TradeExit Guide

Business brokers in Seattle, Washington

Brokers in Seattle follow Washington rules: if real estate or a lease is involved to broker a sale.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 5 sources · By the TradeExit Guide team

Rules that apply to a sale in Seattle

Informational only, not legal or tax advice. Accessed 2026-09-23.
TopicWhat the rule saysSource
Who may broker the sale (Washington law)Washington defines a "business opportunity" as a business or its goodwill when the transaction includes an interest in real property, bringing it under real estate broker licensing (RCW 18.85.011).

RCW 18.85.011 - Definitions

State income tax on the gainWashington has no personal income tax on wages or business income.

Tax Foundation - 2026 State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets

Special treatment of the gainWashington has no income tax but levies a capital gains excise tax: 7% on long-term gains above an annual standard deduction and an additional 2.9% on taxable gains above $1 million. The sale of substantially all of a qualified family-owned small business can be exempt if strict requirements are met.

Washington DOR - Capital gains tax

What brokers in Seattle charge

Main Street business brokers usually charge a success fee - a percentage of the sale price paid at closing - with a minimum fee; lower-middle-market M&A advisers often use tiered percentages and may charge an upfront retainer credited against the success fee. Few brokers publish their rates. Two that do: Empire Flippers (online businesses) charges 15% of the price up to $700,000, then 8% up to $5M and 2.5% above; Flippa charges a 10% success fee plus a listing fee. Use published schedules as a benchmark when you negotiate, and compare total cost if the deal does not close. See broker vs DIY for the fee math and our broker reviews.

How to vet a broker in Seattle

  1. Check the license

    If your deal includes a lease assignment or real estate (most do), ask for their Washington real estate license and verify it.

  2. Ask for closed deals like yours

    How many businesses in your industry and size range did they close in the last two years, and at what share of asking price?

  3. Get every fee in writing

    Success-fee percentage, minimum fee, any upfront, valuation or marketing fee, and whether buyers you bring trigger the fee.

  4. Limit exclusivity and the tail

    Listing term (6-12 months is common) and the tail period after it ends during which a sale still owes a fee.

  5. Know who does the work

    The person who pitches you should be the person who runs your deal.

  6. Know your number first

    Run the valuation calculator so you can judge whether a broker’s suggested price is a listing tactic.

Selling a specific kind of business

Dental practiceMedical practiceVeterinary practiceRestaurantInsurance agencyAccounting / CPA firmHome services (HVAC, plumbing, pest, roofing, electrical)

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Frequently asked questions

Do business brokers in Seattle need a license?

Washington defines a “business opportunity” as a business or its goodwill when the transaction includes an interest in real property, bringing it under real estate broker licensing (RCW 18.85.011).

Sources

  1. RCW 18.85.011 - Definitions (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. Tax Foundation - 2026 State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets (accessed 2026-09-23)
  3. Washington DOR - Capital gains tax (accessed 2026-09-23)
  4. Empire Flippers - Sell your online business (fees and requirements) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  5. Flippa - Pricing (accessed 2026-09-23)
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