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

AARP tax prep is free for all low to moderate income taxpayers

Sunday, February 10, 2013


Starting from January to April 15 of each year, tax preparation services are advertising everywhere, from print press to television, online and even people costumed as tax forms waving signs on the street.

For low to moderate income taxpayers, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population.

You do not need to be a member of AARP and there are no age restrictions to use this service. 

This program is offered in conjunction with the IRS. In 2012, taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $233 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). In north Seattle and Shoreline, there are 5 convenient sites - see below. Complete list here. AARP volunteers prepare the electronic tax returns and e-file for taxpayers – all FREE. 

Starting February 20, sites at Northgate Library, Shoreline Library, and Broadview Library will also have preparers trained to provide tax filing assistance to foreign students with their 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843.

Local and nearby locations

Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155, 206-362-7550
Thursdays 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM. First day is Feb. 2nd.
Saturdays 12 PM – 4 PM. Walk-ins only, no appointments
do not call the library

Richmond Beach Library
19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177, 206-365-1536
Fridays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Appointments only. Call 206 365-1536 for appointment.

Lake City Library
12501 28th Ave NE, Seattle 98125, 206-684-7518
Mondays 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM (closed Feb. 18th ). 
Walk-ins only, no appointments.

Northgate Library
10548 5th Ave NE, Seattle 98125, 206-386-1980
Mondays 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM (closed Feb. 18th). 
Wednesdays 12 PM – 5PM.  Walk-ins only, no appointments.

Broadview Library
12755 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle 98133, 206-684-7520
Fridays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. 
Saturdays 10 AM – 3 PM. Walk-ins only, no appointments.

Note for all sites: 
All tax returns that can be e-filed will be e-filed.
No paper returns unless required by the IRS.




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United Way free tax sites open now, with added benefits

Monday, January 28, 2013

United Way urges middle and low income earners to avoid preparation fees and keep more of what they earn.

United Way of King County is once again bringing truly free tax preparation to 17 sites throughout King County, with sites open immediately. While the IRS has delayed the start of filing season until January 30, United Way has opened its tax sites early to help mitigate the impact the delay will have on low income families who are expecting large refunds.

In Shoreline, the United Way Free Tax Site is located at Hopelink, 15809 Westminster Way N.

The program is designed to help low and middle-income families increase their financial security.  At the sites, United Way will prepare income tax returns with an eye to take full advantage of all the possible credits available, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

“United Way of King County started the Free Tax Preparation Campaign because we know that when people are able to establish savings, it creates a cushion that stabilizes their lives and can help them from falling into crisis,” said United Way of King County President and CEO Jon Fine.  “Many people are still struggling and this program provides an opportunity to help low income families save money and take advantage of other benefits they may not be aware they are eligible to receive.”

In addition to preparing federal tax returns, United Way is offering other services at the sites, such as applications for public benefits like food stamps and utility assistance, assistance with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form completion and providing free credit reports.

United Way Tax Preparation is free for anyone making under $51,000 and will run through April 15th. Services will be provided in multiple languages, including Cambodian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Korean, Chinese, Tigrinya, and Russian by more than 650 IRS certified volunteers.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal tax program that reduces the amount of income tax owed by low to moderate income workers. It is considered the largest anti-poverty tool in the US.  In 2010, the EITC lifted about 6.3 million people out of poverty, including about $3.3 million children.

Last year, United Way’s Free Tax Prep Campaign filed 14,400 returns and brought back $20.7 million in refunds to the community; $7 million of which came from the Earned Income Tax Credit. On average, taxpayers got back $1,400 in refunds.

Taxpayers must bring photo identification and Social Security Cards (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) for themselves, spouses and dependents.  They should also bring wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2), interest and dividend information concerning their income and expenses for the year of 2011.

Site locations, hours of operation,  maps and more information here or call 2-1-1. People can also file for free online if they make under $57,000.

United Way of King County’s Free Tax Prep Campaign is made possible by generous sponsorships from the City of Seattle, the Boeing Company and the Internal Revenue Service.


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Tax credits can put money in your pocket

Wednesday, January 2, 2013


Did you know that many families are eligible for valuable tax credits every year? Whether or not you owe any income tax, you could get thousands of dollars in tax benefits.

To get these credits, you must file a tax return. When you file your taxes, make sure you ask about these credits:

The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for families that pay for child care when they go to work. This credit is worth up to $2,100.

  • The federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) is for families raising children. This credit is worth up to $1,000 per child, and is refundable for families earning at least $3,000.
  • The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is designed to boost the wages of eligible families. This refundable credit is worth up to $5,891 and is available to married couples earning less than $50,270 or singles earning less than $45,060. The average refund to Shoreline residents in 2010 was $1,491.

Save even more by using one of the free tax sites.
(Only for households making less than $51,000 per year.)



Hopelink has non-English language staff as follows: 
  • Vietnamese, all three days; 
  • Chinese and Spanish on Saturdays.

What To Bring: photo ID, social security cards and birth dates for each person on the return, W-2’s or proof of income, any 1099 forms for income from interest, dividends, ($3,200 limit on investment income) retirement, social security or unemployment, last year’s return if you have it.

If filing jointly both filer and spouse must be present to file electronically. For child dependent care tax credit name address and tax payer identification number of child care provider. 

Other items: student loan payments and records of payments for educational expenses and bank account number for direct deposit.


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Second half of 2012 property taxes due

Monday, October 15, 2012

If your property taxes are not included in your mortgage payment, King County property owners have until Wednesday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 2012 property taxes. 

After October 31, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

Tax payments can be made:
  • By mail if postmarked no later than October 31, 2012. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.
  • In person at the King County Administration Building, Room 600 - Treasury Operations, 500 Fourth Ave., Seattle, 98104, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. On Wednesday, October 31, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.
  • At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Taxpayers can find the address, phone number, and operating hours of the center in their neighborhood here.
  • Online using King County’s convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account called an “eCheck.” The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. Pay online or view property tax information here
For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations through its website or by calling 206-296-0923.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor’s Office at 206-296-3920.


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Free Seminar on impending Tax Law changes

Sunday, September 16, 2012



Find out what you need to know before the planned changes take effect.

When:  Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 5:30 pm—7:00 pm
Where: Windermere Northlake, 17711 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155

Call 206-364-8100 to register or for more details.  Please RSVP by Sept 26th

A number of tax changes are scheduled to occur at the first of the year.  Find out how these changes may affect you!  Join us for a free tax seminar on what you need to know now prior to the changes. 

Sponsored by Windermere Northlake


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King County property taxes due April 30

Thursday, April 26, 2012

King County property owners have until Monday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2012 property taxes. 

After April 30, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. 

To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

Tax payments can be made:

§ By mail if postmarked no later than April 30, 2012. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.

§ In person at Treasury Operations, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, 98104, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. On Monday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.

§ At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Taxpayers can find the address, phone number, and operating hours of the center in their area by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/operations/csc.aspx.

§ Online using King County’s convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account called an “eCheck.”

The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit the web.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations through its website or through customer service at 206-296-0923.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor’s Office at 206-296-3920.



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Tax preparation help at the Richmond Beach Library

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Free Tax Help at the Richmond Beach Library on Friday, April 6 and 13, 10am.

AARP and IRS sponsored help for Basic Personal Income Tax Returns.
  • Bring your last year's tax return and all information needed to fill out your tax return.
  • End of year tax statements from all sources of income for all members of household (W-2, 1099, etc.)
  • Social Security or Tax I.D. Number for every member of the household
  • Birth date of each person claimed
  • Childcare provider name, address and Tax I.D. Number
  • Mortgage interest statement and property tax statement if you own a home
  • Checking or savings account number for direct deposit of refund

All returns must be completed on a computer and electronically filed.

Schedule an appointment with a tax help volunteer at the library by calling the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center at 206-365-1536. Appointments have priority. Walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits.



