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

First half of 2019 property taxes due by Tuesday, April 30

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Now that you've made it past Tax Day, some of you will have property tax to pay.

If you have paid off your mortgage or if you pay your property tax separate from your mortgage payment, the first half of your taxes are due by the end of the month.

Property owners in King County have until Tuesday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2019 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 eCommerce system. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account. However, you have to pay a fairly hefty service charge.
  • By mail if postmarked no later than April 30, 2019. 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, Fridays only 8:30am - 4:30pm. 18050 Meridian Ave N, (inside the Shoreline District Court building) Shoreline, WA 98133. 206-477-2723
    • Seattle Downtown, Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm* at the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, sixth floor
      • On Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.

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,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 by email or 206-296-3920.




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Governor signs bill requested by County Assessor streamlining process to correct property tax errors

Property tax statement


On April 17, 2019 Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1852, a bill initially drafted by King County Assessor John Wilson, and sponsored by Representative Bill Ramos (D-45th LD).

The bill streamlines and simplifies the process to correct “manifest errors” made by county assessors and issue refunds for overpayment of taxes.

Manifest errors are errors in description of the property that can be corrected by the Assessor without exercising appraisal judgement. 

Examples of a manifest error would be incorrect square footage of a residence, or an error in the legal description.

“We work hard to get right,” said Wilson “But when we make a mistake we want to fix it. I want to thank Rep. Ramos for his leadership in getting this common sense bill passed.”

Under state law, county assessors can correct manifest errors made up to six years in the past. HB 1852 will dramatically reduce the amount of paperwork and process required of taxpayers during that process.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-46 (Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, NE Seattle).

The bill report and a copy of the bill can be found here.



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Last minute income tax assistance this week at local libraries

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Free tax help is available this week from AARP volunteers at the Shoreline Library (Thursday and Saturday) and the Richmond Beach Library (Friday).

Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, WA, 98177. 206-546-3522

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


AARP Tax Help
Date: Thursday April 11
Start Time: 3:30 PM
End Time: 8:00 PM
Library: Shoreline Library
Location: Large Meeting Room
Description: Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Electronic filing will be available.

No appointment necessary. People will be helped on a first come, first served basis.

Documents you need to bring:
  • Government issued identification–picture ID
  • Last year's tax return
  • Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents
  • Checkbook or pre-printed direct deposit information showing routing number and direct deposit account number if you want to do a direct deposit of any refund(s)
  • All income documents for 2018 (W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, etc.)
  • Date of birth for each person listed on the return
  • Health insurance coverage information, including any forms received from your health insurance company or employer 
You must bring documented proof of the Social Security number for everyone on the return (taxpayer, spouse, dependents). Acceptable documents are any original document issued by the US Government that includes the person's Social Security number. A legible picture ID for the taxpayer(s) present at the time of the appointment is also required.

AARP Tax Help
Date: Friday April 12
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Library: Richmond Beach Library
Location: Meeting Room
Description: 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, last year's return as well as any current tax documents.

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

AARP Tax Help
Date: Saturday April 13
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Library: Shoreline Library

Location: Large Meeting Room
Description: Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Electronic filing will be available.

No appointment necessary. People will be helped on a first come, first served basis.

Documents you need to bring:
  • Government issued identification–picture ID
  • Last year's tax return
  • Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents
  • Checkbook or pre-printed direct deposit information showing routing number and direct deposit account number if you want to do a direct deposit of any refund(s)
  • All income documents for 2018 (W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, etc.)
  • Date of birth for each person listed on the return
  • Health insurance coverage information, including any forms received from your health insurance company or employer 
You must bring documented proof of the Social Security number for everyone on the return (taxpayer, spouse, dependents). Acceptable documents are any original document issued by the US Government that includes the person's Social Security number. A legible picture ID for the taxpayer(s) present at the time of the appointment is also required.




