transfer tax

[Mike Hummer]

a friend has property in the state of Washington , She has it in partnership with her boyfriend. His name is on title, they just refinaced with her buying down the loan with her money only of $200k. The title or escrow company didnt record her name on the title.She called them and they said the county wants $1600 to put her name on title. Escrow said" since you are not married this is a transfer tax". This was not a sale, just a refinance. the escrow co . told her " pay it if you want your name on title, otherwise your name wont be recorded with the county as a titled owner". I told her to pay the $1600 ,get your name on title then go after the escrow companies errors and omission insurance. Did I give the right advise ?. any suggestions on what she should do?