How to Apply for Property Tax Exemptions in King County

Property taxes in King County can feel like a heavy burden, especially for seniors and people with disabilities living on fixed incomes. The good news is that King County offers a Senior Citizen and People with Disabilities Property Tax Exemption. This program can lower your property tax bill, and in some cases, freeze it so you can stay in your home with less financial stress.

This guide walks you through what the exemption is, who qualifies, what documents you’ll need, and the step-by-step process to apply.

What Is the Property Tax Exemption?

The exemption lowers the amount of property tax you must pay each year if you qualify. Depending on your income:

Your tax bill may be reduced.
Your home’s taxable value may be frozen, protecting you from future increases.
You may even qualify for a refund of taxes you already paid.

Who Can Qualify

To be eligible, you must meet all three of these requirements:

Age or Disability
- You are 61 or older by December 31 of the year before your taxes are due, OR
- You have a disability confirmed by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, or a doctor, OR
- You are a veteran with an 80% or higher service-connected disability rating.
Ownership and Residency
- You must own your home (house, condo, mobile home, or co-op unit).
- The home must be your primary residence.
Income
- Your combined disposable income must be $84,000 or less (for 2024 income, used to calculate 2025 property taxes).
- Certain medical costs and insurance premiums can be deducted to help lower your income calculation.

Application Deadline

To get the exemption applied to your previous year’s taxes, your application must be submitted by December 31st.

Example: If you want to reduce your 2026 property taxes, you must submit your application by December 31, 2025.
Applications submitted after the deadline may only apply to future years.

What Documents You’ll Need

The application requires proof for each of the eligibility areas. Here’s a checklist:

Proof of Age or Disability

Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate.
If applying with a disability: Social Security award letter, VA disability letter, or a doctor’s signed Proof of Disability statement.

Proof of Home Ownership and Occupancy

Deed or title (if available).
Trust papers (if your home is in a trust).
Declaration of Trust form (if applicable).
Proof that you lived in the home at least six months in the last year.

Proof of Income (for the prior year)
You must include all household income for you, your spouse/partner, and co-owners. Examples include:

Federal tax return (Form 1040) if you file.
Social Security forms (SSA-1099).
Pension or retirement income (1099-R).
IRA distributions.
Wages, unemployment, rental income, or business income.
Bank statements if you don’t file taxes.

Proof of Medical and Care Expenses (deductions allowed)
These can reduce your “disposable income” and help you qualify. Save and submit:

Prescription drug receipts or pharmacy year-end statements.
Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D premiums.
Long-term care insurance premiums.
Home health care or assisted living invoices.
Durable medical equipment receipts (like oxygen machines, wheelchairs, or insulin supplies).

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Get the Application

Download the form from the King County Assessor’s website.
Or request a paper copy by calling (206) 296-3920.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application

Provide personal details (name, birthdate, spouse/partner if applicable).
Confirm your age or disability status.
List your type of home (house, condo, mobile, or co-op).
Provide your property tax account number (from your tax bill or valuation notice).

Step 3: Report Income and Expenses

Write down all forms of income for you and household members.
Include any medical expenses and insurance premiums you paid in the past year.
Be sure to attach supporting documents like tax returns, award letters, or receipts.

Step 4: Sign the Application

Sign and date the form. If a Power of Attorney is signing for you, include a copy of the POA document.

Step 5: Submit Your Application
Mail or drop off your completed application and documents to:

King County Assessor’s Office – Senior Exemptions
201 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104

There’s also a secure drop box at the building for in-person delivery.

Step 6: Wait for Confirmation

You’ll get a letter or email within about six weeks confirming your application was received.
If more documents are needed, the Assessor’s office will contact you.

If the Exemption Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, even after applying, homeowners may be denied the exemption or still find property taxes too expensive. This is very understandable in today’s world, with the rising costs of nearly everything.

At Georgia Buys, we know how hard it can be to balance these expenses. That’s why we offer another option: we can buy your home in any condition, without you having to spend time or money fixing it up. By selling directly to us, you can save your home’s equity, move forward on your terms, and avoid the stress of repairs, listings, and long waits.

We work hard to make sure every homeowner gets every bit of what their property is worth. And if we can’t provide an offer that makes sense for you, you can simply walk away with no obligation.

Request your free, no-pressure cash offer and see if selling your home is the right solution for you.

Final Thoughts

The property tax exemption program is an important way for seniors and people with disabilities to stay in their homes without the burden of high property taxes. The process does require paperwork and proof, but the savings can be significant.

If you think you might qualify, mark your calendar and get your application in before December 31st each year. Every year you qualify could save you thousands of dollars.

And if the exemption doesn’t cover enough, or if you’d rather move on from the weight of homeownership, remember that Georgia Buys is here to help with a simple, stress-free solution.