What is the statute of limitations for contract claims in Washington?

1. Written Contracts

RCW § 4.16.040(1) provides a 6-year SOL for actions upon a written contract or liability, express or implied, arising out of a written agreement.

2. Oral Contracts

RCW § 4.16.080(3) imposes a 3-year SOL on actions upon contracts or liabilities, express or implied, not in writing.

3. Sealed Instruments / Promissory Notes

Washington abolished the sealed-instrument distinction. Promissory notes follow the 6-year written-contract SOL.

4. Sale of Goods (UCC Article 2)

RCW § 62A.2-725 (UCC § 2-725) provides a 4-year SOL for breach-of-sales claims from tender of delivery. Parties may shorten to 1 year by original agreement.

5. Open Account / Account Stated

Open accounts use the 3-year SOL under § 4.16.080(3); account stated may use 6 years if written.

6. Accrual Rule

The cause accrues at breach. Each missed installment under an installment contract starts its own SOL.

7. Discovery Rule for Fraudulent Concealment

Washington applies the discovery rule narrowly in contract cases but tolls SOL for fraudulent concealment.

8. Tolling

RCW § 4.16.190 tolls for minority and incompetency. SCRA tolls for active military service. Defendant absence from Washington may toll under § 4.16.180.

9. Contractual Modification of SOL

Washington permits reasonable contractual shortening of SOL. Extensions before accrual are generally unenforceable.

10. Borrowing Statute

RCW § 4.18.020 borrows the shorter SOL when the cause of action accrued in another state.

This is legal information, not legal advice.