Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way STR operators collect Washington retail sales tax, King County lodging tax, and state and local lodging taxes. Combined rates typically run around 12 to 13 percent, remitted through WA DOR.
View full Federal Way 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 | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Tax Rate | Approx 12 to 13 percent | - |
| State Sales Tax | 6.5 percent plus local | - |
| Lodging Tax | King County and state | - |
| Remittance | Washington DOR | - |
| Record Keeping | Five years | - |
| State sales tax | - | About 10.3 percent in Kirkland |
| 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.
Federal Way FAQ
What taxes apply to my Federal Way Airbnb?
Washington retail sales tax, state lodging tax, and King County lodging taxes apply to rentals under 30 days, typically totaling around 12 to 13 percent.
Does Airbnb collect all the taxes?
Airbnb collects many Washington state-level taxes automatically, but operators should verify and remit any remaining local taxes through the Department of Revenue.
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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