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

Property taxes due for first half of 2018

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Did you get your income tax filed?
Good, now it's time to pay your property taxes.

If your taxes are part of your mortgage payment, you will have heard from that mortgage company about whether you have enough in reserve and how much your monthly payment is increasing.

However, if you pay your own taxes in King county, you have until Monday, April 30 to pay the first half of your 2018 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 taxpayers to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently. Tax payments can be made:
  • Online using King County's convenient, secure online eCommerce system. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account.
  • By mail if postmarked no later than April 30, 2018. 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 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 kingcounty.gov/CSC.
    • 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. - 4:30 p.m. Service is suspended for 15 minutes at 10:15 a.m. and 3 p.m., and for one hour at noon for mandated employee breaks.
  • 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 27, and Monday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.
  • 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 kingcounty.gov/propertytax
  • Note that you will be charged a hefty service fee for using the online options.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, visit kingcounty.gov/propertytax, contact King County Treasury Operations by email or contact a customer service specialist at 206-263-2890.

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



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Cartoons by Whitney Potter: Tax Day

Tuesday, April 17, 2018



Tax Day - April 17, 2018



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Property tax bills coming: increases will fund education, fire protection, and veteran and senior services

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Property taxes across King County will increase about 17 percent on average this year, primarily due to additional taxes passed by the Legislature to increase funding for K-12 education. 

About 57 percent of property tax revenues collected in King County pays for schools. Property taxes also fund voter-approved measures for veterans and seniors, fire protection, and parks among other services.

King County Treasury will begin sending out the annual property tax bills in mid February. King County collects property taxes on behalf of the state, the county, cities, and taxing districts (such as school and fire districts), and distributes the revenue to these local governments.



Voters have approved several property-tax increases that will make much-needed investments in veterans and senior citizen services and fire protection.

In some parts of King County, as much as 50 percent of the property tax bill is the result of voter-approved measures.

New levies approved in 2017 for collection this year include:
  • Fire protection levies in Maple Valley, Vashon, and Skyway.
  • School bonds for Shoreline and Federal Way
  • Renewal of the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy in King County.
In addition to approved local measures, the Washington State legislature passed an additional property tax to increase funding of education. Previously, the State Supreme Court ruled that the state must make new investments into public education; as a result the legislature added $1.01 per thousand dollars of assessed value, in King County, to their portion of property tax collection in order to fund the mandate (this is known as the McCleary Plan).

“Communities in our region are thankful to voters for approving new funding for essential services, but we know that property taxes can be especially tough for those on fixed incomes,” said King County Assessor John Wilson. 
“That’s why we’ve been aggressively reaching out to seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners with the property tax exemption program. Additionally, I’ve been working with Executive Constantine to create more tools for transparency around property taxes,” Wilson continued.

Low-income seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners may qualify for a property-tax exemption offered by King County. Information on how to apply for an exemption, along with other property-assessment-related information, can be found here.

Property taxes vary depending upon location, the assessed value of the property, and the number of jurisdictions levying taxes (such as state, city, county, school district, port, fire district, etc).

With property taxes going up 16.92 percent on average, that means countywide property tax billings will be $5.6 billion in 2018, up from $ 4.8 billion last year. Aggregate property values in King County increased by 13.41 percent, going from $471.5 billion in 2017 to $534.7 billion in 2018.

“Without doubt voters are going to see a property tax increase due to the funding model the legislature has passed to fund education. 
"So at a local level we are building more tools and supporting more legislation to increase transparency and fairness around the property tax. It is a work in progress and we will continue working on behalf of King County taxpayers,” said Wilson.

To avoid interest and penalties, the first half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by April 30, 2018. The second half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by Oct. 31, 2018.

Helpful links:



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Volunteer with United Way Free Tax Prep Campaign

Thursday, December 14, 2017

The United Way Free Tax Prep Campaign assists low- and moderate-income households by filing their taxes for free and connecting them to public benefits.

