Washington’s excise tax bands move up on January 1, 2027. Here is what that saves on real sale prices, and why it should not decide when you list.
Every Washington seller pays the state real estate excise tax at closing. It is graduated: 1.10% on the first part of the price, then 1.28%, 2.75% and 3.00% on each part above the thresholds. On January 1, 2027, those thresholds rise by $26,000 each. The rates stay the same.
What it saves
Because only the thresholds move, the saving is small and it has a ceiling. These are the state tax amounts for the same price, closing in 2026 or in 2027. Local excise tax, set by each city, is extra and unchanged by this.
| Sale price | Closing in 2026 | Closing in 2027 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $800,000 | $9,295 | $9,248 | $47 |
| $1,200,000 | $14,415 | $14,368 | $47 |
| $2,000,000 | $31,638 | $31,208 | $429 |
| $3,500,000 | $74,075 | $73,581 | $494 |
A seller at $1.2 million saves less than fifty dollars. Even above $3 million, the difference stays under five hundred.
Why it should not set your calendar
A few hundred dollars is less than one week of carrying costs on most homes here, and far less than the effect of listing in a stronger or weaker week. Choose your launch date for the home and the market. Then let the tax be whatever it is.
If you want to see your own number, the net proceeds estimator has both years built in. Change the closing year and watch the excise tax line.
Rates and thresholds: Washington State Department of Revenue, as summarized by Beresford Booth.