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

Plan ahead - the State of Washington offers Tax Payer Relief for seniors and disabled citizens

Saturday, July 19, 2014

State law provides tax relief programs for older adults, the disabled and those on limited income of any age. Income, residency and other criteria apply.

Certain medical and long-term care costs may be deducted to calculate disposable income. The exemption program is a grant and the amount of the tax reduction ranges from full to partial, depending on assessed value of the property and your income.

The two deferral programs require repayment of the tax amount loaned when the home is sold, the applicant passes away (unless there is a qualifying survivor), the home is no longer used as a primary residence or the home owner chooses to leave the program. If you were not aware of the program, refunds for up to three prior years may be submitted.

  • Senior Citizen /Disabled Property Tax Exemption Program - The exemption program provides a property tax reduction to qualified senior citizens and disabled persons. 
  • Senior Citizen/Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program – Under the deferral program, Washington State pays the second installment of your property tax and special assessments, due October 31, after you have paid the first half due April 30. The Department of Revenue oversees the program and gives final approval. Think of this as a loan, allowing the State to pay part of your property taxes and assessments, in exchange for placing a lien on your property until the amount deferred, plus interest, is repaid. 
  • Property Tax Deferral Program for Homeowners with Limited Income- operates similarly to the deferral program for Senior Citizen /Disabled. Department of Revenue approves applications. 

Eligibility Requirements Senior Citizen Exemption Program
  • Annual household income of $35,000 or less. 
  • Own and occupy a house, mobile home, condo or coop 
  • 61 years of age by December 31 of the previous year, or 
  • Retired because of disability or 
  • Veteran with a 100% service connected disability 
  • You are a widow, or widower, at least 57 years of age, whose spouse had an exemption at time of death. 
  • Refunds for prior years are available because of a mistake, oversight or not knowing about the exemption program
  • Must reapply every four years 
Eligibility Requirements Senior Citizen/Disabled Deferral Program
  • 60 or older or retired because of physical disability 
  • Income of $40,000 or less
  • Owned property for five years
  • Have enough equity to secure the interest of the State of Washington
  • The first half of your property taxes, due April 30,, must be paid before applying for the deferral on your second installment due October 31.
  • Must reapply annually 
Property Tax Deferral Program for Homeowners with Limited Income
  • Available to homeowners with disposable incomes of $57,000 or less 
  • Live in home for five years
  • Have enough equity to secure the interest of the State of Washington 
  • State pays second installment of property taxes after homeowners pays first 
  • Must reapply annually 

The application deadline is September 1 of each year for the Limited Income Program and March 31st for Deferral Program. There is no deadline for the senior/disabled exemption application. For further information or to obtain an application, call the King County Assessor’s Office, 206-296-3920. Download applications here

For property tax questions, call King County Treasury at 206-296-0923. For assistance with tax matters, contact the King County Tax Advisor at 206-477-1060. The number for the King County Assessor is 206-296-7300 or visit the web page.



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2014 Residential Valuation notices mailed to Sheridan Beach property owners

Monday, June 2, 2014

On May 29, King County Assessor Lloyd Hara’s office mailed the 2014 property valuations to all residential property owners in Area 46 – Sheridan Beach / Laurelhurst located in Northwest King County. Area 46 residential property values generally increased by +16.2% but individual property values might vary. The Assessor’s Office will continue to mail out more than 600,000 residential and commercial valuation notices to taxpayers throughout the rest of King County between May and October.

Residential property is assessed each year at 100 percent of its true and fair market value in money, which is defined by Washington State law as the amount of money that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing and unobligated seller. Residential values are determined based on multiple sales of similar properties.

The King County Assessor’s Office annually revalues all properties and conducts a physical inspection on each property once every six years. The last physical inspection of the Sheridan Beach/Laurelhurst area was conducted in 2009.

“Continuing the 2013 trend, property values are increasing across King County as we emerge from the Great Recession,” said Assessor Lloyd Hara. “In 2013, we saw a residential increase in 76 out of 86 residential areas in King County and we expect to see continued growth in residential values for 2014.”

Assessor Lloyd Hara would like to remind all property owners to carefully review the information contained in the valuation notice. If you feel a mistake has been made in valuing your property, it is recommended that you contact the Assessor’s Office directly before filing an appeal at 206-296-7300 or by email.

Property owners can review their property information online using eReal Property and review our Area Reports on the Assessor’s homepage or with the Assessor’s staff to make sure an error has not been made. King County allows 60 days from the valuation’s postmark date to file an appeal with the King County Board of Equalizations.

