Those Pesky Recording Fees

Today’s Situation This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Washington state’s recording fees are a Christmas tree And the Legislature continues to hang the ornaments

What We Have Today

The Tree after the 2019 Legislative Session This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

History A list of legislation going back to 1854 Year Session Law RCW Codification Fee – Associated with recording Archival Surcharge Non Archival Surcharge Session laws are available at Code Reviser Office http://leg.wa.gov/CodeReviser/Pages/session_laws.aspx

Where it all started? In 1854, the Auditor was appointed the recorder of Deeds. The fee was a dime per document. In 1893, the fee increased to 15 cents AND a nickel was charged for each indexed name over two.

Time moved on . . . Numerous changes followed. In 1959, the fee for the additional page increased to $1. And it has stayed there ever since. A gallon of gas in 1959 was 31 cents.

The Modern Era Begins In 1985, the fee for the first page increased to $5.00 and the indexing fees removed. And it has stayed that way ever since. A gallon of gas in 1985 was $1.20. In 1989, the first surcharge of $2 was added. It was designated to protect and preserve the records of the Auditor’s Office.

The 2000’s – The seedling becomes a full fledged tree

By the Years – Created by Pierce County

Created by Pierce County

Created by Pierce County

And the Adventure continues This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

The IRS The IRS will pay only for the cost of recording The IRS will NOT pay for housing, planning capital projects – such as the Library/Archives building This interpretation may expand to other Federal agencies. We probably need to seek legislative relief – again.

The State Treasurer Form A8 The flow: Office of Financial Management determines the budget codes, we collect recording fees, your treasurer reports them to the State Treasurer, the State Treasurer codes them, the state agencies use the money Mistakes have been numerous and ongoing. Verify with your County Treasurer how the fees and surcharges are being reported on the A8.

Questions This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND