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

First half of property tax for King county due June 1

Saturday, May 30, 2020

For those who pay their own property tax to King county, rather than paying through a mortgage, June 1 is the due date for the first half of your 2020 property taxes.

The normal due date is April 30, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the due date was extended to June 1.

Visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax or call 206-263-2890 for info and payment options.



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Dembowski: Property tax deadline extended to June 1

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Property tax deadline extended to June 1

From King county councilmember Rod Dembowski:

In response to the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, individual King County property taxpayers will have extra time to make their first-half property tax payments in 2020. 

King County extended the first-half property tax deadline to June 1 for individual taxpayers; specifically, the order applies only to individual residential and commercial taxpayers who pay property taxes themselves. 

Banks and other financial institutions that pay property taxes on behalf of their customers must still meet the April 30 deadline. Taxpayers with questions about their property tax bill or payment options can email King County Treasury or call 206-263-2890.

Earlier this month, I joined a broad coalition of King County leaders requesting such an extension. I will continue to look for ways to mitigate the financial hardship caused by this pandemic. 

If you missed any of my earlier updates, please know we have been compiling resources to help people with financial needs during this unprecedented time. You can find all of the resources on the King County Council website, including options to download each page as a PDF if you would like to share it with others or keep it handy.

Rod Dembowski represents north end cities on the King County council, including Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.



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AARP Tax-Aide suspends services at local libraries

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

AARP Tax-Aide no longer available
Tax Help at the Shoreline and Richmond Beach Libraries has been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

AARP Tax-Aide has decided to suspend tax preparation services at these locations until further notice.

This decision was made to help protect the health and safety of our clients and our volunteers. 

At this time, we do not know when, or if, we will resume tax services for this tax season.

We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to see you again in the future.

If you are willing to travel outside King County, you can find other free tax help locations with the AARP site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.

You can find information about filing your own return for free.

Taxpayers who are due a refund can file their tax return at any time without penalty. If you cannot complete your tax return before the filing deadline and either know you will not be due a refund or are unsure, you may apply for an extension of time to file. Use form 4868 available on www.irs.gov. When you apply for an extension, you have until October 15 to file your tax return.

The current tax filing deadline is April 15, 2020.



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Personal help for Senior homeowners applying for reduction in property taxes

Thursday, February 20, 2020

From Rod Dembowski, King county council

Too many senior homeowners struggle to pay their property taxes. That’s why for years I’ve advocated for a change in the state’s senior property tax exemption law to allow more seniors to qualify for relief.

I am pleased to report, beginning this year, if you are 61 years or older, own your home, and have an annual income of $58,423 or less, you may be eligible for property tax relief.

This means that tens of thousands of senior homeowners that weren't eligible before can now apply for a reduction in their property taxes.

To learn more and apply, you can go to: www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/TaxRelief or call 206-296-3920.

For personal help, call the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center at 206-365-1536 to schedule an appointment with Social Worker, Alain Rhone, for assistance in completing the documents.


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AARP free tax help at local libraries - appointments at Richmond Beach - first come first serve at Shoreline

Sunday, February 16, 2020



AARP Tax Help at Shoreline Library

Saturdays, now through April 11
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM

Thursdays, now through April 9
Start Time: 3:30 PM
End Time: 8:00 PM

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

AARP Tax Help at Richmond Beach Library

Fridays, now through April 10
Start Time: 10:00 AM 
End Time: 4:00 PM

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.

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

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 2019 (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
IRS Identification Requirements:

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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Councilmember Rod Dembowski: Senior property tax relief

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Tax relief for Senior homeowners

From Rod Dembowski, King county council

Too many senior homeowners struggle to pay their property taxes. That’s why for years I’ve advocated for a change in the state’s senior property tax exemption law to allow more seniors to qualify for relief.

I am pleased to report, beginning this year, if you are 61 years or older, own your home, and have an annual income of $58,423 or less, you may be eligible for property tax relief. 

This means that tens of thousands of senior homeowners that weren't eligible before can now apply for a reduction in their property taxes.

