1. Those Pesky Recording Fees

2. 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

3. What We Have Today

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. By the Years – Created by Pierce County

11. Created by Pierce County

12. Created by Pierce County

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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