There are two volunteer positions:
  • Tax Volunteer: File clients’ taxes (free two-day training).
  • Volunteer Intake and Benefits Specialist: Screen for and make referrals to public benefits (free one-day training).

As a volunteer, you can:

1. Network and Gain Practical Work Experience: Working in a shared space allows for countless networking opportunities with our other volunteers from big companies. Volunteers will become trained and IRS tax certified, and build skills from filing numerous taxes.

2. Bring Value to the Community: Volunteers on average bring $30,000 back to the community. This amount is gained via refunds, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other benefits.

3. Get Letters of Recommendation: Site managers can provide letters based on performance.

They ask volunteers to join them weekly for a 3-4 hour shift during tax season, which runs from January 9th-April 19th. Training sessions take place from December through mid-January.

Find a Free Tax Prep location near you and get involved: Visit uwkc.org/taxvolunteer. Additional information can be found here

Email with questions about signing up.



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Potential B&O tax for Shoreline businesses - workshops Wednesday and Thursday

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

The City of Shoreline is considering implementation of a B/O tax on local businesses.

Business Outreach Workshops
The City of Shoreline will hold two workshop sessions to provide information on the City’s financial forecast and budget.

We encourage City of Shoreline businesses to attend and look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

Workshop dates:
  • Wednesday, June 21 from 5:00 – 7:00pm 
  • Thursday, June 22 from 11:00am – 1:00pm 
  • Location: City of Shoreline Council Chambers, City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N 

The City of Shoreline, like most cities in Washington, faces a structural imbalance in funding core operations, where the cost of maintaining services is growing faster than the revenues available to support them.

In 2014, the City Council developed a 10 Year Financial Sustainability Plan that identifies seven strategies to help achieve financial sustainability over the 10 Year forecast.

Five of the seven strategies have been implemented, and the City forecasts sufficient revenues through 2021, primarily relying on a voter-approved levy lid lift that expires in 2022.

One of two remaining strategies to be implemented is engagement of the business community regarding the potential implementation of a business and occupation (B/O) tax.

For more information, contact Administrative Services Director Sara Lane, 206-801-2301.


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2017 Property Valuation Notices are in the mail: values continue to rise

Wednesday, May 31, 2017


The King County Assessor’s Office has begun the annual process of mailing valuation notices to over 700,000 property owners. Notices will continue arriving to property owners through September.

In most areas of the county, property values are up again this year. Locally, West Central Shoreline – 16.5% and Lake Forest Park / Kenmore – 11.4%

Higher valuations, however, do not necessarily translate into higher property taxes, said Assessor John Wilson.

“Most people don’t realize that the fluctuating value of your property has less to do with changes in your tax bill than do measures approved by voters,” said Wilson. 
“Decisions made by voters, in terms of approving special levies; and by elected officials in terms of adopting budgets, determine the total amount of tax to be collected in your area; the value of your property determines your share of that total amount.”

Wilson continues to encourage property owners to sign up to receive their annual property valuation notice via email instead of through the USPS. This electronic valuation notice program is convenient for property owners, will save money for the Department of Assessments, and is environmentally friendly.

Sign up here - 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 2017 valuation notice. 

Details are available here. The BOE is here.

State law requires each county assessor to revalue property annually, and to conduct an on-site 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.

For more information, contact: Bailey Stober, Assessor’s Office, 206-263-2271,



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Property taxes due for first half of 2017

Monday, April 17, 2017

Property owners in King County who do not pay property tax with their mortgage have until Monday, May 1 to pay the first half of their 2017 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 taxpayers 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 May 1, 2017. 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 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. Schedule: Fridays, 8:30am - 4:30pm. Service is suspended for 15 minutes at 10:15am and 3pm, and for one hour at noon for mandated employee breaks.
  • In person at Treasury Operations, sixth floor of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Friday, April 28, and Monday, May 1, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.