Some low-income seniors, disabled veterans, or disabled persons retired because of a disability might be eligible for a property tax deferral or exemption. The King County Assessor’s Office encourages you or those you know to contact our office to determine eligibility.

For King County taxpayers who need advice and assistance on property tax related matters, including appeals, contact the King County Tax Advisor at 206-477-1060 or by email.


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2014 Residential Valuation Notices mailed to Lake Forest Park and West Kenmore property owners

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

On May 15th, King County Assessor Lloyd Hara’s office mailed the 2014 property valuations to all residential property owners in Area 4 – Lake Forest Park/West Kenmore located in North King County. Area 4 residential property values increased by 20.5%. The Assessor’s Office will continue to mail out more than 600,000 residential and commercial valuation notices to taxpayers throughout the rest of King County between May and October.

Residential property is assessed each year at 100 percent of its true and fair market value in money, which is defined by Washington State law as the amount of money that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing and unobligated seller. Residential values are determined based on multiple sales of similar properties.

The King County Assessor’s Office annually revalues all properties and conducts a physical inspection on each property once every six years. The last physical inspection of the Lake Forest Park/West Kenmore area was conducted in 2011.

“Continuing the 2013 trend, property values are increasing across King County as we emerge from the Great Recession,” said Assessor Lloyd Hara. “In 2013, we saw a residential increase in 76 out of 86 residential areas in King County and we expect to see continued growth in residential values for 2014.”

Assessor Lloyd Hara would like to remind all property owners to carefully review the information contained in the valuation notice. If you feel a mistake has been made in valuing your property, it is recommended that you contact the Assessor’s Office directly before filing an appeal at 206-296-7300 or by email.

Property owners can review their property information online using eReal Property and review Area Reports on the Assessor’s homepage or with the Assessor’s staff to make sure an error has not been made. King County allows 60 days from the valuation’s postmark date to file an appeal with the King County Board of Equalizations.

Some low-income seniors, disabled veterans, or disabled persons retired because of a disability might be eligible for a property tax deferral or exemption. The King County Assessor’s Office encourages you or those you know to contact our office to determine eligibility.

For King County taxpayers who need advice and assistance on property tax related matters, including appeals, contact the King County Tax Advisor at 206-477-1060 or by email.


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Property taxes due for first half of 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

Property owners in King County have until Wednesday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2014 property taxes. After April 30, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill.

Owners with mortgages normally have their taxes and insurance paid by their mortgage company, but if you choose to pay separately or if your primary mortgage is paid off, you need to pay your own tax bill once or twice a year.

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 April 30, 2014. 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. 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. For taxpayers concerned about the Heartbleed bug, King County has reviewed security on its payment processing system and determined that the bug does not pose a threat to the system or to taxpayers' personal information.
  3. In person at Treasury Operations, suite 600 of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Wednesday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.
  4. 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 this website 
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 website.

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 help in April at two local libraries

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Tax Help at the Shoreline Library

Thursday, April 3 and 10, 4:30-8pm
Saturday, April 5 and 12, Noon-4pm
Walk in

This free assistance is provided by the American Association of Retired persons on a first come, first serve basis. Bring last year’s tax return with you. Electronic filing will be available.

Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th Street, Shoreline 98155

Tax Help at Richmond Beach Library

AARP Tax Help
Friday, April 4 and 11, 10am
Pre-register

Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, and last year's return as well as any current tax documents.

Schedule your appointment by calling the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 206-365-1536. Walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits.


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AARP tax help Thursday and Saturday at Shoreline Library and Friday by appointment at Richmond Beach Library

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

AARP Tax Help will be offered at the Shoreline Library on these dates:
  • Saturday, March 29, Noon-4pm
  • Thursday, March 27, 4:30-8pm

Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. Assistance will be on a first come, first served basis.

Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155

AARP Tax Help
Friday, 28, 10am

Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Please bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, and last year's return as well as any current tax documents.

Schedule your appointment by calling the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 206-365-1536. Walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits.

Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Avenue NW, Shoreline 98177


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AARP Tax help at Shoreline Library Saturday

Thursday, March 6, 2014

AARP Tax Help will be available on a first come, first served basis at the Shoreline Library on Saturday, March 8, 15, 22 and 29, Noon-4pm

Also on Thursday, March 13, 20 and 27, 4:30-8pm

Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers.

The library is located at 345 NE 175th St in Shoreline.


