Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit

Affidavit & Document Submission

Our staff is not able to walk you through the often complicated legalities involved in transferring property. Our responsibility is to compare the information on the excise affidavit with the information on the deed or real estate contract you present to ensure it matches. The law library in the courthouse has examples of different types of deeds and documents, their information is available here.


The Treasurer's Office does not provide any legal documents or real estate excise affidavits. We are restricted from giving legal advice or assisting with preparing your documents.


Deed Preparation Resources

  • Title Companies
  • Escrow Companies
  • Real Estate Attorneys

Locate Legal Documents / Deeds

  • Larger stationery stores
  • Office supply stores

Real Estate Affidavits Resources

Excise Tax Resources

Excise tax must be paid at the time processed:

  • Credit cards are not accepted for paying excise-checks, cash, and money order only.
  • Payment made by check must be limited to one check per transaction.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation is required for some transactions. There are no exceptions to what is listed in the Washington Administration Codes.

Appeals

When excise staff determines a transaction is taxable and you disagree you must pay the excise tax and petition the Department of Revenue (DOR) by email for a refund request, or provide us with a written predetermination from the DOR.

Forms

Washington State Law requires that a Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit be completed and signed prior to a deed being recorded to transfer ownership of real property.


For your convenience, some REETA helpful hints (PDF) and Mobile Home REETA Helpful Hints are available to assist you in filling out the affidavit, you can find these links on the Washington State DOR real estate excise forms page.


Excise Tax Division Hours: 

Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Closed Holidays)