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, see this webpage, contact King County Treasury Operations by email, or contact 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 or 206-296-3920.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Taxes and the I.R.S. Helpline



"While the tax return due date is typically April 15, this year your return is due by Tuesday, April 18.
"Why? When April 15 falls on a weekend, the filing deadline is scheduled for the following Monday, unless that Monday happens to be a holiday. This year, Monday, April 17, is Emancipation Day, which is a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. (That day celebrates President Lincoln's signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862, which freed over 3,000 slaves in D.C.)"
--From Money.CNN.com



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AARP tax help at local libraries

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

AARP Tax Help
  • Thursday, March 9, 16, 23 and 30, 3:30-8pm
  • Saturday, March 11, 18 and 25, 11am-4pm
Get 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 for yourself and all dependents, and last year's return as well as any current tax documents.

Electronic filing will be available.

Walk-ins only, no appointments.


Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155, 206-362-7550
~~~~~~~~~


AARP Tax Help
  • Friday, March 10, 17, 24 and 31, 10am-4pm
Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP Foundation 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 an 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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Free tax prep service at Mountlake Terrace Library for low income and senior citizens

Thursday, March 2, 2017

AARP Tax Aide Preparation Service

Wednesday, March 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12

1:00-8:00pm

Free assistance in preparing Federal Tax Returns for low income and senior citizens.

Register in person at the Mountlake Terrace Library Information Desk. Space is still available, but slots are filling in quickly!

Mountlake Terrace Library, at 23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA  98043.



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Free tax help event Mar 8 at Iora

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Iora is hosting a free tax prep event with United Way on March 8 from 1-4 pm at Iora Primary Care, 15214 Aurora Ave N, 98133.

Call 206-518-9021 for appointments.

Anyone who makes under $64,000 per year qualifies for free tax help.



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Voter-approved levies will increase investments in schools, public safety and transportation

Friday, February 24, 2017



From the office of John Wilson, King County Assessor


Thanks to voter-approved initiatives, an increase in property tax revenue will result in additional investments in schools, police, fire protection, and transportation. The majority of property tax revenue collected in King County – 52 percent – will pay for schools.

King County Treasury began sending out the annual property tax bills on February 14. King County collects property taxes on behalf of the state, the county, cities, and taxing districts (such as school and fire districts), and distributes the revenue to these local governments.

Voters have approved several property-tax increases that will make much-needed investments in child and youth development, public safety, and transportation, including more Sound Transit rail and bus service throughout much of King County.

In some parts of King County, as much as 50 percent of the property tax bill is the result of voter-approved measures.

New levies approved in 2016 for collection this year include:

  • Sound Transit 3 (ST3), which will connect the region’s cities with mass transit including 62 new miles of light rail; bus rapid transit on the north, east and south of Lake Washington; expanded passenger capacity on Sounder south line trains; and parking, bike and pedestrian access improvements at stations throughout the system. 
  • School levies in the Auburn, Federal Way, Tukwila, Seattle, Renton, Mercer Island, Kent, Vashon Island, Lake Washington, and Highline school districts.
  • Renewal of the Low-Income Housing levy in Seattle. 
  • Public safety levies in Normandy Park, Snoqualmie, and Shoreline. 

“Voters are saying yes to spending money on valuable government services, such as schools, fire protection, and transportation improvements. But we know that can be especially tough for those on fixed incomes,” said King County Assessor John Wilson. 
“That’s why we’ve been aggressively reaching out to seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners with the property tax exemption program.”

Low-income seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners may qualify for a property-tax exemption offered by the Assessor’s office. Information on how to apply for an exemption, along with other property-assessment-related information, can be found here. Nearly 5,000 King County homeowners applied for the exemption last year.

