Tax relief

DID YOU KNOW?

State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and the disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. Yet more than 26,000 qualified seniors and disabled persons have yet to register for the exemption, and only 1 in 100 of those eligible for deferrals are currently enrolled. Details of these two programs are provided below. The process of applying is fairly simple.

We encourage you or those you know to take advantage of this meaningful tax relief provided for our citizens on fixed incomes.

Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a property tax deferral or exemption.

Senior Citizens/Disabled Exemption

Once qualified, you continue to benefit from the exemption but any change in circumstances must be reported to the assessor to avoid penalties. For information, call 206-296-3920 or download an application.

If you are not currently receiving SSI benefits, you must complete a Proof of Disability Form (.PDF).

Senior Citizens/Disabled Deferral

If you are 60 or older or are retired because of physical disability and have an income of $40,000 or less, you may qualify for deferral of your property tax liability. Deferred taxes become a lien on your property. For information, call 206-205-5759 or download an application (.PDF).

Limited Income Deferral

If you meet qualification, you can defer 50 percent of your taxes and /or special assessments.

To qualify, you must have owned your property for five years. The first half of your taxes, due April 30th, must be paid before applying for the deferral on your second installment due October 31st. The rate of interest for the deferral is based on an average of the federal short-term rate, plus 2 percent. The application deadline is September 1 of each year. The deferred taxes, plus accumulated interest, become a lien on your property. For more information, call 206-296-3920 or get more detailed information in this publication (.PDF, 1,539KB). You can also download an application here (.DOC, external link).

Homeowner Improvement

All owners of detached single family dwellings (including mobile homes on fee-owned land) may be eligible for relief from tax increases caused by major additions or remodels. Claims for exemption must be filed with the assessor BEFORE construction is complete. For more information, call 206-205-0656 or download an application (.PDF).

Flood and Storm Damaged Property

Property tax relief is available for flood and storm damaged property. Property damaged or destroyed by something beyond the property owner's control is eligible for a reduction of assessed value resulting in lower property taxes. The amount of reduction depends on the amount of value loss and when the natural disaster occurred.

If you own property in King County and wish to file a Destroyed Property claim, please use the King County Destroyed Property Form (.PDF).

For additional information regarding destroyed property and claims see DOR (external link).

Current Use

State law provides for agricultural land, timber land and other open space to be assessed at its current use, rather than its highest and best use. For farm and agricultural land, call the assessor at 206-296-3969. For other classifications, contact the King County Council at 206-205-0656.

Personal Property Tax Exemption

If you are a sole proprietor, you are eligible for a $15,000 Head of Household exemption, which is deducted from the business's total assessed value. For more information, call 206-296-5126.

Farm Equipment Exemption

An exemption for certain farm equipment is available using this form (.DOC, external link).

In addition, some real estate and/or personal property is exempt from property tax based on its use or ownership. A detailed summary of exemptions is provided on pages 1-49 of this Department of Revenue report (.PDF, external link).

Historic Property

The cost of substantial improvements to eligible historic property (25% or greater of the assessed value prior to rehabilitation) may be excluded from the assessed value for a period of ten years. Call 206-296-5145 for more information or download an application (.PDF). Applications are approved by the Historical Preservation Board.

Timber or Timber Land

State law exempts all timber on privately and federally owned land from property taxes, although excise taxes are paid at the time of harvest. Forest land is subject to property tax, assessed at its highest and best use. However, qualifying timberland can be exempt from the "highest and best use" standard. To qualify, a parcel must be at least 20 acres and used primarily to grow and harvest timber. Property will be assessed a compensating tax if the use changes or the owner removes the classification. Call 206-296-3969 for more information.

Church-Owned Property

Church-owned property used for church purposes is exempt from property taxes. Property must be used for such things as church, parking, parsonage, convent and caretaker's residence. The land on which an exemption is granted may not exceed five acres. Call 206-296-5151 for information.

Exempt Property

Tax exemptions are also available for property based on how it's used. Examples include: