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

Property valuation notices are on their way

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The King County Department of Assessments began sending out annual property valuation notices to property owners last week, via email and the U.S. Postal Service. Notices will continue arriving through early September.

In many areas of the county, property values are up again this year. Higher valuations, however, do not necessarily translate into higher property taxes. Increasing prices for properties when sold, voter approved tax measures, and improvements to properties all may contribute to increased taxes. These will vary by neighborhood and by any given property.

This year, Assessor John Wilson is encouraging property owners to sign up for a new program to receive their annual property valuation notice via email instead of through the USPS.

This new electronic valuation notice program will save money for the Department of Assessments, and is environmentally friendly. Check this out and click on the “Go Paperless” window for details. Paperless notifications saves taxpayer dollars in staff time, materials and postage.

Property owners who believe their assessment may be incorrect, can appeal to the Board of Equalization (BOE). This must be done within 60 days of receipt of the 2016 valuation notice. Details are available at the Department of Assessments website or the BOE

State law requires each county assessor to revalue property annually, and to conduct a physical inspection of each property at least once every six years. Property values are determined by certified appraisers who assess property based on comparable sales, various attributes of a particular property, and/or income generated by the property.



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Property taxes due for first half of 2016

Friday, April 22, 2016

Graphic by donkeyhotey
If your property tax payment is not handled by your mortgage company, be aware that taxes are due for the first half of 2016.

The normal due date is April 30, but because April 30 falls on a Saturday, property taxpayers in King County have until Monday, May 2.

To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for residents to pay their property taxes quickly and easily.
  • 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.
  • By mail if postmarked no later than May 2, 2016. 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.
  • At the Shoreline District Court at 18050 Meridian, if paid by check for the exact amount due. Other locations listed here.
  • In person at Treasury Operations, sixth floor of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Friday, April 29 and Monday, May 2, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.
    • Taxpayers visiting the Administration Building should be aware that the county-owned Goat Hill Garage at Fifth and Jefferson is closed to public parking until mid-May. Visit the garage's project page for alternative parking in the area, or learn about public transportation options
For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, see the webpage, email, King County Treasury Operations, or call a customer service specialist at 206-263-2890.

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



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Tax help from AARP at the libraries Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday

Sunday, April 3, 2016


AARP is providing volunteers to help people with preparation and filing of their income tax, due April 15.

Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP Foundation 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.

AARP Tax Help on Thursdays April 7, April 14 from 3:30 to 8pm at the Shoreline Library Large Meeting Room, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.

Electronic filing of all returns.

Walk-ins only, no appointments.

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AARP Tax Help on Fridays April 8, April 15 from 10am to 4pm at the Richmond Beach Library Meeting Room, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

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

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AARP Tax Help on Saturday April 9 from 11am to 4pm at the Shoreline Library Large Meeting Room 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.

Electronic filing of all returns.

Walk-ins only, no appointments.



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Property tax statements are mailed - increases support childhood development and emergency services

Tuesday, February 16, 2016



Initiatives approved by voters last year will increase King County property taxes in 2016, which will result in additional investments in early childhood development, and emergency services. The majority of property tax revenue – nearly 53 percent – will pay for schools. 

The amount of revenue growth at local governments, meanwhile, is capped at 1 percent except for revenue from new construction.

King County Treasury collects property taxes on behalf of the state, cities, and taxing districts, and then distributes the revenue to local governments.

King County property tax bills were mailed February 12.

In some parts of King County, as much as 50 percent of 2016 property taxes are a result of voter-approved measures. These are typically school, fire, and other levies or bonds. New levies approved in 2015 include:
  • Best Starts for Kids to invest in prevention and early intervention services to improve the health and well-being of children, youth and families across King County. 
  • Creating the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network to provide local emergency responders with more modern and reliable communication tools. 

While individual property taxes vary depending upon location, property taxes went up 9.35 percent at the aggregate level. Countywide, property tax billings will be $4.5 billion in 2016, up from $4.1 billion from last year. It’s the primary funding source for schools, public safety, parks and libraries.

