Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts

Kenmore City Council adopts resolution in support of Northshore Fire levy rate ballot measure (Proposition No. 1)

Sunday, July 28, 2024

KENMORE, Wash. – At the July 22, 2024 meeting, the Kenmore City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution in support of the Northshore Fire levy rate ballot measure, also known as Proposition No. 1.

If approved, this levy would provide a major funding source for emergency services provided by the Northshore Fire Department. (See previous article)

The Northshore Fire Department is seeking voter approval to restore its fire levy to $0.70 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2024 (to be collected in 2025), which is an increase of approximately $0.18 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

State limitations on funding increases have not allowed the Northshore Fire Department to keep up with increasing labor and operational costs and planned capital improvement projects. 

Voter approval of Proposition No. 1 would provide funding for the Northshore Fire Department to continue providing fire and emergency medical services at existing levels in Kenmore. The last time that the Northshore Fire Department asked for a fire levy rate increase was 20 years ago.

Proposition No. 1 will be included on the ballot for the primary election on August 6, 2024.

The City Council's adopted resolution can be viewed here.


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King County Assessor: Residential values rise, while values of large office buildings fall in a mixed real estate market

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Assessor John Wilson
The King County Assessor’s office has begun the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving soon. 

 Preliminary indications show most residential areas will increase a little over 10% on average. Commercial properties are more mixed depending on property type.

“After dramatic fluctuations in the residential market during the COVID years, values have returned to a steady level of increase,” said King County Assessor John Wilson. 
“The volatility now is in the commercial sector and among condominiums.”

Each year, County Assessors set values on every commercial and residential property value in the state. 

These values – set effective as of January 1 by state law – are then applied to the next year’s tax bill. Property values are being set as of January 1, 2024, for taxes due in 2025.

Data indicates that most residential market areas will see value increases this year. Those increases will range from the single digits in Seattle, to roughly 20% in some east King County areas. In 2022, some Eastside communities saw values soar 50% in year over year.

Residential condominiums saw fewer sales in 2023 and all across King County will experience a value decline, mostly in the single digits. Downtown Seattle condominiums will experience the largest drop in value.

Most commercial values will remain flat, with some exceptions. Industrial properties will see increases of up to 10% and larger offices will decrease between 30% and 35%, as long-term leases have expired, renewals are for shorter-terms and for far less space, and the vacancy rate increased. 

Eastside offices will see an average decrease of 30%, though the I-90 area will experience a 35% drop. 

Downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square, and Lake Union will experience 35% to 40% drops in value.

“Finally, it is always important to remember that voter approved special levies usually have more impact on property tax increases than do increases in home values,” added Wilson.

Each year as required by law, County Assessors appraise every commercial and residential parcel across the state of Washington. These values – set effective as of January 1 of the assessment year – are what is being used to calculate property taxes due next year, in this case, 2025. 

Notices of the new valuations will be arriving in King County neighborhoods on a rolling basis for the next several months and will reflect the value of properties as of January 1, 2024.

By state law, King County adjusts property values annually to reflect market sales. All 720,000-plus King County residential and commercial property owners receive an annual value update. 

Because of that volume, the Department of Assessments (DOA) releases value notices in stages, starting in the spring, continuing through the summer and generally wrapping up around Labor Day.

Receipt of the value notice triggers a 60-day window during which time a property owner can appeal their new value, but not specifically the taxes. It’s important to note that increased values don’t directly relate to potential tax increases. 

Property tax collection amounts are set yearly by taxing districts around the county; not the King County Department of Assessments.

To learn more about how property values and taxes are determined, the appeal process, the senior exemption or to use the taxpayer transparency tool, please visit here.


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Strategies to Lower Property Taxes for Seniors

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Strategies to Lower Property Taxes for Seniors

In this workshop you will learn strategies to lower your property taxes so you can age in place or downsize with grace. Materials provided.

This workshop, a product of Shoreline Community College Continuing Education, will be offered on campus twice:
  • July 11, 2024
  • August 8, 2024

Fee: $39.00
Item Number: 20080
Dates: 7/11/2024 - 7/11/2024
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 1
Building: SL015
Room: Room 1515


Fee: $39.00
Item Number: 20081
Dates: 8/8/2024 - 8/8/2024
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 1
Building: SL015
Room: Room 1515



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United Way of King County’s free tax sites reopen for late filers

Thursday, May 16, 2024

(SEATTLE) — Filing your taxes late? Good news, United Way of King County is still operating three Free Tax sites through July 30, 2024. 