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King County Assessor: Earlier notice of overdue payments

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Earlier notice of overdue payments will help property taxpayers avoid extra charges
Delinquency notices will now be mailed in June instead of September

King County will move up the annual mailing of property tax delinquency notices from September to June, under a policy change made by County Executive Dow after hearing from taxpayers and County Councilmember Bob Ferguson.

“By sending notices earlier, we can help taxpayers avoid unnecessary late fees and provide better customer service,” said Executive Constantine. 
“I reached out to Executive Constantine to see how we could improve our notification system and save taxpayers money after hearing concerns from a constituent,” said Councilmember Ferguson, chair of the Council’s Government Accountability, Oversight, and Financial Performance Committee. “This simple change will save taxpayers from accruing unnecessary late charges and sets a new standard of customer service for King County.”

To avoid penalties, the first half of property taxes is due by April 30.

While there is no requirement to send a delinquency notice, for many years the County has sent a single courtesy notice in late September to about 9,000 taxpayers who missed the April deadline and whose taxes remained unpaid as of September 1. The September notice was timed to be close to the October 31 due date for the second half of property taxes owed and to help taxpayers avoid the eight percent penalty imposed in December.

The new June notice will go out to approximately 14,500 taxpayers. The County anticipates that about half of those taxpayers will pay before July 1 and avoid the additional monthly interest charges and December penalty that are mandated by state law.

King County is also developing a system for taxpayers to sign up for email alerts to notify them when tax payments are due. This tool, expected to be available as early as 2013, should further enhance customer service and reduce the number of delinquent property tax payments.


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King County property tax information

Wednesday, February 22, 2012


From the King County Council

Homeowners in King County who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender have been receiving their 2012 statements in the mail.

County services are provided through your tax dollars. When you pay property taxes on your home or business, you write your check out to “King County”. The County serves as the treasury or tax collector for the taxing jurisdictions in the County. The County is required to bill and collect all property taxes for every jurisdiction in the County. The benefit of this system is that you don’t have to write several checks to pay your property taxes.

While the check may be addressed to “King County”, the County receives only 17 cents of every property tax dollar. That 17 cents pays for regional services that are mandated by statute, such as courts, prosecutors and jails; for regional services that have been approved by voters, such as Emergency Medical Services and Medic One, regional parks, and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System; and for local services to urban and rural unincorporated areas, such as police service and roads.

The rest of the funds collected by the county are distributed to more than 100 other state and local taxing districts. Most of what you pay goes to your local schools or for services that you receive from the city you live in.

This information is included as an insert in property tax statements mailed by the King County Treasury Section.

Read more about property taxes in King County, or search for your own property tax information.



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AARP offering free tax help

Friday, January 27, 2012

AARP, in cooperation with the IRS, is again offering FREE tax help at the Shoreline and Richmond Beach Libraries for taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those age 60 and over. 

We are able to prepare Form 1040 and many common forms and schedules, and we file returns electronically. (Taxpayers with complex returns are referred to paid preparers.) All counselors are trained and certified to IRS standards. There is NO FEE, NO AGE LIMIT and AARP membership is NOT required. Sites will be open from February 2 through April 15.

At the Shoreline Library (345 NE 175th Street), services will be provided from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm each Thursday, and from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm each Saturday. Walk-ins only, no appointment necessary.

At the Richmond Beach Library (19601 21st Ave. NW), services will be provided from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each Friday. Appointments are preferred; call 206-365-1536 for an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.

More information, including location of other AARP Tax-Aide sites.



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Volunteers needed for free tax preparation

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Volunteers are needed to prepare tax returns in Shoreline for United Way of King County’s 2012 Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

All volunteers will receive free tax preparation training and be certified by the IRS. Volunteers who speak Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Korean, Amharic, Cambodian and Russian languages are especially needed.

United Way of King County will operate the Free Tax Prep Campaign at 16 sites throughout King County from January 10 to April 17, 2012. 

The program is designed to help low and middle-income families prepare their income tax forms, take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other tax credits while avoiding fees associated with commercial preparers. 

At the sites, tax customers will also be able to sign up for certain public benefits and learn about opportunities they have to make the most of their tax refund by opening a savings account or investing in a savings bond.

