Bellevue vs Seattle
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Bellevue.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue STR operators collect sales tax (~10.4%), a 5% hotel/motel tax, and a 2.5% transient rental tax under RCW 67.28. B and O tax may also apply. Airbnb may auto-collect some taxes only.
View full Bellevue rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle STR hosts must collect Washington State lodging taxes under RCW 67.28. Seattle imposes a Business License Tax (based on gross receipts). The $75/year per-unit STR regulatory license fee applies separately.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Sales Tax | ~10.4% | - |
| Hotel/Motel Tax | 5% | - |
| Transient Rental | 2.5% | - |
| DOR Registration | UBI required | - |
| State Law | RCW 67.28 | - |
| State Lodging Tax | - | RCW 67.28 (collected by platforms) |
| City B&O Tax | - | Seattle B&O Tax on gross receipts |
| STR License Fee | - | $75/unit/year |
| Business License | - | Also required — filelocal-wa.gov |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
What is the total tax rate on Bellevue short-term rentals?
Approximately 18 percent when combining the 10.4 percent sales tax, 5 percent hotel/motel tax, and 2.5 percent transient rental tax authorized under RCW 67.28.
Does Airbnb handle all Bellevue STR taxes?
Airbnb auto-collects some state and local taxes, but operators should verify on the host dashboard which taxes are remitted and file directly with Washington DOR for any gaps.
Seattle FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Seattle?
Seattle STR hosts must collect Washington State lodging taxes under RCW 67.28. Seattle imposes a Business License Tax (based on gross receipts). The $75/year per-unit STR regulatory license fee applies separately.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Seattle?
State Lodging Tax: RCW 67.28 (collected by platforms). City B&O Tax: Seattle B&O Tax on gross receipts. STR License Fee: $75/unit/year. Business License: Also required — filelocal-wa.gov.
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