Property taxes vary depending upon property location, the assessed value of the property, and the number of jurisdictions levying taxes (such as state, city, county, school district, port, fire district, etc). 
In recent years, our schools have become more dependent on local levy dollars, and numerous special levies have been passed to fund services that were once funded out of state general tax revenue.

With property taxes going up 8 percent on average, that means countywide property tax billings will be $4.8 billion in 2017, up from $4.5 billion last year. Aggregate property values in King County increased by nearly 11 percent, going from $426.3 billion in 2016 to $471.5 billion in 2017.

The majority of property tax revenue – 52 percent – pays for schools. It also pays for police, fire protection, parks and libraries.

The county receives less than 18 percent of the property tax revenue it collects.

While many people naturally assume that the county’s revenue increases as property values rise, that’s actually not the case. 

A state law limits the amount of additional revenue counties receive from an existing property tax to no more than 1 percent each year. One exception is revenue generated from new construction. As a result, the revenue that supports the county’s General Fund does not keep up with inflation and the increasing demand for services as our population grows.

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.

To avoid interest and penalties, the first half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by May 1, 2017. The second half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by Oct. 31, 2017. If you have a mortgage, your property taxes are included in your mortgage payment.

For more information about new mass transit projects, visit soundtransit.org/Projects-and-Plans.

Helpful links:

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More opportunities for tax assistance

Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is continuing to offer tax assistance to members of the community.

Appointments can be made through the Senior Center, 206-365-1536, while the taxes are done at the Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, 98177.

The Staff at the library ask that all appointments be made through the senior center.

Tax assistance from AARP volunteers will be starting February 3 and run until April 14. 

Appointments at the Senior Center are being taken now; hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is located in the southern-most building of Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, 206-365-1536, email. This center is a Community Partner of Sound Generations.



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Free tax preparation by United Way at Goodwill

Wednesday, January 25, 2017


Take the stress out of filing your taxes and maximize your refund – have United Way of King County prepare your return for free!

United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation services in 27 locations throughout King County from now until April 20th.

Households making under $64,000 can have their taxes prepared-- and they can get connected to healthcare enrollment and other public benefits.

Locations can be found throughout the county with daytime, evening, and weekend hours available. No appointments needed. Get your maximum refund fast and pay no fees!

The tax sites in our community are:

Shoreline Goodwill, 145th and 15th NE
  • Mon: 5:00- 9:00 PM
  • Wed: 5:00- 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Ave N
  • Mon: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 
  • Thurs: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM


People using the service should bring a government issued picture ID (for spouse also if they are married), the social security card for the tax payer and all dependents, and all W-2s and other forms needed to complete their tax return.


To find other locations, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit the website or call 2-1-1.


Updated 1-30-2017

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Second Reader's question about Shoreline's Prop. 1 and answer

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

A second reader has a question about the recently passed Proposition 1 in Shoreline. (see first article)

Question

Over the last 4 years, property taxes went up by about 25% (in my case from $3600 to over $4500) because of property value increase. This is the result of a high demand for housing in King county that pull the home prices up.

Shouldn't the additional income raised through higher property taxes be enough?

  • In 2012, 12% of my $3600 in property taxes went to the city of Shoreline: $432
  • In 2016, 12% of my $4500 in property taxes went to the city of Shoreline: $540
So in 4 years, the city of Shoreline got a lot more than they used to and on top of that is asking for an additional $64.

Not that $64 is a huge number, but Shoreline already has some of the highest property taxes in King county. It is a bit hard to swallow.

Answer from Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, City of Shoreline

