Washington Vacation Rental Tax Calculator

Estimate your property tax, lodging tax, federal income tax, and depreciation deductions for your Washington vacation rental property.

Step 1 of 4: Your Details

Your Details

Enter your details below to see your personalized vacation rental tax breakdown.

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

I consent to receiving marketing communications from Lodgify via email, WhatsApp, and phone calls, including AI-automated calls.

By submitting this form I agree with Lodgify Privacy Policy

Tax Types

What Taxes Apply to Washington Short-Term Rentals?

Washington STR hosts are subject to several types of taxes. Understanding which ones apply — and who collects them — is the first step toward compliance.

Sales Tax

Washington applies its state sales tax to short-term rental stays — currently at a base rate that contributes to combined lodging rates of 15.6%. Cities may add local sales tax on top.

Occupancy / Transient Lodging Tax

Washington's lodging/occupancy tax is the primary STR-specific tax. Combined rates reach 15.6% in Seattle and 11% in Chelan. This includes state, county, and city-level components.

Tourism / Convention Center Tax

Some Washington cities levy additional tourism, convention center, or special district taxes that add 1–3% to your total rate. In Seattle, the combined rate of 15.6% already includes these surcharges.

Federal Income Tax

Washington has no state income tax — a significant advantage for STR owners. Your net rental profit is only subject to federal income tax, reported on Schedule E (Form 1040). 2026 federal rates range from 10% to 37%.

Property Tax

Washington's average effective property tax rate is 0.98%. Assessed annually on market value. STRs may face higher assessments in some jurisdictions.

Important

Does Airbnb Collect and Remit Taxes in Washington?

Airbnb has agreements to collect and remit taxes in Washington — but coverage is not always complete.

Airbnb collects Washington's state-level lodging tax in most jurisdictions.
In Seattle and Chelan: Airbnb may or may not collect all county/city taxes.
Rural areas: You're often fully responsible for all local tax collection.
Even where Airbnb collects, you may owe additional local levies or special district taxes.

Bottom line: Never assume Airbnb handles all your Washington tax obligations. Verify with your local tax authority.

Compliance

Do You Need a Tax Permit in Washington?

In most Washington jurisdictions, yes. Common permits and registrations required:

State sales tax permit / seller's permit
City or county business license
Short-term rental operating permit
Lodging tax registration certificate

Consequences of non-compliance

5–25% penalties on unpaid taxes in Washington

Revocation of rental permit

Liens on your property

Tax Overview

Short-Term Rental Taxes in Washington

Key tax facts every vacation rental host in Washington should know.

No state income tax

State sales tax: 6.5% (applies to lodging)

City/county lodging taxes: 2–9% additional

Property tax rate: ~0.98%

City Breakdown

Lodging Tax Rates by City in Washington

Combined lodging/occupancy tax rates for major vacation rental markets in Washington.

CityCombined Rate

Seattle

6.5% state + 0.5% county + 2.75% King County + 3.95% convention + 1.9% special

15.6%

Chelan

6.5% state + 2% county + 2.5% city

11%

Leavenworth

6.5% state + 4% local

10.5%

Rates are estimates based on 2024-2025 data. Always verify with your local tax authority.

FAQs About Washington Vacation Rental Taxes

Common questions about short-term rental taxes, permits, and compliance in Washington.

Get Started Today with Lodgify

Ready to boost your vacation rental's visibility and revenue?

Lodgify gives you channel management, dynamic pricing, direct booking websites, and everything you need to grow — all in one platform.

Start Free Trial Book a Demo

No credit card required · Set up in minutes · Cancel anytime