The amount of revenue growth at local governments is capped at 1 percent except for revenue from new construction.

About 19 cents of every property tax dollar supports services provided by King County government, while 18 cents goes to local cities.

Property owners can find tax levy rates and more property related information by visiting eReal Property Search on the King County Assessor’s website or by calling 206-296-7300.

Residential and commercial property in King County is assessed each year at its fair market value. For residential parcels, fair market value is determined by analyzing recent sales of comparable properties in the same area.

“The effects of King County’s growing economy and hot real estate market are not felt the same in all parts of the county,” said Assessor Wilson. 
“While property values increased significantly in some Seattle neighborhoods, property owners in Northeastern and Southeastern King County saw much smaller increases.”

To avoid interest and penalties, the first half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by May 2nd, 2016. The second half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by Oct. 31, 2016.

Property taxes are usually included in mortgage payments.

Helpful Links 


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AARP tax help at the libraries

Monday, February 8, 2016

Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP Foundation 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. Electronic filing of all returns.

Shoreline Library

Thursdays from February 4 through April 14, starting 3:30pm - ending 8pm.
Saturdays from February 6 through April 9, starting 11am - ending 4pm.

Shoreline Library large meeting room, 345 NE 175th, 98155.
Walk-ins only, no appointments.

Richmond Beach Library

Fridays from February 5 through April 15, starting 10am - ending 4pm at the Richmond Beach Library meeting room, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

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



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What does Fire Benefit Charge mean for Shoreline property owners in 2016?

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

On Jan. 23, 2016, Matt Cowan, Fire Chief of Shoreline Fire Department, talks about what the Shoreline community can expect from the fire benefit charge that voters in his Fire District supported on the August 4, 2015 ballot. He thinks the fire benefit charge is a solution for diversifying his Fire District’s operating budget.

By Gabriella Neal

In addition to the existing fire levy tax, a fire benefit charge approved by voters in August will appear on Shoreline property tax bills in 2016.

But for the typical homeowner, the dollar amount of the two combined will likely be lower than the existing levy, while commercial­ property owners may be charged more under the benefit charge that is based on the size and risk factors of a location.

A fire benefit charge is a fee that is determined by the amount of risk that a building poses and by the amount of square footage of a building. It is not assessed on property value. The higher the risk, the larger the fire ­benefit charge.

Shoreline residents received a letter from the Shoreline Fire Department on January 15, explaining the changes and how they will be calculated. Funds from the fire benefit charge will go toward the district’s emergency­ service operating expenses.

According to a Shoreline Fire Department fact sheet, the owner of a a 1,520 ­square­ foot house is currently paying $312 in taxes. With the fire benefit charge and a lower levy the combined amount becomes $238.

“The fire benefit charge is a per square foot charge on a property owner’s building,” said Matt Cowan, fire chief of Shoreline Fire Department. “It’s basically a charge that quantifies the risk of a structure,” telling us the amount of resources the department needs to fight a potential fire at a building.
“It is a more accurate representation of the need for what that structure requires,” Cowan said.

Curtis Campbell, Shoreline Public Schools information officer, said Shoreline Public School building structures are exempt from fire­ benefit charges. Places of worship are also exempt.

Before approval of the fire benefit charge, the fire department was funded primarily by a fire ­tax levy, a type of property tax. The fire benefit charge is now an alternate source of revenue for the fire department, combined with a decreased fire tax levy.

The current fire tax levy capped rate of $1.50 will drop to $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, and the fire department plans to make up for the 50 cents loss of revenue with the fire benefit charge. As a result, commercial property owners will likely pay more of the fire benefit charge and homeowners will pay less. With the fire benefit charge in place, it is believed that costs will be more appropriately distributed, said Cowan.  

“The biggest point is probably that the fire benefit charge will still be a minor source, equating to 50 cents and the fire tax levy will account for $1.00 or 67 percent,” said Cowan.