To learn more and apply, you can go HERE or call 206-296-3920.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at 206-477-1001 or: rod.dembowski@kingcounty.gov


2020 Tax Year Qualifying Income Brackets (based on 2019 income)
Income
Exemption
$49,436 - $58,423
(In previous years:  $35,001 - $40,000)
Standard
Exempt from all excess levies and no reduction to the assessed value.

$40,448 - $49,435
(In previous years:  $30,001 - $35,000)

Partial
Exempt from regular tax levies on the first $50,000 of assessed value or 35%, whichever is greater, to a maximum limit of $70,000, and exempt from all excess levies.

$40,447 or less
(In previous years:  $30,000 or less)

Full
Exempt from regular tax levies on the first $60,000 or 60% of assessed value, whichever is greater, and exempt from all excess levies.  


 


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CANCELLED temporarily: Free tax help from United Way of King County

Thursday, February 6, 2020

March 6, 2020: United Way is temporarily closing its free tax prep sites and will reassess on a weekly basis.

We would like to encourage taxpayers who still need help with their taxes to visit www.myfreetaxes.com, where eligible households can complete simple returns free of charge. The online tool is offered in partnership between United Way and H/R Block.



Original story ---

70% of Americans qualify for free tax prep services by IRS-certified volunteers

This tax season, United Way of King County’s free tax preparation services are a convenient resource available to you, your family members, and your community!

Tax time can be stressful and expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. Come take advantage of this free service at one of the 33 convenient locations throughout King County or online and maximize your refund today! 

Now through April 18th, households making under $66,000 can have their taxes prepared by a certified tax preparer and get connected to other community resources and public benefits.

There are two easy ways to file:

Online

With no income limit this year, you can file your taxes online for free with United Way’s ‘My Free Taxes’ tool

In-Person

File your taxes in-person at one of 33 locations throughout King County. Locations have convenient hours to meet your schedule, and no appointments are needed. To find a location near you, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit United Way’s website or call 211.

Locally, there are three: Lake City Service Center, Shoreline Community College, Shoreline Hopelink. Visit the webpage for hours and locations.



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Rep. Davis bill will close pharma warehouse distributor tax loophole, fund addiction recovery

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Rep. Lauren Davis, D-32

Olympia—With over half of the House Democrats as co-sponsors, (including Rep. Pollet and Rep. Valdez) Rep. Lauren Davis (D-32) introduced new legislation on Monday to fund addiction pre-treatment and recovery support services by closing the pharmaceutical warehouse distributor tax loophole.

Substance use disorder services occur along a continuum of care that includes three distinct and equally important parts: pre-treatment, treatment, and recovery support. 

Pre-treatment services and recovery support services are critical to engaging individuals in substance use disorder treatment and helping them remain in recovery after treatment completion.

However, since neither pre-treatment nor recovery support services are insurance billable, there is little to no funding for them.

“We send people to treatment over and over but fail to help them stay in recovery by not funding critical recovery support services like housing, employment and education support, and recovery coaching,” said Davis.

Pre-treatment services are especially effective at engaging individuals experiencing homelessness.

“These services meet individuals in active addiction where they are, including in homeless encampments, jails, and hospital emergency rooms to build trust, engender hope, and encourage these individuals to seek help and healing,” Davis explained.
“Pharmaceutical warehouse distributors have played a significant role in the opioid epidemic by serving as purveyors of large quantities of opioids to pharmacies across the state, so it only makes sense to ask them to play an equal role in recovery,” she continued.

Currently, pharmaceutical warehouse distributors enjoy a lower business and occupation manufacturing tax than Boeing. The business case that led to the creation of their tax preference was remedied by the legislature five years ago, but the tax break remains on the books.

Closing the loophole will raise about $20 million per year.

Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline (32nd Legislative District), represents part of King and Snohomish Counties, including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline and part of Edmonds.


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Senior and Disabled Property Tax Relief info session Friday at Shoreline Library

Sunday, January 19, 2020


Senior and Disabled Property Tax Relief information session, Friday, January 24, 2020, 2 - 3pm at the Shoreline Library Large Meeting Room 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155

State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and the disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals.

Yet more than 26,000 qualified seniors and disabled persons have yet to register for the exemption, and only 1 in 100 of those eligible for deferrals are currently enrolled.


