gain on real estate held as an individual, or b) if the real estate gain was passed through from an entity.

How do I appeal the excise tax in Washington State?

You may appeal an excise tax assessment from the Department of Revenue, or a denial of a request for a refund of excise taxes paid, to the State Board under RCW 82.03. 190. This statute requires you to complete the Department's administrative review process before you appeal to the State Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to avoid capital gains tax on the selling of a house?

A few options to legally avoid paying capital gains tax on investment property include buying your property with a retirement account, converting the property from an investment property to a primary residence, utilizing tax harvesting, and using Section 1031 of the IRS code for deferring taxes.

What is the capital gains excise tax in Washington state?

Background. Passed by the 2021 Washington State Legislature, ESSB 5096 (RCW 82.87) created a 7% tax on any gain in excess of $250,000 in a calendar year from the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets such as stocks, bonds, business interests, or other investments and tangible assets.

How much is excise tax on a home sale in Washington state?

Graduated REET Structure effective Jan. 1, 2023 for the state portion of REET
Sale price thresholdsTax rate
$525,000 or less1.10%
$525,000.01 - $1,525,0001.28%
$1,525,000.01 - $3,025,0002.75%
$3,025,000.01 or more3%

How is tax on sale of home calculated?

In California, capital gains from the sale of a house are taxed by both the state and federal governments. The state tax rate varies from 1% to 13.3% based on your tax bracket. The federal tax rate depends on whether the gains are short-term (taxed as ordinary income) or long-term (based on the tax bracket).

FAQ

What is the sales tax and excise tax in Washington?
Washington has a 6.50 percent state sales rate, a max local sales tax rate of 4.10 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.86 percent. Washington's tax system ranks 28th overall on our 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index.
What is excise tax on sale of home in washington state?
These are considered “classified land”. Property falling under these classifications will be taxed at a rate of 1.28% for the state portion. Land 
What is the $250000 / $500,000 home sale exclusion?
There is an exclusion on capital gains up to $250,000, or $500,000 for married taxpayers, on the gain from the sale of your main home. That exclusion is available to all qualifying taxpayers—no matter your age—who have owned and lived in their home for two of the five years before the sale.
What is the real estate sales tax in Washington state?
What is Washington's real estate excise tax?
For the portion of the selling price that is:Real Estate Excise Tax Rate
Less than or equal to $525,0001.1%
Greater than $525,000 and less than or equal to $1,525,0001.28%
Greater than $1,525,000 and less than or equal to $3,025,0002.75%
Greater than $3,025,0003.0%
Feb 17, 2023

What is the tax on real estate sales in washington state

Are property taxes based on sale price Washington State? All real and personal property in Washington is subject to property tax based on 100 percent of its true and fair market value unless the law provides a specific exemption.
How do you calculate sales tax in Washington state? Washington's retail sales tax is made up of the state rate (6.5 percent) and the local sale tax rate. Local rates vary depending on the location. The sales tax rate for items delivered to the customer at the store location (over the counter sales) is based on the store location.
How much is capital gains tax on real estate in Washington? Do I owe capital gains tax when I sell real estate? No. Washington's capital gains tax does not apply to the sale or exchange of real estate.
At what age do you stop paying property taxes in Washington state? 61 years of age or older At least 61 years of age or older. Retired from regular gainful employment due to a disability. Veteran of the armed forces of the United States receiving compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs at one of the following: Combined service-connected evaluation rating of 80% or higher.
  • What is excise tax on sale of home in Washington state?
    • Washington state levies a real estate excise tax (REET) on all property sales. This state tax rate is 1.28% of a property's full selling price.
  • What taxes do you pay when you sell a house in Washington state?
    • What is Washington's real estate excise tax?
      For the portion of the selling price that is:Real Estate Excise Tax Rate
      Less than or equal to $525,0001.1%
      Greater than $525,000 and less than or equal to $1,525,0001.28%
      Greater than $1,525,000 and less than or equal to $3,025,0002.75%
      Greater than $3,025,0003.0%
      Feb 17, 2023
  • Does buyer or seller pay excise tax in Washington state?
    • Seller The seller of the property typically pays the real estate excise tax, although the buyer is liable for the tax if it is not paid. Unpaid tax can become a lien on the transferred property. REET also applies to transfers of controlling interest (50% or more) in entities that own real property in the state.

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