Avoid paying more fees by getting your taxes done through United Way’s Free Tax program.

United Way is offering free tax services to residents who make less than $80,000 a year (or less than $96,000 for non-single filers). 

Funded by United Way, the IRS, Washington’s Department of Commerce, and the City of Seattle.

Our tax preparation specialists will help clients understand their tax situation and take advantage of credits like the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Working Families Tax Credit to maximize their refund.

Our services are both in-person and virtual:
Note: Please come as close to opening as possible to have the best chance to receive assistance or arrive no later than 45 minutes before tax site closure. If you come later, you may need to return to the tax site at another time to finish your return.

Questions? Email us at  freetax@uwkc.org


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You may be eligible for a tax credit now

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

From Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal:

Reminder for WA State families — although filing season is over, you may still be eligible for a tax credit! 

As our state funds its own working families tax credit, I’ll keep pushing for an expanded Child Tax Credit nationwide.


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First-half property tax payments are due on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for property owners who pay taxes themselves and not through a mortgage lender

Thursday, April 11, 2024

First-half property tax payments are due on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for property owners who pay taxes themselves and not through a mortgage lender. We encourage you to pay your taxes online using our safe, secure eCommerce system.

If you have already paid your first-half property taxes, please disregard this message.

Taxpayers can receive services via:
Other helpful links:
Payment options: 
  • Taxpayers are encouraged to pay online using our safe, secure eCommerce system. Watch the video for easy to follow instructions.
  • eCheck payment ($0.55): An eCheck is an online version of a physical check that is deducted directly from your checking account. When you make your online tax payment from the treasury website, you authorize the bank to electronically withdraw funds from your checking account for the amount of your tax payment. The convenience fee for an eCheck transaction is $0.55.
  • Visa Debit Card payment ($3.50 flat fee): Debit card transactions are limited to Visa cards only. Debit card payments are processed immediately through your banking institute and a flat fee of $3.50 applies.
  • Credit Card payment (2.35% of the total amount charged): Credit card payments can be made with VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. All credit card payments are processed immediately and 2.35% is charged to your card, for the amount paid.
  • Note about transaction fees: a transaction fee (convenience fee) is charged by our payment processor. King County does not receive any part of the transaction fee.
  • Payments by Mail: If you wish to mail in your property tax payment, mail your payment to King County Treasury, 201 S. Jackson St., #710, Seattle, WA 98104. You can also use the grey return envelope that was enclosed with your 2024 tax statement.
  • In Person: 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday at the King County Customer Service Center in downtown Seattle, 201 S. Jackson St., 2nd Floor.
  • Taxpayers may also drop off payments at the secure drop box during limited hours only: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Dropbox is located at the Northwest corner of the King Street Center, located at 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104.
--King County Treasury

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Direct file your income tax - webinar on Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Sunday, March 31, 2024


The office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, along with Washington State’s Taxpayer Advocate, is hosting a webinar to present on and answer your questions about the IRS Direct File Pilot program.

Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS Direct File Pilot program was launched to provide eligible taxpayers in Washington State — one of only 11 states with access — with the ability to file their tax returns online for free directly with the IRS.

Rep. Jayapal says,

"I’ve advocated for the American people to have free tax filing services since the 117th Congress, and I am grateful for the IRS and the Biden administration’s rollout of the Direct File program that will greatly benefit hardworking families across Washington State. "

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

WHAT: IRS Direct File Pilot Webinar
WHEN: Tuesday, April 2nd from 6:00-7:00pm 
WHERE: Zoom link will be provided upon RSVP

If you have any questions, please contact Jayapal's local office at 206-674-0040.


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Get your taxes done for free at United Way of King County's Tax Prep sites

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Stock photo
(SEATTLE) — United Way of King County is offering free tax services to residents who make less than $80,000 a year (or less than $96,000 for non-single filers).

Funded by United Way, the IRS, Washington’s Department of Commerce, and the City of Seattle, the Free Tax Preparation program runs until Sunday, April 21, 2024. 

Services are available at 19 different locations across King County. 

Virtual assistance is also available through online tax site.

United Way tax preparation specialists will help clients understand their tax situation and take advantage of credits like the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Working Families Tax Credit to maximize their refund.

Last year our Free Tax Preparation program helped 13,900 clients claim more than $13 million in state and federal tax credits and refunds. And we look forward to doing it again this year!