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All ages AARP tax help Friday morning

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

AARP Tax Help at the Richmond Beach Library,
19601 21st Avenue NW, Shoreline 98177

Friday, March 7, 10am

Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, and last year's return as well as any current tax documents.

Schedule your appointment by calling the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 206-365-1536. Walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits.


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King County Assessor Lloyd Hara: Property values near pre-recession levels

Friday, February 14, 2014

Property tax bills for 2014 will be mailed to King County residents on February 14, and should arrive at taxpayer mailing addresses shortly thereafter. Total property valuations are approaching pre-recession levels at $340.6 billion, (2008 total property value was $341 billion) up 7.6% overall from 2013 ($314.7 billion).

“Property values for King County have continued to show signs of strengthening as we emerge from the Great Recession,” said King County Assessor Lloyd Hara. “Of the 86 residential geographic areas in King County designated by the Department of Assessments, we saw a residential valuation decrease only in 10 areas for the 2013 assessment year.”

Commercial real estate valuations have also reflected this upward trend, the overall valuation for commercial property in King County has increased from $110.1 billion in 2013 to $120.3 billion in 2014.

In some parts of King County, up to 50 percent of your 2014 property taxes might be voter-approved tax measures. In the majority of cases, an increase in property taxes is due to voter-approved property tax measures. These are typically school, fire, or other levies or bonds. Find out your tax levy rate and more property related information by visiting eReal Property Search on the King County Assessor’s website.

2014 property taxes in King County have increased 5.64 percent overall, from $3.72 billion to $3.93 billion. However, your property tax increase will vary depending on where your property is located and what voter-approved levies were passed.

Countywide, voters approved a six-year temporary lid lift for the renewal of the Parks levy at a rate of $0.18 cents per $1,000 of all taxable assessed value that would generate $63 million in revenue, and a six-year renewal of the Emergency Medical services (EMS) levy at a rate of $0.335 cents or less per $1,000 of all taxable assessed value.

Some property owners who are seeing property values decline but property taxes increase may be wondering why that is.

Washington State operates under a revenue or “budget-based” property tax system in which taxing districts, such as counties, cities, ports, and fire, library, and school districts submit their annual adopted budgets or revenue requests to the assessor. The assessor then determines the taxing rate that is necessary to generate enough revenue to meet the adopted budgets. The tax rates are based on the value of residential, commercial, and personal property in each county, which is established by the assessors. Washington voters in 2001 initially approved Initiative-747, which imposed a 1 percent cap on revenue per year unless voters approve additional levies and bonds.


State and local schools receive 53.8 percent of property tax revenue collected in King County. Cities and other local governments, such as fire districts and hospital districts, receive about 26 percent of the property tax collection (there are 161 local taxing districts in King County). King County government receives approximately 17.8 percent, and the Port of Seattle receives just under 2 percent of the property tax.

2014 Property taxes are levied against assessed property valuations established the previous year. For example, the property tax bill for 2014 is based on values that were established as of January 1, 2013 (July 31, 2013 for remodels and new construction). Property values for 2014 are being established by King County Assessor’s Office appraisers right now and throughout this year, and will be used for the 2015 property tax bills. 

“Our goal is always to make sure our property valuations are accurate, fair, and equitable, so that each property owner pays only their fair share of property taxes – no more nor no less than they are required to by law,” Hara said. The Assessor or his staff members are available for community meetings.

In King County, Treasury Operations, not the Assessor, collects the property taxes on behalf of the state, cities, and taxing districts, and then distributes the revenue to the correct government. Homeowners who do not pay their property taxes through a mortgage lender can pay quickly and easily online. Residents can also pay using check, cash, or by credit card (convenience fee added) in person at King County Treasury Operations, 500 Fourth Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, Washington.

Payments by check may only be made in person at any of the six King County Community Service Centers located throughout the county. The Shoreline Community Service Center is located at 18050 Meridian Ave. N. (inside the Shoreline District Court building) Shoreline 98133, phone 206-477-2723. Fridays, 8:30am to 4:30pm., Closed 12:00-12:30 (staff lunch). All Community Service Centers are closed on King County holidays. Check the holiday closures schedule for details.

To avoid interest and penalties, first half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by April 30, 2014. Second half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by October 31, 2014.

