Transfer Tax on a $250,000 Home in Washington
The Washington transfer tax on a $250,000 purchase is $2,750 (marginal brackets: 1.1% up to $525,000, 1.28% from $525,000 to $1,525,000, 2.75% from $1,525,000 to $3,025,000, 3% above $3,025,000). In King County (all cities, including Seattle) the total is $4,000.
Nearby prices
| Purchase price | State tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| $200,000 | $2,200 | $2,200 |
| $250,000 | $2,750 | $2,750 |
| $300,000 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
| $350,000 | $3,850 | $3,850 |
| $400,000 | $4,400 | $4,400 |
| $450,000 | $4,950 | $4,950 |
| $500,000 | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| $600,000 | $6,735 | $6,735 |
| $700,000 | $8,015 | $8,015 |
| $800,000 | $9,295 | $9,295 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,855 | $11,855 |
Transfer tax calculator
Who pays
In Washington the seller pays the transfer tax by statute or custom, so it usually reduces the seller's proceeds rather than adding to the buyer's closing costs. DOR: 'usually, the seller pays this tax, but if they don't, the buyer is responsible', the tax becomes a lien on the property if unpaid. Source
With a local surcharge
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax on a $250,000 house in Washington?
$2,750: the state rate is marginal brackets: 1.1% up to $525,000, 1.28% from $525,000 to $1,525,000, 2.75% from $1,525,000 to $3,025,000, 3% above $3,025,000. In King County (all cities, including Seattle) and Clark County a local tax is added on top.
Who pays it?
In Washington the seller pays the transfer tax by statute or custom, so it usually reduces the seller's proceeds rather than adding to the buyer's closing costs. DOR: 'usually, the seller pays this tax, but if they don't, the buyer is responsible', the tax becomes a lien on the property if unpaid. Source
Sources
Rates as the statute or revenue department publishes them, checked 2026-09-22. Figures are computed from those rates and rounded to the dollar; exemptions for first-time buyers or principal residences are noted where they exist and are not applied. All sources.
Washington transfer tax overview → Title insurance on a $250,000 home in Washington →
Figures are computed from the statute cited above and rounded to the dollar. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Washington transfer tax