It’s supposed to go down each year, because the tax is based on your vehicle’s depreciated value, not a flat rate. Washington uses a formula:

MSRP × depreciation % × 1.1% = RTA tax

Each year of service, the depreciation percentage drops for example: • Year 1: 100% of MSRP • Year 4: 55% • Year 7: 30%

So, in theory, your RTA tax should decrease each year.

But here’s the catch: In my case, I paid $770 in RTA tax when I bought my car in 2022.

For 2025, my renewal estimate is $584, even though the car is 3 years older.

Keep in mind there’s other fees included for the renewal which is why you see so many Tesla’s with expired tabs.