Property tax relief programs in King County include:
  • Senior and Disability Exemptions: 206-296-3920
  • Current use reduction for farm and agriculture or forest land: 206-263-2374
  • Current use reduction for open space or timber: 206-205-5170
  • Remodeling/home improvement exemption: 206-263-2338
  • Destroyed property reduction: 206-263-2332
  • Deferral of taxes: 206-296-3920

For property tax questions, call King County Treasury at 206-296-0923. For assistance with tax matters, contact the King County Tax Advisor at 206-477-1060. The number for the King County Assessor is 206-296-7300 or visit the Assessor's webpage.


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You can’t get a refund unless you file a tax return.

Thursday, February 13, 2014


Tax time is here and for many low and moderate income families this is an opportunity to boost their incomes by applying for tax credits. Families can save even more by using one of the free tax sites in Shoreline, Kenmore, and Bothell.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most important of the tax credit programs, bringing several million dollars of refunds to families in North King County. These refunds help families make ends meet and give a boost to our local economies.

Special thanks to United Way of King County and AARP for sponsoring the free tax sites in North King County and to the many volunteers who make this program happen.


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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to provide free tax assistance and preparation beginning Feb 2014

Saturday, January 18, 2014



Starting February 1, AARP Foundation will again provide free tax preparation and electronic filing at sites throughout Seattle, including multiple sites in North Seattle and Shoreline. AARP-Tax-Aide is totally free; you do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service. 

AARP’s IRS tax-certified volunteer preparers can handle most common tax returns for employed or retired individuals, which include earned and retirement income, investment income (Schedule D), and various education, child and earned income credits. 

AARP Tax-Aide sites are not able to prepare returns with rental income or depreciation, but do prepare Schedule C for individuals with small businesses that have less than $10,000 in annual expenses. Taxpayers utilizing the free service can receive their tax refunds rather quickly as all AARP Tax-Aide sites will be using electronic filing. 

Foreign students who need help with their 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843 can visit sites at the Northgate Library and Northeast Library for assistance. 

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 45th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention those 60 and older. Since 1968, AARP Foundation’s volunteer-based Tax-Aide program has helped nearly 50 million low to moderate income taxpayers. The program has over 35,000 volunteers and 6,000 sites across the country. In Washington state last year, more than 1,000 Tax-Aide volunteers helped about 78,000 taxpayers get more than $52 million in refunds.

A listing of local sites is available below. Or for more information and to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site near you, visit AARP or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.


 
Broadview Library (First Day is Feb 1st)
12755 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle 98133, (206) 684-7520
Fridays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. 
Saturdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. 
Walk-ins only, no appointments.

Lake City Library (First Day is Feb 3rd) 
12501 28th Ave NE, Seattle 98125, (206) 684-7518
Mondays 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM (closed Feb. 17th ). 
Walk-ins only, no appointments.

Northgate Library (First Day is Feb 3rd) 
10548 5th Ave NE, Seattle 98125, (206) 386-1980
Mondays 1:00 – 5:30 PM (closed Feb. 17th). 
Wednesdays 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Walk-ins only, no appointments. 

Richmond Beach Library (First Day is Feb 7th)
19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177, (206) 365-1536
Fridays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 
Appointments only. Call 206 365-1536 for appointment.

Shoreline Library (First Day is Feb 1st) 
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.

           

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United Way to offer free tax preparation in Shoreline

Tuesday, January 14, 2014


United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation at 19 locations in King County, including Shoreline, with sites opening on Tuesday January 14th.

The program is designed to help low and middle-income families increase their financial security and keep more of what they earn.  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) that reduces the amount of income tax owed by low to moderate income workers. It is considered the largest anti-poverty tool in the United States. 

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, and assistance with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form completion.

United Way Tax Preparation is free for anyone making under $52,000 and will run through April 15th.

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 2013.

In Shoreline, United Way volunteers will be located at Shoreline Hopelink. Hours are:

  • Wednesdays 5-9pm
  • Thursdays 1-9pm
  • Saturday 10am - 2pm with Russian speakers available 

For other locations and more information, visit the website, call 2-1-1 or 800-621-4636, or text TAX and your five-digit ZIP code to 313131 (for example, "TAX 98104") .


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AARP tax assistance for Seniors offered through the Senior Center

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Now that you are through the holidays and into the new year, it is time to start thinking about income tax. 

Fortunately for your peace of mind, there is help available from AARP volunteers through the Senior Center.

The sessions will be held at the Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177. 

To make an appointment call the Senior Center: 206-365-1536. The start date is Friday, February 7, 2014. (Do not call the Richmond Beach Library for appointments)


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Questions about property taxes?

Saturday, October 26, 2013

If you pay your own property taxes, rather than having them part of your mortgage payment, the second half is due by October 31, 2013.