The fire benefit charge is the solution to providing the funding necessary to sustain the fire department in the long run, said Allen Alston, citizen member of the fire department’s long-range planning committee. The committee is a group of fire commissioners and citizens who consider the fire district’s long­term operational and capital needs.

The fire benefit charge is not a permanent measure, as citizens have the ability to discuss the benefit charge at annual public meetings and to re­authorize it every six years.



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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to will provide free tax help beginning in February

Monday, January 18, 2016



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

Whether you are a working or retired individual, Tax-Aide’s IRS tax-certified volunteer preparers at each site can help answer your questions and prepare your tax returns. In addition to earned and retirement income reporting, we can help you with your investment income (interests, dividends, and capital gains for Schedule D), Schedule C for individuals with small businesses that have less than $25,000 in annual expenses, and various healthcare (Affordable Care Act), education, child and earned income credits.

Taxpayers utilizing the free service can receive their tax refunds rather quickly as all Tax-Aide sites will be using electronic filing.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 49th 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 approximately 50 million low to moderate income taxpayers.

The program has over 35,000 volunteers and 5,400 sites across the country. In Washington state last year, more than 1,000 Tax-Aide volunteers at about 150 sites helped approximately 81,000 taxpayers get more than $51 million in refunds.


Richmond Beach Library
19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177
206-365-1536

Fridays only 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Appointments only.
Call 206 365-1536 for an appointment. 
First day is Friday, Feb. 5th.


Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155
206-362-7550
Thursdays 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Saturdays 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 
Walk-ins only, no appointments.
First day is Thursday, Feb. 4th.


For more information and to locate other AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites, see the website or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.



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New King County Assessor calls for new tools on housing affordability

Monday, January 4, 2016

John Wilson
King County Assessor
Declaring that “We will aggressively pursue tools to help with the affordable housing crisis in King County,” King County Assessor John Wilson embraced an activist role Monday following his oath of office at the Kent Senior Center.
“We cannot have an economically sustainable community if we do nothing about affordable housing,” Wilson said. 
“That’s why my team has been busy since the election to shape and advance our Affordable Housing Tax Exemption idea. We will be in Olympia this month to urge state lawmakers that we need more tools in the housing affordability toolkit.”

Washington State Supreme Court Justice Chief Justice Mary Yu administered the oath to Wilson, who also addressed the needs of senior citizens at risk of losing their homes due to high property taxes.

Noting that the number of elderly citizens registering for the state’s low-income tax exemption program has declined in each of the past four years, the county’s newly elected assessor stated that, 
“Today, in a county of more than 2 million residents, we have only a little over 17,000 people registered. We are going to change that.”

Wilson said he will mount an aggressive effort to inform and sign-up seniors for the tax exemption. 

“We must not stand idly by while seniors risk losing their homes just because they do not know about and have not taken advantage of this property tax exemption,” he said. “This includes disabled veterans too,” he added.

Wilson also raised the touchy issue of increasing reliance on the property tax to fund off-budget services.

“Our tax system is fundamentally flawed,” he observed. “As we struggle to fund vital services I worry we’re setting stage for a public backlash. “Generous local voters have passed property tax levies for transportation, parks, emergency radios, Best Starts for Kids,” he continued. 
“But our reliance upon the property tax carries a steep price: adding to the housing affordability problem, income disparity that erodes the well-being of an already embattled middle class and the risk of voter disapproval and hobbling public services. I worry, that someone will decide the solution is some blunt force anti-tax initiative that might pass statewide but cripple us in King County.”

The complete text of Wilson’s address is available on the Department of Assessments website.

The King County Assessor's office dates back to the mid-1800's when Washington was still a territory. Today, the office of the Assessor handles assessments of more than 660,000 residential and commercial parcels in King County valued at $388 billion in 2015.