  • Are you one of the 26,000 qualified seniors and disabled King County homeowners who have yet to register for the current Senior Property Tax Exemption?
  • Would you like to learn about the new income eligibility rules for 2020 property tax relief?
  • Would you like to learn when and how you can apply?


King County Tax Assessor John Wilson will explain the new eligibility requirements for Senior/Disabled Property Tax Relief that went into effect in January of 2020 (SB5160). The new law sets the King County income exemption limit at $58,423 for income earned in 2019.

Learn how the Senior Citizen / Disabled Exemption works, who might qualify, what to do if you think you might qualify, and where to get help with the application.

Find out more about tax relief at the King County Assessor's Office webpage



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Legislature has the final word on road usage charges

Traffic jam
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The Washington State Legislature will ultimately decide if a road usage charge will be implemented in Washington

A road usage charge (RUC) system is a per-mile charge drivers would pay based on how many miles you drive, not how much gas you consume. This approach is similar to how people pay for their utilities, including electricity or water.

People who are interested in how a Road Usage Charge might work in Washington can now download the full report from the Washington Road Usage Charge Pilot Project website. 

On January 13, 2020 the Washington State Transportation Commission transmitted their final report to the governor, state Legislature and Federal Highway Administration on how Washington can begin a transition away from the state gas tax and toward a road usage charge system.

In collaboration with the Washington Road Usage Charge Steering Committee, the WSTC’S report includes analysis and findings of the legal, fiscal, operational, and policy impacts of a road usage charge and provides recommendations and options on how RUC could be implemented in Washington.

The state legislature will ultimately decide if a road usage charge will be implemented in Washington. 

Should the Legislature move forward with a road usage charge, it must consider several key topics, all of which the commission’s final report addressed. Those include how to: gradually transition to a RUC system, determine what vehicles should be subject to paying a RUC, determine the per-mile rate policy, set forth the allowable use of RUC revenue, and determine details around how a RUC program would be implemented.

“We thank the steering committee and volunteer pilot project participants for contributing to years of research and analysis on this innovative transportation funding policy,” said Jerry Litt, chair of the Washington State Transportation Commission. 
“We believe road usage charging is a promising and viable option for Washington, and we look forward to having the Legislature consider a gradual but necessary transition away from relying on the consumption of fossil fuel to fund our roads.”

The 29-member Road Usage Charge Steering Committee has guided Washington’s assessment of road usage charging since 2012. The committee supported and advised on the development of the RUC pilot project and submitted its final report on its road usage charging findings to the commission in October 2019. 

Based upon the findings of the steering committee, the commission determined its final set of recommendations and their final report, which details the results of the 7-year-long assessment of road usage charging. It includes the 12-month-long test drive portion of the pilot project that involved more than 2,000 statewide drivers who logged 15 million miles from February 2018 to January 2019.

As vehicles become more fuel-efficient or switch to electric power, gas tax revenue is expected to decline by as much as 45 percent by 2035. 

In 2012, the Legislature directed the commission to assess the potential of a road usage charge to replace the gas tax. A road usage charge is a per-mile charge drivers would pay for the use of the roads, as opposed to paying by the gallon of gas.



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Information session Thursday morning at Senior Center for the new Property Tax Relief Program

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Disabled and Senior Property Tax Relief Program Increases income limits
Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 10am – 11am

Alain Rhone will be on hand to provide information identifying the changes in the 2020 Disabled and Senior Property Tax Relief Program.

The income limits have been increased from $40,000/year to $58,424/year, making many more people eligible. 

Following the presentation, Alain will schedule individual appointments for those seeking additional help in filling out their forms.

Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center
18560 1st Ave NE
Shoreline, WA 98155



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King County Assessor announces property tax relief at his swearing in at the Senior Center

Judge Jim Rogers administers the oath of office to King County Assessor
John Wilson, witnesses by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


King County Assessor John Wilson took the oath of office for the second time on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 in a ceremony at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks. Wilson was then sworn in by King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jim Rogers.