I understand that your situation makes it seem like the City has been having large property tax increases each year. However, the City is limited in how much they can increase their property tax levy each year. And while in 2010 Shoreline voters approved a Levy Lid Lift which allowed the City to increase their property tax levy by the year to year change in CPI (inflation) instead of the state mandated limit of 1, CPI changes have averaged less than 2% over the past 6 years.

Following is a simplified explanation of how the changes in property tax assessment and valuations work and the impact to individual properties.

In Washington State a City’s property tax levy is generally limited to grow 1% per year plus the value of new construction regardless of the increase in assessed valuation (AV) for the City as a whole. The tables below walk through an example for a City with three houses each valued at $200,000, for a total AV of $600,000. The City set a levy rate of $1.00 per $1,000 AV in the first year. Each house would pay $200 in property tax to the City, resulting in a levy totaling $600.


Home 1
Home 2
Home 3
Total City
Year 1 Assessed Value (AV):
$200,000
$200,000
$200,000
$600,000
Times the Levy Rate (LR):
$1.00
$1.00
$1.00
$1.00
Year 1 Tax Levy (AV*LR/1,000):
$200
$200
$200
$600

Let’s assume that there was no new construction and that the AV for the three houses as a whole increased 15%, resulting in a total assessed valuation of $690,000. In order to limit the growth of the levy to 1%, meaning the City can only levy $606 in year two, the levy rate is lowered to $0.87826 per $1,000 AV.


Home 1
Home 2
Home 3
Total City
Year 2 AV Increase:
10%
20%
15%
15%
For Year 2 the City can increase the total levy by 1% from $600 to $606.
Year 2 AV:
$220,000
$240,000
$230,000
$690,000
Times the LR:
$0.87826
$0.87826
$0.87826

Year 2 Tax Levy (AV*LR/1,000):
$193.22
$210.78
$202.00
$606.00
Change in Tax Paid:
($6.78)
$10.78
$2.00
$6.00

As you can see in the second table above, the 1% limit applies to the total levy but not to property tax increases for individual homes. In the second year, houses that experienced a growth in AV less than the citywide total will pay less in property tax, a house that experienced a growth in AV more than the citywide total will pay more, and a house that experienced a growth in AV equal to the citywide total will experience a 1% growth.

Overall the City is able to increase its levy by $6.00 and the change in the levy rate applied to all properties located in the City ensures that the amount the City collects is limited.

As noted earlier, in 2010 Shoreline voters approved a levy lid lift, which allowed the City to raise taxes by the year to year change in CPI instead of the 1% - but the impact to individual properties is the same.

Based upon the numbers you provided, it appears that your property value has been increasing faster than the average for the City.



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Reader question: What will Shoreline Prop 1 cost me?

Thursday, November 17, 2016

A reader had a question about Shoreline's Prop 1, which is passing with a 67% Yes vote as of 11-17-2016.

So on a 400,000 house ... which is almost the average cost of a home, it would cost the taxpayer $556 more each year in property tax??? and people wonder why rents are high! Is my Math correct???

Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director for the City of Shoreline, responded.

Thank you for your question. Your math is not exactly correct. The additional amount that a homeowner of a $400,000 home will pay in 2017 as a result of Proposition 1 is $64. 
With the passage of the levy lid lift renewal the total amount that a homeowner would pay to the City of Shoreline on a home valued at $400,000 in 2017 would be $556. 
Proposition 1 restored the property tax rate to $1.39 in 2017 and allows the City’s Levy to grow by CPI (i.e. “inflation”) for the next 5 years. 
Had Proposition 1 not passed, the amount paid to the City of Shoreline on a $400,000 home would be an estimated $492 in 2017 – as I noted, a difference of $64 per year. 
Property tax is the largest operating revenue source for the City, supporting critical services like public safety, parks and recreation, and community services. Without the passage of Proposition 1, the City would have been forced to reduce non-mandatory services in order to balance its annual operating budget. 
Thank you to the Shoreline voters for supporting Proposition 1 and allowing the City to maintain our current levels of service to the community!

 

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Volunteer to be a United Way tax preparer

Join United Way’s Free Tax Prep Campaign in the Fight Against Poverty by volunteering at your neighborhood tax site.

Every year in Washington State, low-and-middle income individuals and families struggle to pay the bills and keep food on the table. Tax time can make an unstable situation even worse.

Not only is Washington’s tax system the most regressive in the nation, but predatory tax preparers can exploit people’s confusion around taxes, charging upwards of $300 for a tax return.

Maria, a single mother of two making $30,000 a year, has regularly had to choose between education, car repair, and dental care. But during the last tax season, she received a $3,000 refund, secured by Free Tax Campaign volunteers at absolutely no cost. This meant she didn’t have to choose between meeting only some of her basic needs.

