In Washington, the amount of property taxes collected at closing is determined by the date of closing and the due date of the annual tax bill. Generally, buyers are responsible for paying two months' worth of property taxes at closing.
In addition to the $270,000 standard deduction detailed above, gain on some assets is exempt from the tax altogether, including: Real estate and gains from privately held entities directly attributable to a real estate sale. Retirement accounts. Certain livestock.
The homeowners pays the first 12 months of homeowners insurance at closing. Immediately after closing the title company will disperse that first year's premium directly to the insurance provider.
Washington State's Constitution limits the regular (non- voted) combined property tax rate that applies to an individual's property to 1% of market value ($10 per $1,000). Voter approved special levies, such as special levies for schools, are in addition to this amount.
It's illegal to drive a car in Washington without having liability insurance or another way to assume financial responsibility for damages.
If you are a new resident to the State of Washington you are required to license and title your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Washington resident. The following documentation is required: Federal Odometer Statement (FOS) if the vehicle is 10 years old or newer.
The appraisal to closing timeline may vary, but it generally takes two to five weeks to close after completing the home appraisal. While closing on your new house sooner than the average 43 days is possible, it requires a streamlined closing process.
How Long Does it Take to Close? The average number of days for a home to close in Washington State, particularly for transactions involving financing (i.e., those with a mortgage), typically ranges between 30 to 45 days.
Estate tax rates in Washington state are progressive and range from 10% to 20%. The estate tax in Washington applies to estates worth $2.193 million and up, as of 2025. If you're a Washington resident and you're starting to think about estate planning, this guide takes a deep dive into everything you need to know.
Washington Estate Tax Exemption The 2025 threshold for the estate tax in Washington is $2.193 million. So if a person's estate is equal to less than $2.193 million, then it won't be taxed by Washington state upon the person's death.