Washington State, under Chapter 82.45 of the Revised Code of Washington ( RCW ), imposes an excise tax on the sale of real property. Unless otherwise specifically exempt from tax under Washington Administrative Code ( WAC ) 458-61A, all sales of real property are subject to the Real Estate Excise Tax ( REET ). The County Treasurer acts as agent on behalf of the Washington State Department of Revenue ( DOR ) to collect the excise tax.
A Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit, along with a legal document (usually a type of deed), must be presented to the County Treasurer's office for processing and collection of tax or fees due. Sale transactions must be presented within 30 days from the date of sale to avoid assessment of interest and penalties per WAC 458-61A-306. The tax is the responsibility of the seller per WAC 458-61A-301(1)(b).
This process must be completed prior to presenting the conveyance document (deed) to the County Auditor's office for recording (recording fees apply).
It can take 10 to 20 minutes per document to process an excise tax transaction. Our office operates on a first come, first served basis. Please check with a staff member regarding wait times. Additionally, please keep in mind that the Auditor's office closes recording at 4 pm .
Courthouse employees do not have the appropriate legal expertise to assist you with completing or obtaining a legal document (deed), nor can we offer advice as to the accuracy or relevance of your document. If you require assistance with that process, we encourage you to seek help from a real estate attorney or a title company.
Special requirements apply to mobile and manufactured home transactions. Please contact the Treasurer's Office by email or by calling 509-745-8525 for more information.
Douglas County now accepts electronic Real Estate Excise Tax transactions through Simplifile. This process allows you to electronically file excise tax documents with the Treasurer's Office, and electronic record the conveyance document with Auditor's Office.
Mail and in person processing of these documents will continue to be available to all users.