If you are thinking about appealing the assigned value of your property, the deadline is 60 days from the mailing date on your Official Value Notice. Generally, evaluations went up this year.

Call the King County Tax Advisor Office at 206-477-1060 for more information. Very low income seniors and disabled persons may qualify for tax relief.


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Second half of 2013 property taxes due October 31

Tuesday, October 1, 2013


King County offers secure and convenient online payment system

King County property owners have until Thursday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 2013 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:

  • 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 via an "eCheck." The online option provides immediate payment confirmation. Pay online or view property tax information.
  • By mail if postmarked no later than October 31, 2013. 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 Thursday, 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 area at this webpage.


For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations, 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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Dembowski and County Assessor Lloyd Hara to host Town Hall Meeting in Lake Forest Park

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara will host a town hall meeting to discuss property valuations, taxes, services the Department of Assessments provides to assist King County property owners, and will also present information on tax appeals.


Thursday, September 19, 2013
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Third Place Commons
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park

This town hall will be an opportunity for the residents to learn more about their property assessments and values, senior and disabled exemptions, new online services, and the appeals process.
“I am honored to co-host this town hall to discuss property taxes with Assessor Hara,” said Councilmember Dembowski. “This will be an excellent opportunity for property owners to learn about exemptions and appeals, and the assistance our office can provide.”

“We are beginning to see a recovery in the housing market in King County,” said King County Assessor Lloyd Hara. 
“Though property values continue to decline in selected areas, there are also a number of areas where property values are increasing, including in the city of Seattle and the Eastside.”

Property tax levels are mixed in King County for 2013, with property values and property taxes down for many. However, some property owners will see their property values decline while their property taxes increase, and other property owners will see both their property values increase and property taxes increase.

Councilmember Dembowski and Assessor Hara will be joined by representatives from the Board of Equalization and Tax Advisor Office to answer questions from the public.



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King County launches eAppeals, easy online way to research & appeal property values

Monday, June 17, 2013



Now you can file a property tax appeal from the comfort of your home with just a few mouse clicks. King County eAppeals, allows taxpayers to research, compare and file a property value appeal all from their computer or tablet device – saving property owners time and money and streamlining the entire process. The new system went online June 10, 2013.

"We've been determined to make the property value appeal process easier, more informative, and more transparent to taxpayers," said King County Assessor Lloyd Hara. "With the launch of King County eAppeals, that day has arrived."

King County eAppeals allows taxpayers to research and file a property assessment appeal from start to finish. In Washington State, taxpayers can not appeal their property tax bill. Instead, they can appeal the property assessment that the property tax bill is based upon.

Using the eAppeals online service, taxpayers can look up their own assessed value (used in setting property taxes), and then search for sales of comparable properties through a series of user adjustable criteria. This will allow the taxpayer to compare their assessed value (fair market value) to that of similar sold properties, helping them to decide whether an appeal would be worthwhile.

Special tools allow a taxpayer to calculate what their proposed value would mean in terms of a potential property tax refund. From there, the taxpayer can set up an eAppeals account, pick their comparable sale properties, add any back- up information, and file their appeal – all online. By creating an account, taxpayers can then track the progress of their appeal and receive electronic notifications of when either, new documents are available, or their hearing is scheduled.

The new online system is significantly more taxpayer friendly. The existing paper-based appeal system can require lengthy research and document coordination by the taxpayer. With eAppeals, this research, coordination, and documentation can be accomplished electronically, saving taxpayers time and effort.

Using King County eAppeals is free.

The online service will save King County money in a variety of ways, by improving efficiencies and reducing paper documents and postage costs.

“Taxpayers are always asking what data was used to set my property value,” added Neal Cook, clerk to the Board of Equalization, “King County eAppeals let’s them search for comparable sale properties and even personally adjust the criteria to see if it all makes sense. This is a great step towards greater transparency in the entire appeal process.”

“This shows how technology can increase efficiency, improve customer service and lower costs long-term,” said Bill Kehoe, King County’s Chief Information Officer. “We’re able to automate and streamline the business process, give taxpayer’s 24/7 access to filing an appeal, and save money on paper, photocopying and postage. This is what One King County teamwork can deliver.”


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Property taxes for first half of 2013 now due

Monday, April 15, 2013

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

King County property owners have until Tuesday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2013 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, 2013. 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.
  • 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.”
  • In person at the King County Administration Building, Suite 600 - Treasury Operations, 500 Fourth Ave in Seattle. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Tuesday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.
  • At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. The only service center close to Shoreline / Lake Forest Park is in Bothell:
The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. Pay online or view property tax information.

