CPAide Accounting and Tax Directory

Retail sales tax is Washington's principal tax source. Businesses making retail sales in Washington collect sales tax from their customer.

Unclaimed property refers to property being held by an organization that has not had contact with the owner for an extended period of time. Property is usually considered unclaimed after three years, when it is turned over to the state of Washington. Banks, retailers, credit unions, utilities, corporations, insurance companies, and governmental entities are some of the many sources of unclaimed property.

The estate tax is levied on the value of estates of Washington residents, or non-residents who own property in Washington State.

Including litter tax, public utility tax and regional transit authority tax.

Retail sales tax is Washington’s principal tax source. Businesses making retail sales in Washington collect sales tax from their customer.

To file for unclaimed property: 1. Search our online unclaimed property database; 2. If you find a claim that belongs to you, complete and print the claim form; and 3. Follow the instructions on the claim form and return it to our office with the required documentation.

Heir finders and asset locators help reunite owners with their property for a fee. Consumer protection agencies advise that legitimate businesses do not expect payment until the property is returned to the owner. Be suspicious of anyone who tries to charge a fee before you receive your property, or tries to charge a fee other than a percentage of the money to be returned to you. No one may charge a fee greater than five percent for property reported to the state of Washington.

A holder is anyone who owes money or property to an individual or business. When the holder cannot find the owner of the unclaimed property, the property must be reported to the Washington State Department of Revenue.

Washington’s use tax is due on items used by a business or individual when sales tax has not been paid (except inventory held for sale).