Ryan McFerran, United Way Tax Credits & Financial Stability Program Manager said, “The tax season is a time of opportunity for people to receive hundreds or thousands of dollars in refunds and credits. Give yourself a break and let us prepare and file your taxes for you at absolutely no cost.”

Services are both in-person and virtual:
Nearby in-person tax sites on the list
  • Shoreline Hopelink #8
  • Lake City Customer Service Center #11
  • Solid Ground (U District) #18
Note: Tax site hours have hard stops and will not stay open past closing hours. Please come in as close to opening as possible to have the best chance to receive assistance or arrive no later than 45 minutes before tax site closure. If you come later, you may need to return to the tax site at another time to finish your return.

Questions? Email at  freetax@uwkc.org


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Senior Property Tax Exemption presentation by King County Assessor John Wilson Wednesday 3pm March 13, 2024 at Senior Activity Center

Monday, March 11, 2024

King County Assessor John Wilson will be at the
Senior Activity Center Wednesday to explain changes
to the property tax exemptions for senior and 
disabled person. Photo courtesy King County
An informative, free session on the King County Senior and Disabled Persons property tax exemption program with John Wilson, King County Assessor will be held at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 3 - 3:45pm.

Learn about the Senior Property Tax Exemption: 
  • What it is and how it benefits eligible seniors.
  • Stay informed on recent changes to the exemption.
  • Discover how to qualify and apply for this valuable tax relief.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights directly from the expert, John Wilson! Whether you’re a senior or assisting a loved one, this session is essential for understanding the benefits available.

Call or email the senior center today to RSVP [RSVP not necessary to attend, it just helps prepare for the event}
The Senior Activity Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155. Free parking in the south lot in front of the building.


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More Seniors and disabled homeowners get tax breaks in King county

Saturday, February 24, 2024

A graph from the King County Assessor's website shows the relative allocation of how property taxes will be spent in 2024

By Oliver Moffat

More senior and disabled homeowners can qualify for a property tax break this year.

Thanks to a bill signed into law in 2023 that raised the minimum income threshold, more people in Washington State can now qualify for property tax breaks.

To qualify for the exemption, homeowners must now make less than $84,000; previously the income threshold was $58,423. Homeowners must also own and occupy their home and be at least 62 or be disabled. More information on how to apply is available on the King County Assessors website.

Local governments will not see a decline in property tax revenue because other homeowners will pay more taxes to subsidize the exemption for disabled and elderly homeowners. According to demographic information from Shoreline’s draft PROSA plan, the population of seniors over the age of 65 is expected to increase from 10.9% in 2020 to over 20% by 2050.

The King County Treasurer mailed property tax
 bills in mid February. Property tax payments
are due in April and October.
As reported by The Seattle Times, assessed property values in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park have declined significantly in the past year thanks in part to a moderating housing market caused by high interest rates. 

However, average property taxes rates have declined only a small amount. The average Shoreline assessed home value decreased by almost 14% while the average property tax bill only decreased by a little over 2%.

This is because Washington uses a “budget-based” property tax system. “An increase in property value does not represent a dollar-to-dollar increase in property taxes”, according to the King County Assessor

Property taxes provide fixed annual revenue to the government regardless of property values. The assessor totals the assessed value of all taxable property in the area and then property taxes are charged to each homeowner based on the relative value of their home.

In 2022, Shoreline voters approved Prop 1 with 62% of the vote to pay for police, parks, and human services with a property tax increase. According to Shoreline’s 2023 budget report, roughly 16% of property taxes are allocated to the city and the largest single line item in the city’s budget is to pay for Shoreline’s contract with the King County Sheriff's Office for police services.

Property tax payments are due to King County in April and October if you pay your own tax bill. If you have a mortgage, property taxes are usually factored in to your monthly payment.


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Supreme Court will not rule on state capital gains tax used to fund school construction

Monday, January 22, 2024

Washington state passed a capital gains tax in 2021, a measure affirmed as constitutional by the state Supreme Court last year. 

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider a legal challenge to the measure. 

In the program’s first year, nearly $900 million was collected from a thin, ultra-rich sliver of the populace: just 3,765 returns were subject to the tax on extraordinary profits in excess of $250,000 from stock and bond sales. 

Those hundreds of millions of dollars will fund school construction, childcare programs, and K-12 education statewide.


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File your taxes for free with United Way of King County

Saturday, January 20, 2024

United Way tax volunteers
File your taxes for free with United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign

From January to July, United Way of King County is offering free tax services to people who make $80,000 or less to take advantage of earned income tax credits.

