(1) Purchasers.

(a) The real estate excise tax does not apply to an assignment of a purchaser's interest in an earnest money agreement if neither the earnest money agreement nor its assignment results in a change of title to or ownership of the real property.

(b) The real estate excise tax does apply to transfers when the purchaser of real property under a real estate contract assigns the purchaser's interest in the contract for consideration. The tax is based on all consideration paid or contracted to be paid to the grantor for the assignment, including any unpaid principal balance due on the assigned real estate contract.

(2) Sellers. The real estate excise tax does not apply when a seller of real property under a real estate contract assigns any interest in the contract to a third party.

(3) Documentation. The real estate excise tax affidavit is not required for exempt assignments; however, the instrument of assignment must be stamped by the county treasurer as required by WAC 458-61A-301. The stamp will cross-reference the number of the affidavit relating to the contract being assigned.