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AARP Tax help at Shoreline and Richmond Beach libraries

Saturday, March 2, 2019

AARP Tax Help at the Shoreline Library, Large Meeting Room, 345 NE 175th Ave, Shoreline 98155 on Thursday and Saturday.

Date: Every Thursday, through April 11
Start Time: 3:30 PM
End Time: 8:00 PM

Date: Every Saturday, through April 13
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM

Description: Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Electronic filing will be available.

No appointment necessary. People will be helped on a first come, first served basis.

Documents you need to bring:
  • Government issued identification–picture ID
  • Last year's tax return 
  • Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents
  • Checkbook or pre-printed direct deposit information showing routing number and direct deposit account number if you want to do a direct deposit of any refund(s) 
  • All income documents for 2018 (W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, etc.)
  • Date of birth for each person listed on the return
  • Health insurance coverage information, including any forms received from your health insurance company or employer 
You must bring documented proof of the Social Security number for everyone on the return (taxpayer, spouse, dependents). Acceptable documents are any original document issued by the US Government that includes the person's Social Security number. A legible picture ID for the taxpayer(s) present at the time of the appointment is also required.

AARP Tax Help on Friday 10am to 4pm at the Richmond Beach Library meeting room, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177

Date: Every Friday, through April 12
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM

Please bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, last year's return as well as any current tax documents.

Registration required. Schedule an 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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Free tax help at Shoreline Library

Saturday, February 2, 2019

AARP Tax Help

Thursday, February 7 through April 11 from 3:30pm to 8:00pm

Saturday, February 2 through April 13 from 11am to 4pm



Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers.
  • No age or income limits.
  • Electronic filing will be available. 
  • No appointment necessary.
  • People will be helped on a first come, first served basis. 


Documents you need to bring:
  • Government issued identification–picture ID 
  • Last year's tax return 
  • Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents 
  • Checkbook or pre-printed direct deposit information showing routing number and direct deposit account number if you want to do a direct deposit of any refund(s) 
  • All income documents for 2018 (W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, etc.) 
  • Date of birth for each person listed on the return 
  • Health insurance coverage information, including any forms received from your health insurance company or employer 

You must bring documented proof of the Social Security number for everyone on the return (taxpayer, spouse, dependents). Acceptable documents are any original document issued by the US Government that includes the person's Social Security number. A legible picture ID for the taxpayer(s) present at the time of the appointment is also required.



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Workshop: Federal taxes for your business

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Rizwan Chaudhry of NW Accountants will discuss Federal Taxes for Your Business on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace 98043

This small business workshop covers business codes, deducting expenses, the difference between employees and contractors, estimated tax payments, and more.

Free.


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Property tax exemption for seniors

Thursday, December 27, 2018



If you are 61 or older with a household income of $40,000 or less, you may be eligible for a break on your King county property taxes.

Call 206-296-3920 during normal business hours to find out more.



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Lake Forest Park participated in effort to simplify local taxes

Monday, November 26, 2018

Working for the benefit of our local business community and allowing for increased efficiency in the administration of LFP’s business tax program, City staff participated in the Local Business and Operations Tax Apportionment Task Force created by Engrossed House Bill 2005.

The task force was comprised of city and business representatives and chaired by the Washington Department of Revenue.

Earlier this month, the Department of Revenue submitted the task force report to the Legislature. 

The full report is available here.



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Volunteer at your Neighborhood Tax Site

Monday, November 12, 2018


United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign has been proudly assisting low- and middle-income families and individuals for 16 years.

In the 2018 tax season, our wonderful volunteers helped over 23,200 people, bringing $31.6 million back into the community in tax refunds and credits. Also, we connect people to local services and public benefits such as food assistance, healthcare, and financial coaching. For many people who we served, it helps them cover the cost of basic needs like keeping food on the table or a roof over their heads.

