Tax on short-term rentals like Airbnb again under discussion in WA

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: January 20, 2026

Words: 694

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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The Washington Legislature is again considering empowering local governments to tax short-term housing rentals, much to the irritation of homeowners who rent out their properties on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

House Bill 2559 would allow cities and counties, starting in April 2027, to impose a tax up to 4% on short-term rentals to raise money for affordable housing. Uses of the revenue include building new housing, maintaining existing units and providing rental assistance. …

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