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 by calling 206-296-3920. Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a property tax deferral or exemption.

Senior Citizens/Disabled Exemption Qualifications include:
  • Annual household income of $35,000 or less
  • Own and occupy a house, mobile home, condo or co-op,
  • 61 years of age by December 31 of the previous year, or
  • Retired because of disability or
  • Veteran with a 100% service-connected disability
  • You are a widow, or widower, or state registered domestic partner at least 57 years of age whose spouse or state registered domestic partner had an exemption at the time of death
Once qualified, you continue to benefit from the exemption but any change in circumstances must be reported to the assessor to avoid penalties. For information, call 206-296-3920.


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Timely seasonal reminders from County Assessor Lloyd Hara

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

County Assessor Lloyd Hara
From King County Assessor Lloyd Hara

The first half of your 2013 tax payment is due 4/30.
Businesses must file Personal Property lists by 4/30 (see detail below).

We start mailing real property valuation notices in May, and continue (area by area) thru October. 

See my office website for a recap of 2013 market conditions and tax outlook.

Appeals
Taxpayers appealed less than 5,000 of our 700,000+ property valuations last year - down from more than 13,000 in 2009. Why? The housing bubble shock is fading. Community outreach really works! And we keep improving the nuts and bolts of our craft, making assessed values measurably more consistent.

We'll introduce an online tool in May ("eAppeals"), making it easier to file an appeal - and easier to judge whether you have a winning case before you do file one.

Outreach
I've kept up the usual pace (usual for me, anyway) of 200 onsite visits per year with realtors, service clubs, seniors, CPAs, and industry groups like the Building Owners and Managers Association, Rental Housing Association, and Master Builders. At the International Association fo Assessing Officers (IAAO) big fall event in Kansas City, I spoke on "How Sustained Outreach Can Improve Your Standing in the Community".

Technology
We are a national leader in online tools and mobile apps:

  • Our appraisers now hit the field with the best mobile tool in the trade, an iPad app called iRealProperty we developed with local business partner Mobise.
  • Our public information tool eRealProperty draws four million page views a month.
  • Our property search tool eSales is building a strong following among real estate pro's.
  • eListing helps business accounts comply with Personal Property filing requirements.  
  • 32 of the County's 40 permitting jurisdictions now keep property data up to date thru our ePermitting links.  
  • We demo'd our leading-edge apps at WASACA (WA State Association of County Assessors)  ... IAAO's national board meeting ... statewide IAAO workshops ... our own office open house events ... and presented the closing plenary session of IAAO's 17th annual Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal conference in Albuquerque. 


Our Property Base System is a longstanding renewal priority. PBS is a COBOL-era cornerstone of our business, with a rat's nest of indispensable links to other agencies. This year we'll migrate PBS off the mainframe to a modern database platform - setting the stage for bolder functional upgrades.

Renew the Crew, Too 
Boomers - the mainstay of our experienced workforce - are reaching retirement. Staff renewal is a constant concern. This is an ideal time to pick up proven young talent from public agency lay-off lists and a still-depressed private sector.

We revived the college intern program. Grad students gain priceless experience, and we benefit from fresh perspectives and energetic legwork in research and analysis chores.

We also take advantage of the County HEROES program - paid internships and mentoring support for recent veterans making the transition to civilian work.

We've revamped our HR approach to emphasize job-related interviewing practices and a workforce that looks like King County. And we held an "all hands" staff retreat to re-assess our team mission, shared vision and guiding principles.

Even in these tough times, our team is 3-for-3 in layoff-free budget cycles. Cost reductions, service upgrades, a track record of running with cutting-edge ideas and bringing new dollars to the General Fund keeps us on good terms with the budget barons.  

Personal Property Tax 
You never filed a PP return? Don't panic. In our state, "personal" property tax applies to business accounts - not households.

We discovered that too many businesses were unaware of the tax (and its self-reporting requirement). Thru educational outreach and an amnesty period for delinquent accounts, we picked up 2,000 new accounts and $1 million in new revenue in 2012. 

PP is slated for renewed focus in 2013. See the office website (eListing, under Online Services) for Personal Property Tax information and online filing tools.


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Still time to get help with taxes

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Households making less than $51,000 a year can get free tax help at the Shoreline HopeLink, Shoreline Library, and Richmond Beach Library at the times and days listed in the flyer.

For a list of more sites, call 2-1-1 or go to the website.


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