Utilities Tax

The utilities tax is applied to businesses that provide public utility services.

Both private utility companies and municipalities that provide utility services must pay the tax. The types of public utility services subject to the tax are:

  • Gas
  • Water
  • Electricity
  • Steam
  • Wastewater and rainwater drainage
  • Telecommunications and telephone
  • Cable television
  • Waste collection and recycling

Guidelines to follow

To register for Seattle utility taxes, email tax@seattle.gov. Please include your business name, customer number or City account number, type of utility you provide (e.g., electric, telephone) and the desired reporting frequency (annual, quarterly or monthly).

Read the code

You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) for legal details about the utilities tax.
SMC Chapter 5.48 covers the utilities tax.

Office of City Finance

Jamie Carnell, Director
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94669, Seattle, WA, 98124-4669
ocf@seattle.gov

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City Finance manages the financial operations of the City of Seattle and oversees the City’s financial controls and enterprise reporting while working to achieve the goals set by the Mayor and the City Council.