Many King County homeowners can expect to receive a higher property tax bill in the mail later this month.
Overall, 2013 property tax rates are up 3.35 percent even though total home values have dropped by 1.48 percent, according to a news release from the county tax assessor's office.
Are you expecting a jump in your property-tax bill this year? Tell us in the comments section.
In Enumclaw, the median assessed value declined 9.7 percent from $207,000 for the 2012 tax roll to $187,000 for the 2013 tax roll. Despite that property value drop, property taxes increased 1.9 percent or an average of $48.12 for 2013.
But not all homeowners will pay more property taxes this year. Twenty-eight of 39 cities actually saw home values decrease, and many areas will end up paying less.
In areas with increases, King County says much of the jump is coming from voter-approved measures. Last year, county residents passed a property tax levy to continue funding an automated fingerprint identification systemfor $18,528,341 and a nine-year levy for the Children and Family Justice Center for $21,908,512.
Then again, the county says not all tax-rate jumps are due to voter measures. Home values increased in many parts of King County, including the Eastside.
“We are beginning to see a recovery in the housing market in King County,” King County Assessor Lloyd Hara said in the news release. “Though property values continue to decline in most areas, there are also a number of areas where property values are increasing, including in the City of Seattle and the Eastside.”
Property tax bills for 2013 will be mailed out on Feb. 14.
Homeowners who do not pay their property taxes through a mortgage lender can pay quickly and easily online at www.kingcounty.gov/propertytax. Residents can also pay using check, cash, or by credit card (convenience fee added) in person at King County Treasury Operations, 500 Fourth Ave., Suite 600, Seattle.
Payments by check only may be made in person at any of the six King County Community Service Centers located throughout the county. For a listing of Community Service Centers and their business hours, visit www.kingcounty.gov/CSC.
To avoid interest and penalties, first half taxes must be paid or postmarked by April 30. Second half taxes must be paid or postmarked by October 31.
Property tax relief programs in King County include:
- Senior citizens: 206-296-3920
- Disabled persons: 206-296-3920
- Current use reduction for farm and agriculture or forest land: 206-263-2374
- Current use reduction for open space or timber: 206-296-8351
- Remodeling/home improvement exemption: 206-205-0656
- Destroyed property reduction: 206-263-2332
- Deferral of taxes: 206-296-3920
For property tax questions, call King County Treasury at 206-296-0923. For assistance with tax matters, contact the King County Tax Advisor at 206-205-6330. The number for the King County Assessor is 206-296-7300 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/assessor.