In 2011, volunteers filed 13,320 returns and brought $19.7 million in refunds back to the community.

We count on over 600 volunteers throughout King County to make this program happen, and we are short of volunteers in Shoreline.  Our tax site will be at Hopelink in Sears Plaza (Aurora Square).
For more information and to volunteer, please visit the volunteer website or email.


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Second half of 2011 property taxes now due

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

King County property owners have until Monday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 2011 property taxes. After October 31, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

Tax payments can be made:
  1. By mail if postmarked no later than October 31, 2011. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.
  2. In person at Room 600 - Treasury Operations, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. On Friday, October 28, and Monday, October 31, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.
  3. At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Taxpayers can find the address, phone number, and operating hours of the center in their area by visiting the web page 
  4. Online using King County’s convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account called an “eCheck.”

The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit this webpage

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations through its website or through customer service at 206-296-0923.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor’s Office at 206-296-3920.


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Property Taxes due by May 2 for first half of 2011

Friday, April 15, 2011

If you have a mortgage payment, your property taxes are included. If you do not, then you pay King County property taxes twice a year, in April and October. Following is payment information from the office of the County Executive, Dow Constantine.
  
The Assessor's webpage has a lot of information on property assessments.  Assessor Lloyd Hara says that he and his staff are working very hard to get information onto the website and to make it user-friendly and to provide transparency.

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system
King County property owners have until Monday, May 2 to pay the first half of their 2011 property taxes. The statutory due date for first-half property taxes is normally April 30, but since this date falls on a Saturday this year, the actual due date has been moved to the next business day. 

After May 2, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

Tax payments can be made:
  1. By mail if postmarked no later than May 2, 2011. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.
  2. In person at Room 600 - Treasury Operations, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, 98104, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. On Friday, April 29 and Monday, May 2, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.
  3. At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. It looks like Bothell is the closest location for us.
  4. Online using King County’s convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account called an “eCheck.”
The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit here.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations through its website, through the automated voice system at 206-296-0923, or through customer service at 206-296-3850.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor’s Office at 206-296-3920.   

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Earned Income Tax Credit can put money in your pocket

Monday, January 3, 2011

Photo by AMagill. Creative Commons.
You could be cheating yourself at tax time, even if you are not required to file a tax return. The IRS estimates that one in four eligible taxpayers will overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit – or EITC.

Last year the average return for Washington State filers was $1985, with a maximum of $5600. It is estimated that the EITC program returns more than $2 million each year to eligible Shoreline residents.

Non-traditional families, such as grandparents raising grandchildren, childless workers, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency are among those most likely to overlook the credit.

Three free tax preparation sites are available in Shoreline to help you file your 2010 return and get the EITC refund, if you qualify:

King County Library, Richmond Beach Branch
19601 21st Avenue NW
February 4 through April 15
Fridays 10 am to 4 pm
Tax filers should schedule an appointment by calling 206-365-1536. While appointments have priority, walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits.

King County Library, Shoreline Branch
345 NE 175th St 
Thursdays February 3 through April 14, 4:30 to 8 pm.
Saturdays February 5 through April 9, Noon to 4 pm
No appointment necessary.

Hopelink Shoreline Center
15809 Westminster (Aurora Square next to Marshall’s)
January 19 through April 14
Wednesdays and Thursdays 5 pm – 9 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am to 2 pm
No appointment necessary.

For a list of all free tax preparation sites in King County call 2-1-1.

To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, tax filers must have incomes under the limits listed below.
  • $13,440 ($18,440 married filing jointly) if you do not have a qualifying child.
  • $35,463 ($40,463 married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying child.
  • $40,295 ($45,295 married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying children.
  • $43,279 ($48,279 married filing jointly) if you have three or more qualifying children.
  • Investment income cannot be more than $3,100.

Families with children may also apply for the Child Tax Credit, worth up to $1,000 per qualifying child. Additional credits are also available to working families for the cost of child care, bring documentation of your child care expenses including the child care agency’s tax I.D. or the Social Security number of the provider.

