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Bill

HB 1480

Allowing all counties to impose a real estate excise tax for the purpose of developing affordable housing, subject to the will of the voters.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Doglio and 10 co-sponsors

HB 1480 lets Washington counties impose voter-approved real estate excise taxes to fund affordable housing development, expanding current limited authority statewide.

First reading, referred to Finance.
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Bill Summary · HB 1480

Legislative bill overview

HB 1480 would authorize all Washington counties to impose a real estate excise tax (a tax on property sales) dedicated to affordable housing development, contingent on voter approval in each county. Currently, only certain counties have this authority. The bill expands local control over housing finance mechanisms statewide.

Why is this important

Washington faces a significant affordable housing shortage, and local governments struggle with funding mechanisms to address it. This bill would give counties a voter-approved tool to generate dedicated revenue for housing without requiring state legislative action for each county. The excise tax approach targets funding from real estate transactions, which tend to correlate with economic activity.

Potential points of contention

  • Impact on property sales and market activity: Real estate excise taxes could increase transaction costs, potentially cooling home sales or discouraging property investment, particularly affecting first-time homebuyers and rural markets with lower transaction volumes
  • Regressive burden concerns: Lower-income individuals purchasing homes would pay the tax proportionally to sale price; renters wouldn't benefit directly despite housing costs affecting them most acutely
  • Revenue predictability and allocation: Revenue fluctuates with real estate market conditions, creating budgeting uncertainty for long-term housing programs; the bill doesn't specify how funds must be used beyond "affordable housing development"
  • Local variation and competitive disadvantage: Counties imposing the tax might see buyers/developers shift to neighboring counties without it, potentially creating regional economic disparities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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