Taxes and rules for Washington homeowners

The taxes, exemptions, rebates and contractor rules that change what a home project costs in Washington. Each guide is based on state law and agency pages, and names its sources.

Taxes · Seattle area Sales tax on home repairs 10.55% in Seattle Rates by city → Taxes · Washington Home improvement tax exemption Up to 3 years What qualifies and when to file → Rules · Washington Contractor bond claim $30,000 bond How much you can recover → Rules · Washington Construction lien on your home 90 days to record Deadlines and lien releases → Rebates · Washington Heat pump rebates $300–$6,000 PSE, City Light, Tacoma Power →

Which guide do you need?

• Budgeting a job? Washington taxes the whole contract, labor included: see sales tax on home repairs.
• Planning an addition or remodel? File for the home improvement property tax exemption before the work is finished.
• A contractor walked off the job? See how a contractor bond claim works and the two-year deadline.
• A lien notice or a lien on your home? See construction liens in Washington: deadlines and lien releases.
• Replacing a furnace? See heat pump rebates in Washington.

These guides summarize Washington law and agency information. They are not tax or legal advice. See our disclosure and disclaimer.