King County Assessor John Wilson, Theresa LaCroix, Executive Director of the
Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Wilson then delivered brief remarks, focused on the expansion of the state’s property tax relief program

“As I begin this new term, I am pleased to let taxpayers know we'll be launching a county-wide effort starting in just a few weeks to enroll as many eligible taxpayers as possible into the property tax relief program,” said Wilson.
“The old economic threshold of $40,000 will increase in King County by almost 50% -- to $58,423. This change should open the door to thousands more seniors, the disabled, and those injured former vets being eligible for help with their property taxes.”
Wilson concluded, “During this second term, I will rededicate myself to our efforts to remain one of the best-run agencies of local government, delivering for taxpayers and fighting for a more progressive, fair, and equitable tax system ”

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

John Wilson was first elected in 2015, and re-elected without opposition in the November 2019 election.

For more information on the property tax relief program visit this website

Senior Citizens/Disabled Exemption

The Legislature made major changes in the senior citizens, disabled persons, and veterans exemption and deferral programs. These changes will take effect for taxes collected this year, 2020.

2020 Income Limit Change (based on 2019 earnings) from $40,000/yr to $58,423/yr. It is anticipated that this will allow more people to be eligible for these programs.

For property in King County, you can apply for taxes payable in 2020 as early as January, when the 2020 application is readily available. Note that you will need your completed (2019) tax return prior to applying.

Taxpayers should remember that King County will not process applications that are not complete and without supporting documents.



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Assessor John Wilson to be sworn in Tuesday at the Senior Center

Saturday, January 4, 2020

King County Assessor John Wilson
will be sworn in at the Senior Center on Tuesday

King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jim Rogers will administer the oath of office to John Wilson as he starts his second term as King County Assessor.

The public swearing-in ceremony will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1 at 10:30am.

After the ceremony, both officials will make brief remarks.

Wilson will focus on the expansion of the state's property tax reduction program for seniors and disabled veterans.

An informal reception will follow with light refreshments.



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12 year tax exemption for developers

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Paceline Apartments on Aurora near N 175th
chose the 12 year affordable housing program
At candidate forums and in comments and letters there have been a lot of statements about the 12 year tax exemption for developers. Below is an excerpt from an article we published in 2018 about affordable housing. The entire article is here: Affordable Housing Explained.

By Sam Tilford

Affordable housing in Shoreline is made possible by the Property Tax Exemption Program (PTE), the Multifamily Tax Exemption Program (MFTE) and the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.

The Property Tax Exemption Program is offered to developers who meet affordable housing standards. Established in 2002 and simplified in 2015, the 12-year affordable program only applies to improvements on buildings; the land value continues to be taxed. After the 12 year period ends, developers will begin to pay both.

In order to qualify, developers must commit 20 percent of a project's units -- with a minimum of four units -- to qualified renters at affordable rates. These rates are determined by a person's income relating to the AMI and unit size.
  • Studios and one bedroom units must be affordable to those earning 70% of the King County AMI.
  • Two bedroom or larger units must be affordable to those earning 80% of the King County AMI.

The Multifamily Tax Exemption Program provides a tax exemption on new multifamily buildings in exchange for setting aside 20-25% of the homes as income- and rent-restricted. By supporting mixed-income residential development in the urban centers, the MFTE program ensures affordability as the community grows. Much like the National Affordable Housing Act, it seeks to provide affordable housing to families.

Established in 1937, the U.S. Housing Act -- or the Wagner-Steagall Act -- set a standard for low-income subsidized housing in America. This seminal legislation has been amended and expanded upon by Congress many times since to create a variety of housing programs.



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

Saturday, October 19, 2019

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 2019, our amazing volunteers helped 21,975 people by bringing back $30.1 million in tax refunds and credits in the process. For many of our clients, this helps them to 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:

Visit this website for more information and to volunteer 



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Second half of 2019 property taxes due October 31

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Property owners in King County have until Thursday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 2019 property taxes if those taxes are not included in a mortgage payment. 

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. Payments can be made:
  • Online using King County's convenient, secure online eCommerce system. Taxpayers may pay tax accounts with a credit card, debit card, or an electronic check.
  • By mail if postmarked no later than October 31, 2019. Taxpayers should write their property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail. Taxpayers do not need to include a tax statement with the payment as long as the tax account number is on the check or money order and payment is for the exact amount due.
  • 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, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Thursday, October 31, 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. Pay online or view property tax information here. Get answers to questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, 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 by email or 206-296-3920.



