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.
Short-term rental hosts in Bellevue face a layered tax structure. The Washington state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, plus local components bringing the King County combined rate to approximately 10.4 percent as of 2025. The city imposes an additional 5 percent hotel/motel tax and a 2.5 percent transient rental tax on stays of fewer than 30 days under authority of RCW 67.28. Total tax burden on nightly rate can approach 18 percent. Operators must register with the Washington Department of Revenue and obtain a UBI number. Major hosting platforms such as Airbnb may collect certain state-level taxes automatically, but operators are responsible for verifying which specific taxes each platform remits and filing for any gaps. The Washington Business and Occupation (B and O) tax generally applies at the Retailing or Service classification depending on the host setup. Cleaning fees, pet fees, and resort fees are typically taxable along with the room rate. Monthly or quarterly filing with WA DOR is required based on tax liability.
Failure to remit taxes: WA DOR assessment, penalties up to 29 percent plus interest, and potential criminal tax evasion liability for willful nonpayment.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bellevue, WA
Outdoor music must comply with BCC 9.18 limits. Special events with amplified sound require a noise variance from the City Clerk and typically must end by 10...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue treats habitual barking as a nuisance under BCC Title 8 and BCC 9.18. King County Regional Animal Services investigates complaints and issues warnin...
Bellevue, WA
Aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA. Bellevue sits in the Sea-Tac contour near Renton Municipal Airport. Complaints go to Port of Seattle Aviati...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue enforces RCW 46.55 and BCC 11.23 against vehicles left on streets more than 72 hours or stored inoperable on private property, with impoundment and ...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones; chain link is allowed but discouraged in front yards by design guid...
Bellevue, WA
RCW 16.60 governs boundary fences and cost-sharing in Washington. LUC 20.20.400 controls height and placement. Spite fences allow civil remedy. Get a survey ...
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