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Join United Way’s Free Tax Prep Campaign and make a difference in our community

Thursday, December 10, 2015


Every year, United Way’s Free Tax Campaign helps thousands of struggling families in the community file their taxes and keep more of what they earned.

Last tax season alone, the campaign helped over 19,900 community members file their taxes, bringing $27.2 million back to the community in tax refunds!

We do this work so community members can avoid the high cost of tax prep, avoid predatory tax preparers, and gain access to valuable tax credits they may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – a federal anti-poverty measure that last year helped raise 92,000 people above the poverty line in Washington State. 

Join us for a weekly shift from January 11 – April 21; volunteers can choose from being a tax preparer or welcoming clients and connecting them to healthcare and other public benefits. Sign up now to join our talented team, and help reach the people who need it most. No tax experience needed!

Free Tax Campaign location in our community:

Shoreline - Goodwill
  • Tuesdays 5pm – 9pm
  • Thursdays 5:00pm – 9pm
Shoreline - Hopelink
  • Mondays 5pm – 9pm
  • Wednesdays 1pm to 5pm
Learn more and register for your shift here



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Property taxes are due - King county offers online payment system

Monday, October 19, 2015

Property owners in King County have until Monday, November 2 to pay the second half of their 2015 property taxes. After that date, 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. 
  • By mail if postmarked no later than November 2, 2015. 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, suite 600 of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Monday, Nov. 2, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m. 
  • At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. 
    • Shoreline Community Service Center (inside the Shoreline District Court building) 18050 Meridian Ave. N. Shoreline, WA 98133, 206-477-2723, Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30pm, Closed from 12 - 1pm.
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 206-263-2890.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor's Office 206-263-2423.



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2015 property values mailed to Area 2 Central Shoreline residents

Monday, August 3, 2015

Assessors’ Office launches interactive LocalScape app which showcases property values and community trends

 On July 30, 2015, the office of Assessor Lloyd Hara mailed the 2015 property valuation notices for Area 2 – Central Shoreline. Residential properties increased 9.8% on average; however, your individual property value may vary.

The office also launched LocalScape, a new interactive online app, to track area and individual property value changes online, along with a rich landscape of neighborhood data including census, education, permits, and sales. Residents may track property value changes specifically for Area 2 – Central Shoreline residents here. Individual property value history is available by selecting the “My Property” tab.

LocalScape recently earned a 2015 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of Civic Education and Public Information.

The King County Assessor’s Office annually revalues all properties and conducts a physical inspection on each property once every six years. 

The 2015 property values are set as of January 1, 2015 and assessed at the full market value based on sales of comparable properties in the same area. For more information about property values, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 206-296-7300 or email us at assessor.info@kingcounty.gov.

Property owners have 60 days after the mailing date listed on the property valuation notice to file an appeal of their assessed value with the Board of Appeals/Equalization. The Board is an independent body, separate from the Assessor’s Office, and is comprised of King County residents like yourself.

Exemptions for qualified property owners
Some low-income seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled persons retired because of a disability may 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.

Go Paperless!  Sign up for email property valuation notices

Property owners will be able to pre-register to receive future valuation notices electronically via email using the six-digit EVN code printed on the front of the postcard.  They will also be able to scan a QR code from the card with a mobile device to pull up their property information on eReal property.

Stay informed about Assessor Office updates and the 2015 revaluation cycle. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/KCASSESSOR and on Facebook.



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Property taxes due for first half of 2015

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

Property owners in King County have until Thursday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2015 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:
  1. 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.
    1. 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
  2. By mail if postmarked no later than April 30, 2015. 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.
  3. In person at Treasury Operations, suite 600 of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Thursday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.
  4. At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Shoreline Community Service Center 18050 Meridian Ave. N. (inside the Shoreline District Court building) Shoreline, WA 98133, 206-477-2723, Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for holidays.
For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations 206-263-2890.

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

Most mortgage companies will collect your money as part of your monthly payment and pay your property tax, as well as property insurance. The information above is for people who pay their own property tax.