"There were too many stories to choose, just one that significantly impacted me. A lot of people were so grateful for our help. The best parts were calculating a return for someone who was feeling stressed for money and didn't expect anything back."~ UWKC Volunteer

We rely on our talented team of volunteers to make this possible. Join us today and help those who need it most. We provide free comprehensive training that will boost your skills, and we will support you throughout the tax season.

Learn more and get involved today,  HERE


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Property taxes due for second half of 2018

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Property owners in King County who pay their taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender, have until Wednesday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 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 options for quick and easy payment. 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 October 31, 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.
  • 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 Wednesday, October 31, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.

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. While there, taxpayers can also sign up for Property Tax eReminders, which are sent around April 1 and October 1 each year.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, click HERE, 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 HERE or 206-296-3920.



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Senior Citizen and disabled persons reduction in property tax presentation

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Only 10% of those who qualify, apply for this tax reduction program!

Come learn the facts during this presentation from the King County Assessor's Office. Staff will also be on hand to assist you in completing the application forms or you may schedule an appointment for a later date to meet with the Center Social Worker to complete forms.

Guest speaker: King County Assessor John Wilson

Date:  TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH

TIME:  10:30am - 11:30am

LOCATION:  Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Ste 1, Shoreline 98155

Call Theresa or Amber at 206-365-1536 for event details



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Join United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign in the Fight Against Poverty

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Volunteer at your neighborhood tax site.


Every year in Washington State, low- and middle-income families and individuals struggle to pay the bills and keep food on the table. During tax time, it can make an unstable situation even worse. Not only is Washington’s tax system the most regressive in the nation, but predatory tax preparers could charge upwards of $300 for a tax return, and may not tell their clients about certain credits or saving opportunities they might qualify for.

Clare visited one of our United Way tax sites. She was a single mother of two making $30,000 a year. She struggled to pay her housing and grocery expenses. During her time with our Free Tax Campaign volunteers, she received a $3,000 refund at absolutely no cost. This meant that she was able to meet some of her basic needs to support her two children.

In 2018, our wonderful volunteers helped over 23,000 people and brought back $31.6 million in tax refunds and credits. For many of our clients, it helps them cover the cost of basic needs like food and shelter. For this upcoming tax season, we’re hoping to make an even bigger impact in our community. To do this, we need your help.

We rely on our talented team of volunteers to make this possible. Join us and fight against poverty. We provide free comprehensive training that will boost your skills, and help reach the people who need it most. No prior tax experience needed!

Find a Free Tax Prep location near you and get involved: HERE 



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King County Assessor John Wilson at SL-LFP Senior Center Oct 16 on Property Tax reductions for seniors

Monday, October 1, 2018

Topic: Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Reduction in Property Taxes
Speaker: King County Assessor JOHN WILSON
Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Where: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center
Cost: Free
More information: 206-365-1536

Most seniors think that they must have an income under $5,000 but it is $40,000.

You may qualify if you are:
  • Age 61 or older OR disabled
  • Total annual income of $40,000 or less (including Social Security)
  • Retired because of physical disability
  • Widow or widower at least 57 years of age whose spouse had an exemption at time of death
Know the difference between property tax reduction and property tax deferral.




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Shoreline Proposition 1: Sales and Use Tax for Sidewalk Improvements – Informational Meetings

Saturday, September 29, 2018

High priority 175th Stone to Meridian

Shoreline City Council has placed a sales and use tax measure on the November 6 general election ballot. 

Proposition 1 represents an effort to accelerate sidewalk improvements through a dedicated funding source. All of the revenue generated by the additional sales tax will be dedicated to sidewalk improvements in Shoreline, with the majority going toward the construction of new sidewalks.

To learn more about Proposition 1, come to an informational session.

Thursday, October 4
7:30 to 8:30pm
Richmond Highlands Recreation Center16554 Fremont Avenue N

Wednesday, October 10
7:00 to 8:00pm
Shoreline Library345 NE 175th Street

Information about Proposition 1 is also available on the web. If you have questions about sidewalk improvements, contact Senior Transportation Planner Nora Daley-Peng, 206-801-2483. 

