Spokane County receives the majority of their tax revenues from three sources, property tax, real estate excise tax, and sales tax.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are one of Spokane County's major revenue streams. The assessment is made by the Assessor's office and the tax rate applied (levied) to the assessment is set by the County Board of Commissioners in a resolution of the board.
Real Estate Excise Tax
Chapter 82.45 of the Revised Code of Washington imposes an excise tax on every sale of real estate in this state. RCW 82.46 authorizes counties, cities, and towns to impose additional taxes on sales of real property based on the same incidences, collection, and reporting methods, as applicable under chapter 82.45 RCW. Taxes imposed are due at the time the sale occurs.
Sales Tax
The retail sales tax is Washington's principal tax source. In addition, local retail sales and use tax provide important funding sources for local government programs. Retailers collect the combined state and local retail sales tax from their customers.