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Annual income under 60K? United Way will prepare your taxes for you

Wednesday, March 18, 2015


United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation services to local households making under $60,000. Volunteers will prepare taxes for attendees and help connect them with one-on-one financial counseling, healthcare enrollment, and other public benefits.

United Way of King County operates 21 full-service sites and 4 drop-off tax prep sites. At these sites, drop off your documentation and come back in a week to pick up or file your completed return.

The free tax service campaign started as a grassroots initiative in White Center thirteen years ago led by United Way of King County.

Over the years, the campaign has spread throughout the county in an effort to connect low-income workers to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). According to UWKC, the EITC is considered as one of the most successful federal anti-poverty measure in the last four decades.

No appointments are needed to take advantage of this service. Sites include Shoreline HopeLink and the Lake City Service Center on 125th.

To find a location:
  • Click here to find locations, operating hours, languages available, and a list of what to bring.
  • Text "FREETAX" and your five-digit ZIP code to 313131.
  • Call 2.1.1. or 800.621.4636
  • For additional questions, email freetax@uwkc.org


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United Way offers free tax preparation assistance

Tuesday, February 24, 2015


United Way offers free tax preparation services. Tax help from IRS-certified volunteers is available in your neighborhood and in your language.

Households that made less than $60,000 in 2014, with tax returns that do not involve business taxes, rental income, or sale of property or stocks are eligible for this free service. Please note that some returns are too complex for the volunteers.

Neighborhood sites are open through April 18, 2015. No appointment is needed.

Lake City Neighborhood Service Center

12525 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 981252.9 miles
Mon: 5 pm – 9 pm
Tues: 5 pm – 9 pm
Thurs: 5 pm – 9 pm
Sat: 11 am – 3 pm Spanish

Shoreline Hopelink

15809 Westminister Way N, Shoreline, WA 981334.7 miles
Weds: 5 pm – 9 pm Spanish
Thurs: 1 pm – 9 pm Amharic Cantonese Mandarin Spanish
Sat: 10 am – Cantonese Mandarin

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Tax-Time Tip from the King County Library System

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Get Tax Forms and Instructions From the IRS

Spring is just around the corner… and so is tax season. As you get ready to prepare your tax return, here’s a tip to help you smooth the process, get the materials you need, and avoid that last-minute scramble to meet the April 15 filing deadline.

Budget cuts for the IRS mean there will be fewer tax forms— and no instruction books— available in public libraries. All 48 King County Library System (KCLS) libraries will have limited quantities of the three most commonly used IRS Tax return forms:  
  1. Form 1040 
  2. Form 1040A 
  3. Form 1040 EZ 
All forms and instructions are available online from the IRS website. Free online filing forms and instructions are also available online at IRS FreeFile.

If you’re in the library, you can print forms yourself— up to 72 pages per week— from a public computer, or ask staff for assistance. The instruction books are too large to print at the library, so your best option is to find the instructions online, or request the instruction book directly from the IRS through their toll-free number 1.800.829.3676, or online

Whichever approach you choose, take care of it early, and avoid the crunch.


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Free tax preparation and filing starts February 1

Wednesday, January 28, 2015


Starting February 1, AARP Foundation will again provide free tax preparation and electronic filing in Shoreline. AARP-Tax-Aide is totally FREE; you do not need to be a member of AARP or a senior to use this service.

2014 tax returns reflect changes as the result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). And for those who did not have medical insurance coverage the entire year, or had purchased insurance through the Washington State Health Plan Exchange, there will be some new tax forms to deal with when filing their 2014 tax returns. AARP-Tax-Aide will have tax counselors who are trained to help tackle your ACA tax return questions.

Whether you are a working or retired individual, AARP’s IRS tax-certified volunteer preparers can handle your tax returns. In addition to earned and retirement income reporting, they can help you with your investment income (interests, dividends, and capital gains for Schedule D), Schedule C for individuals with small businesses that have less than $10,000 in annual expenses, and various education, child and earned income credits.