For questions about the sales and use tax, contact Administrative Services Director Sara Lane at 206-801-2301.


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Sidewalks: Shoreline City Council adopts resolution placing sales and use tax for sidewalk improvements on November ballot

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

A top priority - 15th NE between 150th and 160th
Photo from Google Earth


On July 30, the Shoreline City Council voted to place a sales and use tax for sidewalk improvements on the November 6 general election ballot (Proposition 1).

If approved by Shoreline voters, Proposition 1 would increase the sales and use tax in Shoreline by two-tenths of one percent (0.2%). Sales tax in Shoreline is currently set at 10.0%. Proposition 1 would increase it to 10.2% for a period of 20 years.

The City will use the money generated to construct, maintain, rehabilitate, repair, and/or preserve sidewalks and pedestrian improvements in the City.

The adopted resolution placing the sales tax on the ballot identified 12 high priority sidewalk projects for construction. The projects, all part of the 2018 Sidewalk Prioritization Plan, are:

Street
From
To
15th Avenue NE
NE 150th Street
NE 160th Street
Meridian Avenue N**
N 194th Street
N 205th Street
8th Avenue NW
North side of Sunset Park
Richmond Beach Road NW
Dayton Avenue N
N 178th Street
N Richmond Beach Road
19th Avenue NE
NE 196th Street
NE 205th Street
1st Avenue NE
NE 192nd Street
NE 195th Street
Westminster Way N
N 145th Street
N 153rd Street
Ballinger Way NE**
19th Avenue NE
25th Avenue NE
Dayton Avenue N*
N 155th Street
N 160th Street
5th Avenue NE*
NE 175th Street
NE 185th Street
Linden Avenue N
N 175th Street
N 185th Street
20th Avenue NW
Saltwater Park entrance
NW 195th Street
*Two sides of the street (bus route)
**Puts sidewalk on second side (bus route)


Current projections show that the money generated will be more than the cost to construct the above listed high-priority projects. If this occurs, once the above listed projects are completed, the City Council will fund additional sidewalk projects using the 2018 Sidewalk Prioritization Plan and Prioritization Matrix as a guide. Council may also choose to use available funds to expedite repair and maintenance of existing sidewalks. All monies generated from the ballot measure must be expended to support the City’s sidewalk program.

Increasing the sales and use tax by 0.2% would add two cents to every ten-dollar purchase of taxable goods or services within the city.

For more information on Shoreline Proposition 1, visit shorelinewa.gov/prop1. If you have questions about sidewalk improvements, contact Senior Transportation Planner Nora Daley-Peng at ndaleypeng@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2483. For questions about sales and use tax, contact Administrative Services Director Sara Lane at slane@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2301.



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King county Assessor launches taxpayer transparency tool

Monday, July 23, 2018

Sample property tax bill

“The Assessor’s new transparency tool will make it easier than ever for the people of King County to know how their property taxes are being invested and what portion is supporting local, regional, or state-wide infrastructure and services.” King County Executive Dow Constantine.

King County Assessor John Wilson launched his new Taxpayer Transparency Tool, a website which provides each King County resident an individualized accounting of where their property tax dollars go, and the estimated cost of any proposed property tax levy to be voted on.

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

The tool was tested on a ballot measure in April during the special election and will be widely available for the ballot measures appearing in the August primary, including the proposed renewal levy for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). 

All county residents will be able to see how this AFIS renewal levy will affect their tax bill, while residents in the South King County Fire and Rescue District (Federal Way area) can also see how the proposed levy lid lift will impact them.

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

"A healthy democracy requires a well-informed public,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“The Assessor’s new transparency tool will make it easier than ever for the people of King County to know how their property taxes are being invested and what portion is supporting local, regional, or state-wide infrastructure and services.”

