King County imposes a 4 percent lodging tax on hotel and short-term rental stays under chapter 67.28 RCW, layered on the 6.5 percent state sales tax and local rates, totaling about 10.5 percent or more.
Washington authorizes counties to impose lodging taxes under chapters 67.28 and 67.40 RCW, used to fund tourism, arts, and convention facilities. King County collects a 4 percent special excise tax on lodging in unincorporated areas and many cities. The state sales tax of 6.5 percent under RCW 82.08 applies on top, plus local sales tax components, producing combined hotel taxes near 10.5 to 16 percent depending on city. Seattle, Bellevue, and SeaTac add convention center, tourism, and stadium taxes. Short-term rentals are subject to the same lodging taxes.
Hosts and operators that fail to register, collect, or remit lodging taxes can owe back taxes plus penalties up to 29 percent and interest under chapter 82.32 RCW, with criminal exposure for willful evasion.
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way permits construction under WAC 173-60.050 exemptions between 7 AM and 10 PM. Sunday work near homes is typically restricted. Work outside the win...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way prohibits dogs that bark or howl continuously and disturb neighbors under FWRC Title 9. Typical threshold is 20 minutes of continuous noise. Comp...
Federal Way, WA
Outdoor music events in Federal Way need a special event permit on public property or when amplified beyond neighborhood levels. Receiving limits at residenc...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way limits on-street RV and boat trailer parking to 72 hours. In residential zones, RVs on private property must be parked on a paved or gravel surfa...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at the Transit C...
Federal Way, WA
Under RCW 46.55, Federal Way police can tag and tow a vehicle left on a public street for more than 72 hours. On private property, owners follow state impoun...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how Federal Way's transient occupancy tax rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.