Translate
Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)
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.
View and download REET forms from the Washington State Department of Revenue
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regarding REET, including exemption information
Fees
Note: 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 responsibility for preparing a document for recording lies with the preparer, not the King County Recorder's Office or its Deputy Auditors.
Our staff can:
- Determine if your documents meet legibility requirements
- Determine if your documents are formatted correctly
- Determine if the indexing information on your documents is complete
- Determine if the correct fees are being collected
Our staff cannot:
- Suggest what types of documents or templates to use
- Help you fill out your documents
- Determine the legal correctness of your document
- Accept illegible documents