In person appointments are available in 17 sites across the region. 

Locally, Shoreline Hopelink and Lake City.

View all site locations here

We know a lot of people in our community would benefit from having their taxes done for free while also receiving tax credits to help lift them out of poverty.

More information here.


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Property values dropped in Shoreline

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Taxpayers to Receive Re-Valuation Notices Soon

The King County Assessor’s office has begun the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving in many neighborhoods soon. Median residential property values fell by 12.9% in West Shoreline, and by 14% in Central Shoreline.

2023 property values continued to be dramatically affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. After reaching all-time highs in quarter 2 of 2022 due to a lack of inventory for sale, residential property values corrected downwards throughout King County. This trend was especially pronounced in eastside communities.

“COVID changed our lives, and it continues to impact the real estate market,“ said King County Assessor John Wilson. 
“In 2020 and 2021, residential prices and values went through the roof because people chose to not put homes on the market, causing a major imbalance between supply and demand. The housing market is still very healthy, but it cooled considerably in 2022, bringing values down a bit.”

It is important to remember that voter approved levies have more impact on property tax increase than do changes in home values.

The total amount of property tax collected is derived from the budgets passed by state, county, and local governments, and by locally approved levies. The value of each property determines proportionally how much each taxpayer will pay of that total amount.

Each year, County Assessors set values on every commercial and residential property value in the state. These values – set effective as of January 1 by state law – are then applied to the next year’s tax bill. Property values are being set as of January 1, 2023, for taxes due in 2024.


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Taxpayer Transparency Tool for August Ballot Measures

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Tax Transparency Tool screen

King County Assessor John Wilson released his August 2023 primary election Taxpayer Transparency Tool, a website which provides each King County taxpayer an individualized accounting of where their property tax dollars go, and the estimated cost of any proposed property tax measure to be voted on.

All voters in King County will be asked to vote on a renewal of the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.

“Taxpayers have a right to know where their money is going, and what each proposed property tax levy will cost them,” said Wilson. “Property taxes keep going up. We need to make sure the public understands why.”

Property Tax Measures on the August Ballot:

COUNTYWIDE: King County Prop 1: Renewal of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy

The tool can be found here.. There is a link to the tool on left side menu of the Assessor’s web page

The Transparency Tool only shows the impact of property tax measures. Other ballot measures, including sales tax measures or benefit charges, are not included.

The Tax Transparency Tool was introduced by Assessor Wilson and first used during the April special election in 2018.

The Tax Transparency Tool was developed for the King County Assessor by Spatialest Inc, a unique enterprise software company focusing on Location, Value and Technology. The company also created “Localscape” for the King County Assessor in 2014, (a map-based visualization tool) that aggregates data to present information.


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Shoreline City Council supports King County’s Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy

Thursday, June 29, 2023

On June 26, 2023, the Shoreline City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 513 supporting King County Proposition 1 and encouraged Shoreline voters to approve it. King County Proposition 1 is the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy. It will appear on the August 1, 2023, primary election ballot.

The King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy has been approved by King County voters three times: in 2005, 2011, and most recently in 2017. Each of these levies has been for a six-year period. The current 2017 Levy expires at the end of this year.

The proposed replacement levy would continue to provide funding for regional health and human services throughout the county for veterans and servicemembers and their families; seniors and their caregivers; and resilient communities. 

Additionally, the new levy would establish funding for regional impact initiatives that provide or support responses to issues that affect all three of the levy’s specified populations and which regional health and human services can help address.

The proposed levy would have an initial levy rate of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2024. This would be the same initial levy rate for the existing levy, which was $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2018. 

If approved by the voters, the 2024-2029 levy is projected to generate a total of approximately $581.5 million in revenues during the six-year levy period based on the revenue forecast from August 2022, compared to an estimated $365.7 million generated for the existing 2018-2023 levy.

Visit the King County Assessor’s Taxpayer Transparency Tool to see the impact of proposed taxes on your property.


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Assessor: Property values in King county down substantially after last year's peak

Friday, June 2, 2023

The annual process of property valuation in King County for taxation purposes is underway, with initial results showing 2023 property values continued to be affected by lingering impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

After reaching all-time highs in Quarter 2 of 2022, residential property values are correcting downwards throughout King County in 2023. 

At the same time, values of commercial office buildings fell by 15% to 20%, reflecting the impact of a transition to less in office work activity.

