To: All Pierce County Recording Customers

From: Vickie Chasco, Recording Manager & Lisa Drury, Recording Supervisor

Date: June 23, 2005

Subject: REET Fee Changes

We have a revised “go-live” date for the collection of the new Excise Fees and also an update on how the fees will be applied. Because we received conflicting instructions and information regarding the application of these new fees, our program will not be ready to accommodate the original 7-1-2005 effective date. In Pierce County, we will instead begin the collection effective July 11, 2005.

There will be a total of three different $5.00 fees.

The existing $2.00 Processing Fee for non-taxable affidavits has increased to $5.00. This also raises the “minimum due as tax and fee” from $2.00 to $5.00.

In addition a $5.00 County Technology Fee will apply whenever the Processing Fee applies (i.e. all non-taxable affidavits). This brings the total for non-taxable transactions to $10.00.

A $5.00 State Technology Fee will apply to all taxable affidavits. This is in addition to the tax due bringing the total for taxable transactions to $5.00 plus the applicable Excise Tax which must continue to be separate from any fee.

For sales where tax of less than $5.00 is due, the total due will be $15.00. On these affidavits, the standard minimum $5.00 will be due (part tax, part processing fee), in addition, the County Technology Fee (which is tied to the Processing Fee) and the State Technology Fee (which is tied to Excise Tax due) will both be applicable.

Please contact Lisa if you have questions or need further explanation (253-798-2118 or edrury@co.pierce.wa.us ).