Seattle B&O Tax: 0.342% for retail/wholesale/manufacturing (effective Jan 1, 2026, for businesses with over $2M gross receipts)
Short-term rentals are legal but require a business license tax certificate and a regulatory license; hosts can operate up to two units, one being primary residence.
Seattle's lack of a state income tax combined with its graduated Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) makes strategic property transaction planning and B&O tax management crucial for maximizing business and investment returns.
These are the dominant professions and industries in Seattle. Click your profession to see your personalized write-off list.
These strategies are especially powerful or unique for Seattle residents and business owners. Click any strategy to learn more.
Running an LLC or business in Seattle? Here's what you need to know about local taxes, entity structure, and the write-offs that matter most in this city.
Seattle business owners face both Washington state taxes and Seattle-specific local taxes. Understanding both layers is essential for effective tax planning.
Common questions about Seattle business taxes, LLC structure, and local write-offs — answered by Uncle Kam's tax advisors.
Seattle does not have a local individual income tax. You'll pay Washington state income taxes but no additional city-level income tax. Focus your planning on maximizing federal and Washington state deductions.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Seattle B&O Tax: 0.342% for retail/wholesale/manufacturing (effective Jan 1, 2026, for businesses with over $2M gross receipts)
Book a Free Strategy Call →The top write-offs for Seattle business owners include: S-Corp election to reduce self-employment taxes, home office deduction, vehicle and mileage, Section 179 equipment expensing, business meals and entertainment, retirement contributions (Solo 401k/SEP-IRA), and Seattle-specific deductions like local business taxes paid. Uncle Kam's advisors know the Seattle tax landscape — book a free strategy call.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Forming an LLC in Seattle provides liability protection and pass-through taxation. For most Seattle business owners earning over $60,000 net profit, adding an S-Corp election to your LLC can save thousands in self-employment taxes annually. Washington has specific LLC requirements and fees — get a personalized recommendation from Uncle Kam's tax advisors.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Short-term rental rules in Seattle: Short-term rentals are legal but require a business license tax certificate and a regulatory license; hosts can operate up to two units, one being primary residence. From a tax perspective, STR owners can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, depreciation, and management fees. The short-term rental loophole may allow you to offset W-2 income with rental losses if you qualify.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Yes — Seattle has designated Opportunity Zones where investors can defer and reduce capital gains taxes by investing in qualified opportunity funds (QOFs). This is one of the most powerful tax deferral strategies available for real estate and business investors in Seattle. Uncle Kam can connect you with advisors who specialize in OZ investments.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Freelancers and self-employed professionals in Seattle can reduce taxes by: electing S-Corp status (saves $5k–$20k/year for most), maximizing the home office deduction, deducting all business-related expenses, contributing to a Solo 401(k), and using the QBI deduction (up to 20% of qualified business income). Seattle's combined state and local tax burden makes these strategies even more valuable. Get a free tax review from Uncle Kam.
Book a Free Strategy Call →This city guide is commonly used by the following taxpayer profiles. Click to see all strategies for your situation.
Uncle Kam connects you with vetted CPAs and tax advisors in Seattle, Washington who specialize in maximizing write-offs for your business type.
Find Seattle Tax Professionals →Uncle Kam clients save an average of $5,000–$40,000/year. The strategies that make that possible are unlocked on a free strategy call.
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