“COVID changed our lives, and it continues to impact the real estate market,“ said King County Assessor John Wilson. “In 2021 and 2022, residential prices and values went through the roof due to a major imbalance between supply and demand. The housing market is still healthy in King County, but it cooled considerably in 2023, bringing values down.”

Regarding commercial values, Wilson said, 

“Generally, the commercial market has remained steady in recent years. But in 2023 we are seeing a significant drop in the value of large office spaces, presumably due to the shift away from in-office work. COVID has changed how and where many of us work, and that is now showing up in property values.”

“Finally, it is always important to remember that voter approved special levies usually have more impact on property tax increases than do increases in home values,” added Wilson.

The valuation process is still underway, but it is clear that most residential market areas in King County will see reductions on average with the largest reductions coming on the eastside of Lake Washington

The Sammamish plateau will see values decrease upwards of 22% on average. This contrasts with the 8% average reduction we will see in the Queen Anne Neighborhood.

Each year as required by law, County Assessors appraise every commercial and residential parcel across the state of Washington. 

These values – set effective as of January 1 of the assessment year – are what is being used to calculate property taxes due next year, in this case, 2024. Notices of the new valuations will be arriving in King County neighborhoods on a rolling basis for the next several months and will reflect the value of properties as of January 1, 2023.

By state law, King County adjusts property values annually to reflect market sales. All 720,000-plus King County residential and commercial property owners receive an annual value update. Because of that volume, the Department of Assessments (DOA) releases value notices in stages, starting in the spring, continuing through the summer and generally wrapping up around Labor Day.

Receipt of the value notice triggers a 60-day window during which time a property owner can appeal their new value, but not specifically the taxes. It’s important to note that increased values don’t directly relate to potential tax increases. Property tax collection amounts are set yearly by taxing districts around the county; not the King County Department of Assessments.

To learn more about how property values and taxes are determined, the appeal process, the senior exemption or to use the taxpayer transparency tool, please visit here.


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King county property taxes - first half due by May 1, 2023

Tuesday, April 25, 2023


If your King county property tax is not included in a mortgage, the first half is due by May 1, 2023.

Information on how and where to pay is on this webpage  The second half is due by October 1, 2023. You can also sign up for reminders for future payment dates.

Senior and disabled property owners can apply for tax exemptions. 




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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Taxes are due

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Saturday, April 15, 2023 is Tax Day
 


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County Assessor releases Taxpayer Transparency Tool for April Ballot

Friday, March 31, 2023

Image courtesy King county
King County Assessor John Wilson today released his April 2023 general election Taxpayer Transparency Tool.

It is a website which provides each King County taxpayer an individualized accounting of where their property tax dollars go, and the estimated cost of any proposed property tax measure to be voted on.

“Taxpayers have a right to know where their money is going, and what each proposed property tax levy will cost them,” said Wilson. 
“Property taxes keep going up. We need to make sure the public understands why.”

Property Tax Measures on the April Ballot:

All voters in King County will be asked to vote on King County Prop 1: Crisis Care Centers Levy; mental health and substance use disorder services -- a new levy to fund mental health and substance use disorder services.

The tool can be found at http://localscape.spatialest.com/#kingcountyassessor/Tax

There is also a link to the tool on the Assessor’s web page https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor.aspx

The Transparency Tool only shows the impact of property tax measures. Other ballot measures, including sales tax measures or benefit charges, are not included.

The Tax Transparency Tool was introduced by Assessor Wilson and first used during the April special election in 2018.



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Free tax help by AARP Foundation at local libraries

Friday, March 3, 2023

Volunteers from the AARP Foundation will hold individual, free sessions to help people prepare their income tax returns.

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation at Shoreline and Richmond Beach Libraries.

Free individualized tax preparation help by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Drop-in service. Registration not required.

Shoreline Library
Tuesdays February 4 - April 15, 3pm-7pm

Richmond Beach Library
Saturdays February 7 – April 18, 11am - 4pm

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation at Kenmore Library - registration required
Kenmore Library
Mondays, 10am-3pm

Please register by calling the Kenmore Senior Center at 425-489-0707. Walk-ins will be accommodated at the library as time permits.

Documents you need to bring for all sessions:
  • Government issued identification–picture ID
  • Last year's tax return
  • Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents
  • Checkbook or pre-printed direct deposit information showing routing number and direct deposit account number if you want to do a direct deposit of any refund(s)
  • All tax and income documents for 2022 (W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, etc.)
  • Date of birth for each person listed on the return


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