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Under Washington State law, who is primarily responsible for paying the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) at the time of a property sale?

Correct Answer

B) The seller, because the tax is imposed on the transfer of title

Under RCW 82.45, Washington's Real Estate Excise Tax is imposed on the seller as the party transferring title. The seller is primarily responsible for paying REET before the deed can be recorded by the county. This is a Washington-specific rule that candidates frequently confuse with buyer-paid transfer taxes used in other states.

Answer Options
A
The buyer, because the buyer receives the benefit of ownership
B
The seller, because the tax is imposed on the transfer of title
C
Both buyer and seller share the obligation equally by default
D
The listing broker, who collects and remits the tax at closing

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

reetseller_responsibilityexcise_taxrcw_82_45

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