--from the office of the Shoreline City Manager

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State Income Tax: Learn More on Oct. 7

Monday, October 4, 2010

From our SnoKing NewsPartner the MLTNews.com,


Initiative 1098 would impose a state income tax on those earning more than $200,000 a year (filing federal taxes as individuals) or $400,000 (joint filers). On October 7 you’ll be able to learn more about the initiative as supporters and opponents participate in a discussion on the initiative’s impacts.


You are invited to a free forum on the initiative this Thursday, October 7, at the Black Box Theater in Edmonds. Speakers for the forum include Bill Gates Sr. and Marilyn Watkins on the pro side and Gov. Dan Evans (unconfirmed) and Paul Guppy for the opposition. The debate will be aired on the “Civic Engagement” public affairs TV show hosted by D.J. Wilson, which is taped before a live studio audience .


Everyone is invited to attend the forum which meet at Edmonds Community College’s Black Box Theater, the second in a series of Civic Engagement Forums co-sponsored by MLTnews, My Edmonds News and Lynnwood Today.


Seating is limited to 200 so arrive early to ensure a seat. Those attending will have an opportunity to ask questions to the panelists. If you have questions you would like asked but are unable to attend, let us know and we’ll do our best to get the answers you’re looking for. Email us at tips@MLTnews.com.

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Shoreline Council votes to place levy lid lift proposition on November ballot

Tuesday, July 27, 2010


At its July 26 meeting, the Shoreline City Council adopted a resolution placing Proposition 1, a maintenance and operations levy to maintain basic public safety, parks and recreation, and community services, on the November 2, 2010, general election ballot. If approved by Shoreline voters, the levy will maintain current police/emergency protection including neighborhood patrols and crime prevention; preserve safe parks, trails, playgrounds/playfields and the Shoreline pool; and maintain community services including Shoreline’s senior center and youth programs.

The levy would restore the City’s property tax rate to $1.48 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2011. It will also limit the annual increase for property tax levies in 2012 through 2016 to an amount not to exceed the Seattle Consumer Price Index measure of inflation and will use the 2016 levy as the base for future year levies.

In 2001 Washington voters approved an initiative that limited most jurisdictions to an increase in property tax revenue to 1% or less per year, unless a higher rate is authorized by a vote of the people. Through conservative fiscal policies, increased efficiencies, budget reductions, hiring freezes, savings and some new revenues, Shoreline has not had to request the voters to approve a higher rate for the last ten years. As a result of the 1% limit the City’s property tax rate has decreased from $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2001 to a projected $1.20 in 2011. However, as with many other jurisdictions, the 1% cap on annual property tax increases is catching up with the City’s ability to maintain essential services.

The City is now at a point where it will need to either cut basic services and programs or increase revenues. Property tax revenues, which are the City’s largest source of revenues, simply are not keeping pace with the increased costs needed to maintain basic services. Since 2000, inflation has increased by 27% while the City’s property tax levy, excluding new construction, has increased by just over 9%. The cost of some essential items, such as police, jail services, asphalt and gasoline are increasing at rates much higher than inflation.

In May 2009 a Council appointed Citizen Committee recommended that the City Council should consider placing a levy on the ballot in 2010 or later to provide funding to maintain services that have contributed to the quality of life Shoreline residents enjoy and expect. This committee spent 18 months reviewing City financial issues and sought input from the public in formulating their final recommendations. If approved, this measure would cost the average homeowner about $7.60 per month starting in 2011, with an average over the six year period of $9.25.

To learn more about the City’s financial challenges, go to the City webpage.

--Tavia Tan
 

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Small local non-profits lose their tax-exempt status May 17

Monday, May 17, 2010


According to the blog Washington Independent, thousands of small non-profits might lose their tax-exempt status today, for lack of updated filings.

"Back in 2006, the Pension Protection Act instituted a new requirement: that all non-profits need to file a 990-N annual return with the Internal Revenue Service in order to retain their tax-exempt status. Before then, non-profits with annual revenues less than $25,000 did not need to file papers.