Last year, the campaign helped over 21,750 community members file their taxes, bringing $29.1 million back to the community in tax refunds.

This year, we’re hoping to make an even bigger impact but to do this, we need your help. Join our talented team of volunteers, receive training that boosts your skills, and help reach the people who need it most. No experience needed!

Local Free Tax Prep locations:
  • Shoreline Goodwill
  • Ronald United Methodist Church – Shoreline
  • Lake City Neighborhood Service Center
  • YMCA KTUB - Kirkland

Get involved - sign up here






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Property taxes for second half of 2016 due October 31

Tuesday, October 18, 2016


King County property owners who pay their taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender, have until Monday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 2016 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:
  • By mail if postmarked no later than October 31, 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.
  • Online using King County's convenient, secure online eTax application available here. Taxpayers may pay with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account (eCheck). The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills.
  • In person at Treasury Operations, on the sixth floor of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave in downtown Seattle. Treasury Operations is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. On October 31, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.
  • At a King County Community Service Center 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 here. In Shoreline, the Service Center is in the District Courthouse, 18050 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline 98133.
For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operationsor call 206-263-2890.

Some low-income seniors may be eligible for a break on their property taxes through the senior citizen tax exemption. Residents over the age of 61 making less than $40,000 per year can get information on exemption and deferral programs from the King County Assessor's Office or 206-296-3920.



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City Council adopts resolution placing levy lid lift on November ballot

Friday, August 5, 2016

On July 25, the Shoreline City Council adopted Resolution No. 389, which places a levy lid lift on the November 8 ballot.


If approved by Shoreline voters, Shoreline Proposition 1 would help fund and maintain current levels of police and emergency service, including neighborhood safety and traffic patrols; school safety programs; and community crime prevention programs.

It would also help fund park and trail maintenance; playgrounds and play equipment; ball fields, restrooms and the Shoreline pool; and preserve recreation programs for youth, families, and seniors. 

Proposition 1 would also continue funding for community services for seniors, youth, and individuals and families in need.

In 2010, Shoreline voters approved a six-year maintenance and operations levy to help fund basic public safety, parks and recreation, and community services.

That levy will expire on December 31 of this year.

The City’s 10-Year Forecast projects that without restoring these funds, revenues will not be adequate to support the costs of current service levels. If Proposition 1 is approved, a homeowner with a median home value ($353,000) would pay an additional average of $7 per month to maintain the above services.

More information on Shoreline Proposition 1 here or contact Administrative Services Director Sara Lane at 206-801-2301.



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Assessor: Senior tax exemption applications on the rise

Sunday, June 5, 2016

From King County Assessor John Wilson

It is a story I hear too often: Seniors who bought a home, raised a family, paid off their mortgage but now – living on a tightening fixed income – find that property taxes are a true financial burden. I’m determined we’re going to do what we can to help these folks. So as I took office, we placed an emphasis on raising awareness about the low-income senior exemption program and getting more people enrolled.

So I’m pleased to report a nearly six-fold increase in enrollment. We’ve gone from roughly 100 folks a month to as many as 700 a month. And we know from Census data, there are thousands of seniors out there, eligible but haven’t yet enrolled.

The criteria is straight-forward: Owner occupant of the home, 61 or older at time of application, with a household income of $40,000 or less. If you’re disabled or a disabled veteran, the age threshold is eliminated.

In a county of more than 2 million residents, we have roughly 16,000 signed up. We know there are thousands more out there who could use our help.

If you, or someone you know, could use the help, please contact us. Just call 206-296-3920


Phone number corrected 6-06-16

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