Here are the Shoreline area tax preparation sites and operating details. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. 

Richmond Beach Library
19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177, 206-365-1536
Fridays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. First day is Feb. 6th
Appointments only.
Call 206 365-1536 for an appointment.

Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155, 206-362-7550
Thursdays 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM. First day is Feb. 5th.
Saturdays 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Walk-ins only, no appointments.


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Free tax prep help for those who earned less than $53,000 in 2014

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Free tax preparation help is available at three locations in Shoreline for those who earned less than $53,000 in 2014. Weekly sessions are scheduled for Fridays at the Richmond Beach Library, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Shoreline Library, and Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at Hopelink Shoreline.

Only the Richmond Beach location requires an appointment. Details are on the flyer.


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United Way needs tax volunteers for Shoreline sites

Tuesday, November 11, 2014


United Way is seeking volunteers to help operate free tax sites throughout King County from January to April 2015. Help us reach our goal of 20,000 tax returns filed!

Volunteers will be certified and trained by the IRS and will help families and individuals complete their tax returns to ensure they secure all refunds and credits they are eligible for. On average, each tax volunteer helps secure more than $30,000 in returns for low income families in our community during the campaign.

Your time as a volunteer will help stabilize people’s lives and make real difference for families in need. Last year in Shoreline 672 tax returns were filed for a total of $1,311,544 in refunds.

There are two primary roles at tax sites available for volunteers, Volunteer Tax Preparers and Volunteer intake and benefits specialists (VIBS). Complete descriptions are available online. The suggested time commitment is three to four hours once a week for the duration of the campaign.

Volunteers are needed at all locations throughout the county. Those who speak Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Korean, Amharic, Cambodian and Russian languages are especially needed.

Currently, the available shifts in Shoreline are on Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m. and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. and 5-9 p.m at Hopelink - Shoreline.

For more information and to volunteer, visit the webpage or email freetax@uwkc.org.


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Second half of 2014 property taxes due Oct. 31

Monday, October 13, 2014

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

King County residents who pay their property taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender, should circle Friday, Oct. 31 on their calendar. The second half of 2014 property taxes are due on that date. After Oct. 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 Oct. 31, 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 called an "eCheck
  3. In person at the King County Administration Building, Suite 600 - Treasury Operations, located at 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Treasury Operations is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Oct. 31, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.  
  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 www.kingcounty.gov/CSC. 
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 visit this page 

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations 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.





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King County Assessor Lloyd Hara to host Town Hall Meeting in Shoreline August 12th

Friday, August 1, 2014

King County Assessor
Lloyd Hara
King County Assessor Lloyd Hara from the Department of Assessments and representatives from the King County Board of Equalization will host a town hall meeting in Shoreline on Tuesday, August 12 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

This public town hall will be an opportunity for the residents of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore to learn more about their property assessments and values, senior and disabled exemptions, online services and the appeals process.

Property values in West Shoreline for 2014 increased 15.6%, West Central Shoreline increased 16.2%, East Shoreline increased 16.2%, and Lake Forest Park/West Kenmore increased 20.5%. Annually, the King County Assessor’s Office values over 700,000 parcels and physically inspects 1/6th of the County.

Property taxes fund state and county services, including roads, transit, schools, libraries, and hospitals.

The King County Board of Equalization (BOE) will be present to provide information on property valuation appeals: The BOE is independent from the Assessor’s Office and is comprised of seven citizen members appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the King County Council. King County property owners have 60 days from the postmark date on their valuation notice to file an appeal.

Tuesday, August 12th 
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Shoreline City Hall
17500 Midvale Ave. N
Shoreline, WA 98133

“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 areas in King County designated by the Assessor’s Office, we saw a residential valuation decrease only in 10 areas for the 2013 assessment year, we expect this trend to continue as we complete our 2014 valuations.”

For more information, visit the King County Assessor’s website or contact Phillip Sit, 206/263-2261.


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