State law mandates King County collect the real estate excise tax (REET) on the sales of real estate. The seller typically pays the REET. Excise taxes assessed on a conveyance (transfer) must be paid before the recording of the conveyance documents. This includes documents like the warranty deed and real estate contract.
A Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit must be completed and signed by all parties involved in a real property conveyance. Submit the completed form to our office. For help completing a REET Affidavit, please contact the Washington State Department of Revenue.
In this section expand_moreNote: A minimum of $10 is due in fees and/or tax.
| Documents | Fees |
|---|---|
| Non-taxable excise tax affidavits | $10 |
| Taxable excise tax affidavits | $5 plus excise tax |
The Recorder’s Office cannot offer legal advice or determine the legal correctness or function of the content of your document. We also do not provide templates and cannot assist with preparation of REET documents. It is highly advised that you consult a professional before recording.
King County Recorder's Office206-477-6620
TTY Relay 711
Phone Hours: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekdays
For parcel information, use the King County Parcel Viewer
For property tax information, visit King County Treasury Operations
To search statewide land boundary information, visit the Public Land Survey Office