Utility taxes are levied on the gross operating revenues of the utilities shown below. The business activities affected by this tax are telephone, cellular, pager, gas, electric, cable, and garbage, water, and sewer. The rate is 8 percent for water and sewer utilities, and the rate for the remaining utilities is 6 percent.

Water and Sewer Utility Tax will increase from 8% to 10% effective Jan 1, 2025 (Ordinance 836).

Filing Frequency and Due Date: Utility tax is payable on a monthly basis; water utility tax and sewer utility tax are payable every two months. However, utility taxpayers with estimated gross income of less than $2,500 every three months may file taxes quarterly and utility taxpayers with less than $1,500 in estimated annual gross income may file annually. Remittance is due on the last day of the month following the reporting period.

Utility Tax in the Burien Municipal Code

Utility Tax Return Forms

Utility Rate Discounts

Seattle City Light Rate Discount Program for Low-income Residents: Burien residents who are Seattle City Light customers may be eligible for 50 percent utility rate discounts. Call (206) 684-0286 for information.

Utility Tax Relief Program: The City offers an annual Utility Tax Relief Program for low-income Burien households. To be eligible you must reside in Burien and have an annual income that is at or below 50 percent of the median income for the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Learn more about the utility tax relief program.

Taxes

Service Update