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More residents will be eligible for property tax reduction in 2020

Sunday, July 28, 2019

King County Assessor John Wilson announced that low-income senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and disabled veterans, with 2019 annual incomes below $58,423 may be eligible for property tax relief in 2020 under guidelines published this week by the state Department of Revenue.

The previous threshold had been $40,000.

Applications for the expanded programs will be available in January 2020.

The change is the result of passage of ESSB 5160, sponsored by Senator Manka Dhingra (D-45th LD), during the 2019 legislative session.

The bill significantly expands the number of people eligible for the existing property tax exemption and deferral programs by replacing the statewide $40,000 threshold with an income level equal to 65% of the county median income. In King County that threshold is $58,423.

“This legislation is literally going to help people stay in their homes,” said Assessor Wilson. “Beginning with next year’s taxes, tens of thousands of our neighbors will get the help they need.”

ESSB 5160 expands the qualifying income thresholds for the property tax exemption and deferral programs for low-income senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and disabled veterans, beginning with taxes levied for collection in 2020.

It also lowers the disability rating necessary to qualify as a disabled veteran for exemption program from a 100 percent rating to an 80 percent rating.

The Assessor’s website includes the latest information on implementation of these programs


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2019 Property Valuation notices are in the mail

Friday, July 12, 2019

Property evaluations arriving soon

Values rose 5.9% in West Shoreline in 2018

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

Notices should be arriving soon to homeowners in the west Shoreline area reflecting property values as of January 1, 2019. Values rose an average of 5.9 in west Shoreline.

Valuation increases moderated across the county in 2018, with overall values up in the low single digits in most areas. 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 changes in state law and measures approved by voters,” said Wilson. 
“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 Board of Equalization (BOE). This must be done within 60 days of the date on their valuation notice. Details are available here, and at the BOE.

State law requires each county assessor to revalue property annually, and to conduct an on-site physical 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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Property valuation notices are in the mail - value increases show signs of easing

Thursday, June 20, 2019

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 which show property values as of January 1, 2019. 

Mailings will start this week and continue weekly through the fall until all areas have been mailed.

After double digit increases in recent years, increases to property values moderated in 2018, with most areas seeing low single digit increases, although some neighborhoods still saw substantial increases.

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. 
“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.

Sign up here, once you have your notice. 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 online. Details are available here, and at the BOE.

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.

Updated 6-21-19 to link directly to the Go Paperless page.

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Dow Constantine: Renewing our commitment to King County's parks, trails and open space

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Dow Constantine
King County Executive
Dow Constantine is the King County Executive. The King County Council has approved placing the King County Parks Levy on the August ballot. 

The levy is for a six-year term and is a renewal of an existing levy. See previous article for levy impact in north King county.
~~~~~~

No matter how much we grow and change around here, some things stay the same. Our love of parks, forests, and streams. Our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy them. Our values that guide us to support investments that make us a stronger, healthier, and happier community.

That's why voters have approved the King County Parks Levy three times since 2003. The current levy -- which expires at the end of the year -- supports 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 28,000 acres of open space.

I recently announced my plan to renew the Parks Levy so that we can make these special places accessible to more people in our rapidly growing region.

For about $2 more per month for the owner of a home valued at $500,000, we will:
  • Expand and connect our regional trails
  • Purchase new equipment for play areas
  • Replace aging ballfields
  • Improve popular trails such as the East Lake Sammamish Trail and finish others, including the Lake to Sound Trail in South King County
  • Provide more parking and restrooms at trailheads
  • Repair trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
  • Improve access to parks, green space, and recreation
  • Help Seattle Aquarium construct its new Ocean Pavilion
  • Help Woodland Park Zoo expand its conservation and environmental education program for underserved youth.

All of these projects will contribute to the quality of life we enjoy, but this is more than a collection of investments. It reflects the values of our region, a place where we protect and restore our forests and rivers. A place that fights for clean air and water. A place that is at the forefront of the effort to confront climate change.

This is our generation's opportunity to protect and expand the places we enjoy today so future generations may do the same. This is our moment.

Thank you, as always, for the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,

Dow Constantine
King County Executive



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