Wilson said there were several factors that led him to create this new tool:
  • The property tax system in Washington State is complicated. This new tool allows voters to make informed decisions about ballot measures, and helps illustrate how our tax system works.
  • News stories or other information about ballot measures typically use a median-valued or average property as the example for the cost of the proposal. “The problem is most people don’t live in a median-valued property, so those estimates just don’t seem relevant,” Wilson said.
  • The Assessor’s Office receives a number of inquiries via phone and email in the lead up to voting on property tax measures by residents wanting to know how much these measures will cost them. This tool will be an efficient and effective way to answer these questions, as residents can find the answer on-line whenever it is convenient for them – not just during normal business hours. 

King County taxpayers have seen significant increases in their taxes this year. There are two primary reasons for this increase:

  1. In recent years, voters have approved ballot measures that will fund vital services through property tax levies.
  2. Last year state lawmakers voted to dramatically raise the state share of the property tax in order generate more school funding to satisfy the Supreme Court order in the McCleary case. In 2019, local school levies will be reduced, offsetting part of that increase. But in 2018, taxpayers will pay both their current school levy, and the new, increased state property tax. That led to a big spike in the property tax bill in 2018.
“We are working on policy proposals to relive some of the property tax burden on homeowners, especially those on fixed income. In the meantime, the least we can do is give taxpayers more information about our complicated property tax system,” said Wilson.

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



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Shoreline Council seeks volunteers for potential Prop. 1 Pros / Con Committees

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

A popular pedestrian route
Shoreline Council seeks volunteers for voters’ pamphlet pro and con committees for Shoreline Proposition 1: Sales and Use Tax for Sidewalk Transportation Improvements

At its July 16 meeting, the Shoreline City Council indicated that they intend to move forward with placing a sales and use tax for sidewalk improvements on the November 6, 2018, general election ballot.

Accompanying the ballots will be the King County Voters’ Pamphlet. The pamphlet will include an explanatory statement from the City that states the effect of the sales and use tax if approved.

In response will be statements in support and opposition to the ballot measure. State law requires the City Council to appoint two committees to draft the pro and con statements.

The committees can have no more than three members each; however, the committees may seek advice from any person or persons. The committees will also have an opportunity to write a rebuttal statement to the other side’s statement.

Individuals interested in applying for one of the committee positions can fill out an online application. Applications are due by August 2 at 4:30 p.m. The City Council will review the applications and appoint the committee members at its August 6 business meeting.

To learn more about the requirements for the voter’s pamphlet and the duties of the pro and con committees, review the 2018 Jurisdiction Manual at King County Elections.

If you prefer to fill out a paper ballot, you can download them below or pick one up from the Clerk’s Office at City Hall.


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Road Usage Charge pilot project rolling forward

Friday, June 1, 2018

By Jess - High-occupancy vehicle lane, CC BY-SA 2.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40263625
The Washington Road Usage Charge Pilot Project, now in its fourth month, has successfully enrolled 2,000 drivers from across the state to explore a new way to fund state transportation improvements.

Over 12 months, these drivers will have an opportunity to test how a road usage charge could work in Washington.

The current gas tax funds a large portion of the transportation budget that pays for maintenance on our highways, ferries, and other infrastructure. As vehicles become more fuel-efficient, gas consumption decreases along with gas tax revenues.

A road usage charge system, compared to the gas tax, could provide a more stable source of transportation funding long-term and increase tax equity among drivers.

Not all Washington drivers pay equally to use our roads. Drivers with more fuel-efficient or electric vehicles pay less in gas taxes than others to use Washington’s roadways. A pay-per-mile system would create a more equitable system for drivers in our state.

“Washington is taking the next step in figuring out how we can find a long-term replacement for the gas tax,” said Rep. Judy Clibborn, chair of the House Transportation Committee and member of the Washington Road Usage Charge Steering Committee. 
“I look forward to seeing the results of this project and the information it will provide in shaping future transportation funding.”

