Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a property tax deferral or exemption.

SENIORS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND DISABLED VETERANS

If you are a senior citizen or disabled person with your primary residence in Washington State, this program offers a reduction in property tax based on eligibility requirement of age 61 or older or disability status with an income below the limit threshold of $58,423.

To qualify for benefit tax years 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020 you will need to meet the following criteria:

Age/Disability

• Born in 1961 or earlier (61 years of age by December 31st of the prior year of the benefit tax year)
• Disabled or a veteran with at least an 80% total disability rating

Ownership/Occupancy

• Own the residence as of December 31st of the prior year of the benefit tax year (e.g. 2023 benefit tax year must own by 12/31/2022)
• Occupy as a primary residence 6 months each year (for benefit tax year 2023, 2022 & 2021)
• Occupy as a primary residence 9 months each year (for benefit tax year 2020)

Income

• Annual household income earned in prior year of the benefit tax year is under the limit threshold of $58,423 including Social Security and other sources (RCW 84.36.383(6)) (e.g. 2023 benefit tax year based on 2022 income)

Once qualified, you continue to benefit from the exemption but any change in status or income, must be reported to the assessor to avoid penalties. For information, call 206-296-3920.

You can apply for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Exemption here.

If you are not currently receiving SSI benefits, you must complete a Proof of Disability Form (.PDF).

Senior Citizens/Disabled Deferral

If you meet qualification, you can defer your unpaid property tax/or special assessments.

If you are 60 or older or are retired because of physical disability, meet equity requirement, living in the home for more than nine months in a calendar year and have annual household disposable income of $67,411 or less for the previous year, you may qualify for deferral of your property tax liability. Any unpaid past year taxes can also be deferred, providing you owned the property during those years. Deferred taxes plus accumulated interest become a lien on your property until the total amount is repaid. For information, call 206-263-2338.

Limited Income Deferral

If you meet qualification, you can defer 2nd installment of your property taxes /or special assessments.

To qualify, you must have owned your property for five years, meet equity requirement, living in the home as of January 1 of the application year and more than nine months during that year and every subsequent year and have annual household disposable income of $57,000 or less for the previous year. The first half of your taxes, due April 30th, must be paid before applying for the deferral on your second installment due October 31st. The rate of interest for the deferral is based on an average of the federal short-term rate, plus 2 percent. The application deadline is September 1 of each year. The deferred taxes, plus accumulated interest, become a lien on your property until the total amount is repaid. For more information, call 206-263-2338.

Homeowner Improvement

All owners of detached single family dwellings (including mobile homes on fee-owned land) may be eligible for relief from tax increases caused by major additions or remodels. Claims for exemption must be filed with the assessor BEFORE construction is complete. For more information, call 206-263-2338.

Flood and Storm Damaged Property

Property tax relief is available for flood and storm damaged property. Property damaged or destroyed by something beyond the property owner's control is eligible for a reduction of assessed value resulting in lower property taxes. The amount of reduction depends on the amount of value loss and when the natural disaster occurred.

If you own property in King County and wish to file a Destroyed Property claim, please use the King County Destroyed Property Form (.PDF).

For additional information regarding destroyed property and claims see DOR (external link).

Current Use

State law provides for agricultural land, timber land and other open space to be assessed at its current use, rather than its highest and best use. For farm and agricultural land, and designated forest land, call the assessor at 206-263-2374. For Open space and Timber Lands, contact the Department of Natural Resources and Parks – Water and Land Resource Division at 206-296-8351 or 206-296-1470. For more information regarding Current Use Program visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/stewardship/sustainable-building/resource-protection-incentives.aspx.

Personal Property Tax Exemption

If you are a sole proprietor, you are eligible for a $15,000 Head of Household exemption, which is deducted from the business's total assessed value. For more information, call 206-296-5126.

Farm Equipment Exemption

An exemption for certain farm equipment is available using this form (.DOC, external link).

Historic Property

The cost of substantial improvements to eligible historic property (25% or greater of the assessed value prior to rehabilitation) may be excluded from the assessed value for a period of ten years. Call 206-477-2301 for more information or download an application (.PDF). Applications are approved by the Historical Preservation Board.

Designated Forest Land

State law exempts all standing timber on privately and federally owned land from property taxes, although excise taxes are paid at the time of harvest. Forest land is subject to property tax, assessed at its highest and best use. However, qualifying Forest Land can be exempt from the "highest and best use" standard. To qualify, a parcel must have a minimum of 20 acres devoted to the growing, managing and harvesting of timber. An application must be submitted by the owner of the parcel(s). Property is subject to a compensating tax if the use changes or the designation is removed by either the owner or the Assessor. Call 206-263-2374 for more information or an application.

Church-Owned Property

Church-owned property used for church purposes is exempt from property taxes. Property must be used for such things as church, parking, parsonage, convent and caretaker's residence. The land on which an exemption is granted may not exceed five acres. Call 206-263-2338 for information.

Exempt Property

Tax exemptions are also available for property based on how it's used. Examples include:

• character building benevolent, protective or rehabilitative social services
• veterans and relief organizations
• libraries
• orphanages
• day care centers
• nursing homes and hospitals
• schools and colleges
• art, scientific and historical collections
• fire companies
• humane societies
• musical and artistic associations
• public assembly halls
• certain public authorities
• sheltered workshops for the disabled

Call 206-263-2338 for information.