Closing costs in Washington

The rules

What Washington does differently

State transfer tax

1.10% of the selling price up to $525,000, 1.28% from $525,000.01 to $1,525,000, 2.75% to $3,025,000 and 3% above (state real estate excise tax, RCW 82.45.060; thresholds through December 31, 2026) (about 1.1% of the price at $400,000).

Who pays it

Seller, by custom.

County and city add-ons

Counties and cities add local excise tax of 0.25% and most add a second 0.25%, so 0.5% local is typical (Seattle and King County), for 1.6% total on a $400,000 sale. A $5 technology fee applies per transfer.

Attorney at closing

Washington does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company usually conducts it, and an attorney is optional.

Owner’s title policy

The seller customarily pays for the owner’s title insurance policy in Washington; the buyer pays for the lender’s policy.

Notes

The statute makes the tax the seller's obligation. A $400,000 sale falls entirely in the 1.10% tier: $4,400 state plus about $2,000 local. New thresholds take effect January 1, 2027 ($551,000 / $1,551,000 / $3,051,000). Escrow companies conduct closings.

• dor.wa.gov — “$525,000 or less 1.10% | $525,000.01 - $1,525,000 1.28% | $1,525,000.01 - $3,025,000 2.75% | $3,025,000.01 or more 3%”
• app.leg.wa.gov — “The tax levied under this chapter is the obligation of the seller”
• app.leg.wa.gov — “at a rate not exceeding 0.25 percent of the selling price”

Worked example

A $400,000 home in Washington, 20% down

Loan of $320,000 at 6.5%, closing on the 15th. Lender, title and recording figures are typical line items used for illustration, the same on every state page; the transfer tax and the owner’s policy side follow Washington’s rules above. Not a quote: the calculator takes your own figures.

Questions

What people ask about Washington

Who pays the transfer tax in Washington?

Washington charges a state transfer tax of 1.10% of the selling price up to $525,000, 1.28% from $525,000.01 to $1,525,000, 2.75% to $3,025,000 and 3% above (state real estate excise tax, RCW 82.45.060; thresholds through December 31, 2026), about 1.1% of the price, and the seller customarily pays it. Counties and cities add local excise tax of 0.25% and most add a second 0.25%, so 0.5% local is typical (Seattle and King County), for 1.6% total on a $400,000 sale. A $5 technology fee applies per transfer.

Do you need an attorney to close on a house in Washington?

Washington does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company usually conducts it, and an attorney is optional.

Who pays for the owner’s title policy in Washington?

The seller customarily pays for the owner’s title insurance policy in Washington; the buyer pays for the lender’s policy.

How much are seller closing costs in Washington?

On a $400,000 sale with a 5% commission, the worked example on this page comes to $29,400 for the seller, including $4,400 of transfer tax, before the mortgage payoff and any concessions or repairs. The seller net sheet calculator shows the walk-away figure.