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Washington · How-To Guide

How do I pay my property taxes?

County Treasurer (county level - each of Washington's 39 counties)
Details

What you need to know

Online Option
Most WA counties offer online payment; search "[County Name] County Washington treasurer property tax payment online"
Where to Go
County Treasurer's office
County-specific variations apply

All 39 WA counties follow the April 30 / October 31 schedule. King County (Seattle - kingcounty.gov/treasurer), Pierce County (Tacoma - piercecountywa.gov/treasurer), Snohomish County (Everett), Spokane County, and Clark County (Vancouver) have extensive online payment systems. Very rural WA counties (Garfield, Lincoln, Columbia, Ferry, Wahkiakum, etc.) have simpler systems.

Washington Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Washington has BOTH STATE PROPERTY TAXES (school funding) and LOCAL taxes on your bill.
  • SENIOR AND DISABLED EXEMPTION: One of the MOST GENEROUS senior property tax exemptions in the nation; qualifying WA residents 61+ (or disabled) with income under $84,000 (2024 limit - adjusts periodically) receive an exemption from all EXCESS LEVIES and a reduction in state levy; for lowest income tier (under $40,447 in 2024), taxes capped at 1% of assessed value; apply with your county assessor; VERY SIGNIFICANT
  • PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL: Qualifying seniors and disabled residents may defer property taxes as a lien on the property, payable upon sale; apply with county assessor
  • CURRENT USE ASSESSMENT (FARM AND FOREST): Agricultural land, timberland, and open space land may qualify for lower current-use assessment rather than market value; apply with county assessor
  • Washington assesses property at 100% of FULL TRUE AND FAIR VALUE as of January 1
  • No cap on assessment increases (unlike some states) but levy rate limits exist
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Washington State Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division - dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax | (360) 534-1400; County Treasurer (payment - varies by county); County Assessor (assessment and exemptions - varies by county)