Small, non-religious non-profits that have not filed a tax exemption since 2007 lose their status today. And the Urban Institute estimates there might be up to 365,000 of them. Those organizations will need to file papers, pay a fine and possibly pay back taxes. The Urban Institute has created an online map where people can input their zip codes to see charities in their neighborhoods that might be impacted. The think tank and other groups, such as National Council of Nonprofits, are urging non-profits to file today. The IRS has indicated it might provide some lenience, but expects non-profits to comply with the new law."

Shoreline City Council Member Chris Roberts used the site to pull the names of Seattle and Shoreline groups in this status. Some of the groups may have dissolved or fulfilled their purpose and are content to let their filing lapse.

Others will be shocked. The office of Congressional Representative Jay Inslee has offered to help any group maintain their tax-exempt status. Contact Patrick Hogan in Rep. Inslee's office if your group needs assistance.

Here is a list of the groups which filed with a Shoreline or LFP address. Their status expired on December 31, 2009 and the grace period ends May 17, 2010. The site provides a link to refile but it takes a long time to load.  This may not be a complete list; residents may be affiliated with Seattle groups, which are not listed here.

Hadassah the Womens Zionist Organization of America, Eugene





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County council proposes sales tax hike to fund public safety

Friday, May 14, 2010

The Metropolitan King County Council will take public testimony on proposed legislation to send to voters a two-tenths of one percent sales tax increase to keep current levels of public safety, criminal justice and related services on Monday, May 17 at 1:30 pm in the Council Chambers on the 10th floor, of the King County Courthouse at 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA.

The meeting will also be carried LIVE on King County TV, Comcast and Broadstripe Cable channel 22, and streaming online.

This will be the third public hearing on the County Executive’s proposal to place a local option sales tax increase for criminal justice and related services on the August ballot. If adopted by the voters, the increase would generate approximately $47 million in revenue for King County in 2011, allowing the County to maintain current service levels of programs for the Sheriff’s Office, the King County Prosecutor, and the Superior and District Courts. Under state law, an additional $30 million in revenue from the levy would also be allocated to the 39 cities within King County based on their population.


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King County considering sales tax increase

Monday, May 3, 2010

 The Metropolitan King County Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will hold its first public hearing Tuesday, May 4 at 1:30 pm in the Council Chambers on the 10th floor of the King County Courthouse at Third and James Streets on proposed legislation to send to voters a 2/10th of one percent sales tax increase to keep current levels of public safety and health services.

The meeting will also be carried LIVE on King County TV, Comcast and Broadstripe Cable channel 22.

This is the first of two opportunities the public will have to speak to the Budget Committee about the proposal from the County Executive to place a local option sales tax increase for criminal justice and related services before voters in August. The Budget Committee will hold a special meeting on Thursday, May 13.

If adopted, the increase would generate approximately $47 million in revenue for King County in 2011, allowing the County to maintain current service levels of programs for the Sheriff’s Office, the King County Prosecutor and the Superior and District Courts. An additional $30 million in revenue from the levy would also be allocated to the 39 cities within King County based on their population.

You may follow the Council’s deliberations through Twitter by signing up through the King County Council Web site.

Council Chair Bob Ferguson is the representative for Shoreline and Lake Forest Park
Contact info
Councilmember Bob Ferguson on the Web
Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov.

Phone: (206) 296-1001 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272
 

From King County Council Communications staff

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Property tax assessments: county officials come to Shoreline Monday May 3

Saturday, May 1, 2010


King County Assessor Lloyd Hara

hosts Town Hall meeting

DATE: Monday, May 3

TIME: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (revised time)

PLACE: Shoreline Public Library

345 NE 175th Street

TOPIC: Property Tax Assessments

Meet King County Assessor Lloyd Hara and his staff. 

Honorable Bob Ferguson, Chair of the King County Council will introduce the Assessor. 
Representatives from the Board of Equalization, 
King County Treasury and 
King County Tax Advisor 
will help answer questions about property assessments and values, exemptions and the appeals process.

For more information about the Town Hall meeting visit the King County Assessor’s website,

Read more...
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