APPEALING YOUR PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT

Each spring, Washington homeowners receive tax statements based on the assessed value of their homes. A large portion of revenues from property taxes go toward educating our community’s young people. In addition, our police, fire, libraries, and parks and recreation are funded with this money. During difficult economic times, these revenues are especially important.

As many in Washington have seen their property values decrease, it’s not unreasonable to expect that property assessments would go down as well. However, that’s not always the case. In the state of Washington, approximately half of your property tax is determined by levies for schools and community services.

While you can’t do much to avoid paying property taxes, if you are in question with the value your local assessor has placed on your house, you are entitled to an appeal. According to the National Taxpayer Union, up to 60 percent of homes are assessed at a higher value than they are truly worth, but only 5 percent of homeowners appeal their assessed value.

More information about Washington State tax statements, assessed property values, and the appeal process, click here to access them 

Property valuations and tax rates are assessed by individual counties. To find out more about your tax rate or how to appeal your assessment start by contacting your local county assessor. Click here for a link to all Washington State county assessors.

If your property assessment has piqued your curiosity about the value of your home, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to discuss a Home Valuation for your property.