Taxes & Fees: Auburn vs Kirkland
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Auburn and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn STRs pay Washington state sales tax, state and local lodging taxes, and a city business license fee. Airbnb and Vrbo typically remit state taxes automatically on behalf of operators.
View full Auburn rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Short-term rental operators in Kirkland must collect Washington sales tax, state lodging tax, King County tax, and pay Kirkland business license fees based on gross receipts.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| State sales tax | Applies to stays under 30 days | About 10.3 percent in Kirkland |
| Lodging tax | State plus local | - |
| City business license | Annual fee required | - |
| Platform tax collection | Airbnb/Vrbo remit state taxes | - |
| Direct rentals | Must register with DOR | - |
| King County lodging | - | 2 percent |
| City lodging tax | - | 1 percent |
| City license fee | - | About 125 dollars plus receipts |
| Record retention | - | 5 years minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Do I owe taxes if Airbnb collects them?
Airbnb remits state sales and lodging taxes. You still owe city business license fees and may owe B&O tax depending on your gross receipts.
What if I rent directly without a platform?
You must register with Washington DOR, collect sales and lodging taxes yourself, and file returns on the required schedule.
Kirkland FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Washington taxes for me?
Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit state and local sales and lodging taxes under the marketplace facilitator law, but hosts must still register and file returns showing the marketplace-collected amounts.
Is Kirkland business license revenue-based?
Yes, Kirkland charges a base license fee plus a gross receipts component that increases with annual revenue, and STR income counts toward that total.
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