TAX & LICENSE / STATE TAX SYSTEM
Income Tax
Washington State Department of Revenue
Taxpayer Services
800-647-7706
https://dor.wa.gov/
Local Revenue Offices
Bellingham
360-676-2114
Lacey
360-486-2366
Seattle
206-956-3002
Tacoma
253-593-2722
Washington is one of only nine states that does not levy a personal income tax. The state does not tax intangible assets like bank accounts, stocks, or bonds; nor does it tax retirement income earned and received from another state.
Sales Tax
Washington’s state sales tax is 6.5 percent. It applies to some services as well.
Real Estate Excise Tax
Most real property sales are subject to the real estate excise tax, which is imposed on the seller and usually paid to the county treasurer. Those planning on purchasing land and having a house constructed would pay real estate tax excise tax on the land. The total contract price (labor and materials) for home construction would be subject to retail sales tax. For details, contact:
Cowlitz County Treasurer
360-577-3060
https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/279/Treasurer
King County Treasurer
206-296-0923
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/finance-business-operations/treasury/property-tax.aspx
Kitsap County Treasurer
360-337-7135
www.kitsapgov.com
Island County Treasurer
360-679-7302
https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Treasurer/Pages/Home.aspx
Pierce County Treasurer
253-798-2775
www.co.pierce.wa.us/abtus/ourorg/at/at.htm
Snohomish County Treasurer
425-388-3366
https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/
Thurston County Treasurer
360-786-5550
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/treasurer/Pages/default.aspx
Whatcom County Treasurer
360-676-6774
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/
Property Tax
Throughout Washington State, property tax rates vary due primarily to voter-approved special levies. The average rate is $13.56 per $1,000 of fair market value. Personal property taxes are levied on real property and on the assets of businesses; assessment is under the jurisdiction of the County Assessor. For details on property taxes in your county, contact:
Cowlitz County Assessor’s
360-577-3010
www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/assessor
King County Assessor
206-296-7300
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor.aspx
Kitsap County Assessor
360-337-7160
https://www.kitsapgov.com/assessor/Pages/default.aspx
Island County Assessor
360-629-4522
https://www.islandcountywa.gov/assessors/Pages/Home.aspx
Pierce County Assessor
253-798-2775
www.co.pierce.wa.us/abtus/ourorg/at/at.htm
Skagit County Assessor
360-336-9370
https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/Assessor/main.htm
Snohomish County Assessor
425-388-3433
https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5167/Assessor
Thurston County Assessor
360-786-5410
www.co.thurston.wa.us/assessor
Whatcom County Assessor
360-398-1310
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/177/Assessor
