When Do Property Tax Bills Come Out in Washington? Key Dates and Deadlines
TL;DR
Washington assessment notices arrive February through April. The appeal deadline to the county Board of Equalization is July 1 (or within 60 days of the change of value notice, whichever is later). Tax bills are due in two installments: April 30 and October 31. Washington has no state income tax, so property taxes carry extra weight. The average effective rate is about 0.84%, but bills can be substantial due to high home values, especially in the Seattle metro area.
Washington Property Tax Calendar
| When | What Happens | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Assessment date | Values set as of this date |
| February-April | Change of value notices mailed | Review immediately |
| April 30 | First half tax payment due | Pay |
| July 1 | Board of Equalization petition deadline | File if overassessed |
| October 31 | Second half tax payment due | Pay |
Washington Assessment System
Washington assesses property at 100% of true and fair market value. The county assessor revalues all property annually based on market conditions and comparable sales data.
You receive a "Change of Value Notice" when your assessed value changes. If the value stayed the same, you may not receive a notice. Check your county assessor's website to verify your current value regardless.
How to Appeal in Washington
Step 1: County Board of Equalization
File a petition with the county Board of Equalization by July 1 or within 60 days of the value change notice, whichever is later.
The petition should include:
- Your property description and parcel number
- Current assessed value
- Your opinion of value and the basis for it
- Comparable sales data
The Board of Equalization holds a hearing and issues a decision. Most hearings are informal and last 15-30 minutes.
Step 2: State Board of Tax Appeals
If the county board denies your petition, you can appeal to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days. This is a more formal process.
Washington Exemptions
| Program | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior/disabled exemption | Partial or full exemption depending on income | Age 61+ or disabled, income under limit (adjusted annually) |
| Senior/disabled deferral | Defer taxes until property is sold or ownership transfers | Age 60+ or disabled, income under limit |
| Disabled veteran exemption | Reduction in assessed value | Veteran with 80%+ service-connected disability |
Washington's senior exemption is income-tiered. Higher income levels receive partial exemptions, while the lowest income levels receive full exemptions from regular levies. Apply with your county assessor by December 31 for the following year.
Washington Tax Rates and No Income Tax
Washington is one of a handful of states with no income tax. This means property taxes are a larger portion of the overall tax burden for residents. The average effective property tax rate is about 0.84%, but with median home values over $600,000 in the Seattle metro area, annual tax bills commonly exceed $5,000.
Property tax rates in Washington are set by levies approved by voters and governing bodies. The total rate is a combination of state, county, city, school district, fire district, library, port, and other special district levies.
King County (Seattle) Specifics
King County homeowners face some of the highest property tax bills in the state due to high property values. Key details:
- Assessment notices arrive in February-March
- Board of Equalization petition deadline: July 1
- The county assessor's e-Real Property website lets you look up your value, sales history, and property details online
- King County also offers online petition filing for Board of Equalization appeals
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my value increase more than 1% per year?
Washington law (RCW 84.55) limits the total revenue a taxing district can collect to 1% growth per year (plus new construction). This is a limit on total revenue, not individual assessments. Your individual assessment can increase more than 1% based on market value changes.
What if I did not receive a change of value notice?
If your value did not change, you may not receive a notice. Check your county assessor's website to see your current value. If it changed and you were not notified, contact the assessor's office about your appeal rights.
Is Washington a good state for appealing?
Yes. Washington reassesses annually and has a straightforward Board of Equalization process. The July 1 deadline gives you several months to prepare after receiving your notice.
Washington Homeowners: July 1 Is Your Deadline
With no income tax, your property tax bill carries extra weight. PropertyTaxFight builds your evidence packet with comparable sales. $79 one-time. Get your evidence packet and file before July 1.