Documents of conveyance, such as deeds, contracts, etc. are cleared for excise tax within the Recording Department. A real estate excise tax affidavit must be fully completed for each conveyance document being recorded. The affidavit must be signed by both grantor/seller and grantee/buyer or an agent for each. Processing fees vary depending on transaction type. Excise tax is due on any sale within one month of the sale date shown on the conveyance document and must be paid before the document can be recorded. Tax rates vary throughout Pierce County and are calculated using the property's tax parcel number, date of sale and sale price.

The SELLER of real estate or of a fixed mobile home must pay excise tax within one month of sale or interest and penalty accrue against the tax. (RCW 82.45.060-090). Excise tax must be paid before the document of conveyance can be recorded or the mobile home title transferred. On taxable transactions, personal property taxes must be paid in full for the year before we can process a mobile home excise tax affidavit. On non-taxable transactions, personal property taxes must be current before we can process a mobile home excise tax affidavit.

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Instructions for preparing conveyance documents

Instructions for preparing Excise Tax Affidavits