The pool of 2,000 enrolled participants closely matches the populations of the different regions of the state, with 60 percent of participants from the central Puget Sound area, 14 percent from south central Washington, 13 percent from eastern Washington, 6 percent from northwest Washington, and 6 percent from southwest Washington.

The participant pool also reflects the diverse types of drivers in the state, including demographics such as vehicle type and self-identified race, income, age and gender information.

During enrollment, participants were offered a choice of five different methods to report their miles during the year-long pilot project, with a range of options from no-tech to high-tech. Choices made to date:

  • 29 percent opted to use odometer readings, in which drivers submit quarterly or monthly photos of their odometer using a mobile device or in person at select vehicle licensing offices
  • 34 percent decided to use a plug-in device with GPS, in which drivers plug a device into their vehicle’s OBD-II port, which automatically reports their mileage and enables GPS to deduct miles driven on private roads or out of state
  • 21 percent chose a plug-in device without GPS, where drivers plug a device into their vehicle’s OBD-II port, which automatically reports their mileage
  • 15 percent picked the MileMapper app, where drivers use the test version of this GPS-enabled app, created specifically for the pilot project, to report their miles monthly and deduct miles driven on private roads or out of state
  • 1 percent selected a mileage permit, where drivers pre-select miles based on how much they expect to drive in three months, and submit their mileage report using a mobile device or in person at select vehicle licensing offices

No real payments will be made during the pilot.

Participants are encouraged to provide feedback throughout the project, including filling out quarterly surveys, and calling or emailing the project help desk at any time with additional comments or questions.

After the pilot concludes in February 2019, the data will be processed, results analyzed, and recommendations considered. The Washington State Transportation Commission will submit a report to the Washington State Legislature and Governor during the 2020 legislative session. The report will contain the findings of the pilot project, including participant input.

“This is a rare opportunity to have the public actively participate in important transportation research and planning efforts. The results of this pilot project will impact how we pay for transportation in Washington,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and member of the Washington Road Usage Charge Steering Committee. 
“The feedback WSTC gathers from the 2,000 participating Washington drivers is crucial for decision makers in Olympia. This project will shape how we as a state decide to fund our future transportation system.”



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2018 Property valuation notices are in the mail (or already delivered): values continue to rise across King County

The King County Department of Assessments has begun the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to over 700,000 residential and business property owners.

Property values are rising between ten and fifteen percent in many areas of the county.

Specific value changes will vary based on the area, and the characteristics of the property. King County sets property values for residential property based on sales of comparable properties.

Rising property values does not necessarily mean commensurate increases in property taxes. King County Assessor John Wilson, reminded taxpayers that decisions made by elected officials and voters, not rising values, are usually the cause of increasing property taxes.

“Most people don’t realize that the fluctuating value of your property has less to do with changes in your tax bill, than do changes in state law and measures approved by voters,” said Wilson. 
“The new statewide property tax to fund schools, approved by the legislature in 2017, is the main reason property taxes rose an average of 17% in King County this year. Decisions made by lawmakers and voters 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.

To sign up, go to kingcounty.gov/assessor 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 King County Board of Equalization (BOE). This must be done within 60 days of the date on the valuation notice. Appeals can be filed on-line. Details are available here, and at the BOE here.

State law requires each county assessor to revalue property annually, and to conduct an on-site inspection of each property at least once during every six-year cycle. Property values are determined by accredited appraisers who assess property based on comparable sales, and various attributes of a particular property.



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LFP Joins FileLocal to offer online business licensing and tax filing

Thursday, April 26, 2018

The City of Lake Forest Park is pleased and excited to announce the addition of an online option for filing business license applications, business license renewals, and for filing and paying local Business and Occupations (B/O) tax returns.

FileLocal is a one-stop virtual location for business licensing and local tax option for the cities of Lake Forest Park, Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Tacoma.

To get started, click here, or you can access the link, “Go To FileLocal,” on the City’s website (Departments/Finance/Business Licensing and Taxes).

Questions? Send an email or call 206-368-5440, extension 132.



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